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The Psychological Power (and Danger) of Magical Thinking: Is Sympathetic Magic Helpful?
This post explores the psychological dimensions of sympathetic magic, its historical origins, modern practices, and the human psyche.
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Dr. Darren M. Slade
Aug 14, 20237 min read
Protecting Your Faith and Identity from Narcissistic Clergy and Wannabe Cult Leaders
Narcissists are drawn to professional ministry due to the opportunities these roles present for power, control, and admiration.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
May 23, 20233 min read
No, Belief in Gods is Not a Mental Illness, and You Should Stop Using "Mental Illness" as an Insult
Those who claim religion is a mental illness clearly don't understand what a "mental illness" actually is.
Susan Allen
Oct 14, 20229 min read
"The Christian Post" and "Faithwire" React to CNN's "Rapture Anxiety" in Stereotypically Bad Fashion
They sure as hell didn't believe people would suddenly start floating buck-ass naked into the stratosphere to go meet a white-skinned Jesus.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Sep 28, 20227 min read
Rapture Anxiety: The Disgraceful History of Prophecy Pundits and Harmful Apocalyptic Hysteria
The pseudo-expertise of prophecy pundits and rapture enthusiasts simply capitalizes on mass hysteria, paranoia, and global crises.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Sep 3, 20224 min read
What to do if your young child is being indoctrinated by a cult without your permission?
Parents have to prepare for the day when religious zealots attempt to indoctrinate their child against their wishes. So what can you do?
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Aug 8, 20222 min read
Adverse Religious Experiences (AREs) vs. Religious Trauma (RT): An Important Distinction
There exists an important difference between Adverse Religious Experiences and Religious Trauma. Learn what the distinction really is.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Aug 1, 20226 min read
Interview with Dennis Blue, Author of "Rethinking Jesus: When the Walk Fails the Talk"
Read an interview with Dr. Dennis Blue, author of "Rethinking Jesus: When the Walk Fails the Talk."
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jun 6, 20223 min read
Hypocrisy! After Donald Trump, are We Surprised the Southern Baptist Convention Harbored Rapists?
As the history of the SBC reveals, they rarely confront social injustices or target systemic dysfunctions until forced to do so.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
May 22, 20222 min read
Don't Risk It! Ask a Therapist and Yourself These 3 Questions Before Doing Religious Trauma Therapy
If you’re seeking treatment for religious trauma specifically, you should ask a few questions before committing to therapy.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Apr 29, 20222 min read
"The Power and Control Dynamics of Growing Up in an Abrahamic Faith Environment" #religioustrauma
SHERM Journal explores counselors’ experiences of the influence of a fundamentalist religious upbringing on mental health.
![“We knew nothing else but church….[and] I am so very scarred. I am so very wounded to this day."](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_d0bd10b643c14302b35732e76760d12f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1220,h_1832,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_d0bd10b643c14302b35732e76760d12f~mv2.jpg)
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Mar 13, 20223 min read
“We knew nothing else but church….[and] I am so very scarred. I am so very wounded to this day."
If you're in some form of religious ministry, you had better read this story ... so you don't also traumatize someone in your congregation.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Feb 23, 20223 min read
Adding the E: Perspectives of Grief Through Recounts, Letters, and Poetry
Grief is harrowing, isolating, and all-encompassing. After experiencing a huge loss, it’s common to adopt a narrative that we're all alone.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jan 17, 20222 min read
No, Religious Trauma is Not a "Syndrome."
It's common to refer to the disruptive effects of religion as a "syndrome." But is religious trauma really a "syndrome"? We would argue, no.
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