Recovering From Religion

Latest Episodes:

E36: Cognitive Dissonance: Why It's So Hard For Humans To Change Their Minds w/ Kayce Hodos Aug 01, 2021

Show notes

In this RfRx session we will talk about cognitive dissonance. We will begin by discussing what it is and its evolutionary origins, and we will also analyse how it relates to mental health and religion. Finally, we will study how to recognize cognitive dissonance and how to deal with it once we know it's there.

Kayce Hodos, LCMHC is a licensed therapist specializing in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. She recently started a coaching service to provide secular resources, support and a safe community for new nonbelievers. She lives in Wake Forest, NC, with her husband, son, and dog. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfR Helpline Volunteer and Social Host. Recorded on March 1st, 2021.

The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E35: Christianity: Seeking Simplicity in a World of Chaos w/ David Teachout Jul 31, 2021

Show notes

The history of Christianity is a combination of individual struggles, institutional power and the profoundly human desire to find an answer to existence. The tension we all experience in the search for that answer is between the singularity of fundamentalism and the pluralism of a world that is so much bigger than any single perspective can hope to hold. We’ll be looking at Christianity as a whole through a lens of motivated reasoning and that human tendency to prefer a single path to truth. David grew up in Michigan, home of taking the first day of hunting season off from school, and went to a bible college in my then quest to become a minister for Christianity. Questions ensued, answers were not forthcoming, and the result is a life of studying humanity from a place of curiosity rather than condemnation. David currently resides in the Seattle area, with a career almost entirely focused on psychology and possess a sometimes frustrating desire to pursue complicated conversations Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Medlin Nolasco, the RfR Support Group Director. Recorded on March 15, 2021 The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E34: Why We Believe In God(s) w/ Andy Thomson, MD Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

In this RfRx session Andy Thomson will deliver a presentation on the basic mechanisms the mind uses to produce and accept religious beliefs. He will explore multiple topics such as human evolution, the neurobiology of ritual or how certain cognitive mechanisms generate religion.

Andy Thomson is a psychiatrist at University of Virginia Student Health Services. The 9.11 attacks triggered an interest in suicide terrorism, which led to the discovery of an unappreciated world of research into how and why human minds generate religious beliefs. Andy has written “Why We Believe In God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith” which brings that world to anyone interested. Hosted by Gayle Jordan, RfR Executive Director, and Medelin Nolasco, RfR Volunteer & RfRx Social Host. Recorded on March 22, 2021.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E33: Painful Endings and New Beginnings w/ Janice Selbie Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

For this one year anniversary RfRx show we’re talking about Beginnings! New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings… and we’ve had many. From grief to greatness, Janice will let you in on some of her successful strategies for surviving the end and boldly beginning again. As a registered professional counsellor with a personal history of religious trauma syndrome, Janice is passionate about helping others understand their losses and embrace their new identity in the secular world. Her own deconversion experience compelled her to develop the on-line Divorcing Religion Workshop, a 6-week interactive workshop combining written exercises and group work to bring together those from diverse backgrounds who are walking a similar journey. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director. Recorded on March 29, 2021 For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E:32 Secular Addiction Recovery w/ Brian Fleming Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

Nearly everyone’s life has been touched by addiction. It could be your addiction or a family member or a friend. Recovery programs are primarily faith-based, but there are secular options. In this RfRx event, we will compare and contrast secular evidence-based addiction recovery, such as SMART Recovery, with faith-based addiction recovery, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Brian is a 5-year volunteer with Recovering from Religion serving in various ways including Helpline Agent, Resource Curator, Volunteer Interviewer, and RfR Support Group Facilitator in Nashville. Brian has also volunteered for 5 years with SMART Recovery as a Support Group Facilitator and Tennessee Regional Coordinator. Thes volunteer roles at RfR and SMART are peer support and Brian is not a professional expert in either area. As a trained and experienced meeting facilitator, however, Brian will lead a mock SMART Recovery meeting with vigorous discussion although without giving professional advice. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Medlin Nolasco, RfR Helpline volunteer & RfRx Social Host.

Recorded on April the 12th, 2021

https://smartrecovery.org

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E31: Is the Founder of Your Religion Imaginary? w/ David Fitzgerald Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

Every major world religion has a venerated founder figure who changed the course of history, but...how well do the biographies of these beloved figures actually hold up to scrutiny? According to historians of religion, surprisingly poorly.

David Fitzgerald is an award-winning author, historical researcher, international public speaker, and long-time passionate atheist activist. In a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked for or with the Secular Student Alliance, American Atheists, Center for Inquiry, Camp Quest West, American Humanist Association, (and RfR!) and several other freethought organizations, conferences and secular events. Hosted by Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director, and Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E30: Indoctrination. Ghosts in the Machine w/ Nate Phelps Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

The beliefs we grow up with go way beyond the question of whether there is a god. Religious ideology insinuates itself into every aspect of our thoughts and beliefs. It takes a lifetime of deliberate vigilance to identify and root out the myriad ways religious indoctrination misinforms reality. Nate Phelps was born into the fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church. After years of extreme indoctrination and physical violence he ran away from home on his 18th birthday. Over the next 40 years he journeyed from abject terror of god’s judgment to finally rejecting the god of his upbringing. Over the past decade he has worked with a number of organizations, including Recovering from Religion, to push back against the destructive elements of faithful ideologies. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Sacha D’Souza, the RfR Oceana Regional Support Group Director. Recorded on May the 3rd, 2021. The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E29: Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Religion w/ Dr. Darrel Ray Jul 25, 2021

Show notes

Religions teach a lot of harmful ideas about our bodies and sexuality, none of which are based in biology or even reality. Coming out of religion, many people experience difficulty with knowing who they are sexually. Some people have experienced trauma around their sexuality and have deep doubts rooted in Purity Culture. Most people need to learn new ideas, skills and may need therapy to overcome past abuse - both physical and psychological. Dr. Ray will talk about ways to identify roadblocks to accepting your sexuality and learning to thrive as a sexual being.

Dr Darrel Ray is the Founder & President of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: including "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality". Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology.

Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Kara Griffin, RfR Helpline Agent & Hangout Host Recorded on May the 10th, 2021.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E28: The Fallacy of Sin w/ David Warnock Jul 24, 2021

Show notes

Looking at the religious idea of “sin”, and what it has done to society as a whole and individuals, and the trauma associated with it.

Dave Warnock is a former conservative Evangelical pastor and church leader of 40 years. 10 years ago he began to question, examine and investigate his evangelical Christianity faith claims. He came to the conclusion that those beliefs came up short and it took him several years to work through how to live without belief. He realized that this was his one life and there was nothing after. His motto became “Carpe Diem” and he began living his best life. Following a fatal diagnosis of ALS in February 2019, his motto has been turbo charged. Hosted by Eric Wells, RfR Support Group Director, and Sacha D’Souza, RfR Oceania Regional Support Group Director

Recorded on April the 26th, 2021

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E27: Escaping Restrictive Gender Roles Post Religion w/ Rebecca Williams, LMFT Jul 23, 2021

Show notes

This RfRx discusses how to deconstruct strict gender roles and stereotypes post-religion. Giving up the strict prescriptions of what you are ‘supposed’ to be will free you to live life more fully and to lovingly enjoy who you are! Rebecca Williams is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. She runs a couples therapy practice where she teaches other therapists how to be great couples therapists. Rebecca specializes in mixed faith marriages and families. Her therapy superpower is helping people connect across the religious-secular divide. Rebecca is a former Mormon who left the faith over issues of gender inequality. She’s a sometimes-angry feminist who wants to free everyone from the constraints of the white supremacist heteronormative patriarchy. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Sherie D’Souza, RfR Board Member & Support Group Leader Recorded on May 17, 2021 Resource List - Partnership Families: http://www.partnershipfamilies.com - Equally Shared Parenting: http://www.equallysharedparenting.com Books - Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences Grow Into Troublesome Gaps - And What We Can Do About It by Lise Eliot: https://www.amazon.com/Pink-Brain-Blu... - Couples, Gender, and Power: Creating Change in Intimate Relationships by Anne Rankin Mahoney, PhD and Carmen Knudson-Martin, PhD: https://www.amazon.com/Couples-Gender... - The Tragedy of Heterosexuality by Jane Ward: https://www.amazon.com/Tragedy-Hetero... More about Rebecca Williams, LMFT - https://www.iecouplescounseling.com/t... - Instagram: @rebeccarelationshipexpert The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected