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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.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Aug 27, 20238 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
Aug 14, 20237 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.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
May 23, 20233 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.
Susan Allen
Oct 14, 20229 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 28, 20227 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
Sep 3, 20224 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 8, 20222 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
Aug 1, 20226 min read


Interview with John Loftus, Author of "God and Horrendous Suffering"
Read an interview with counter-apologist, John W. Loftus, author of "God and Horrendous Suffering."
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jul 18, 20224 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
Jun 6, 20223 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
May 22, 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.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Apr 29, 20222 min read

![“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_305,h_458,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_d0bd10b643c14302b35732e76760d12f~mv2.webp)
“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
Mar 13, 20223 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.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jan 17, 20222 min read

Join the Revolution! Help GCRR Expose Religious Trauma with the World's First Empirical Study
Help support the world's first and most comprehensive sociological study on religious trauma.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Dec 14, 20214 min read

Join Us at the 2nd Annual International eConference on Atheism!
GCRR is hosting the 2nd Annual International eConference on Atheism to discuss the theme of "God and Suffering."
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Dec 6, 20211 min read


Call for Papers! Studies in Religious Trauma: Causes, Manifestations, and Treatments
Call for Papers! GCRR Press is releasing a large-scale publication that will offer an interdisciplinary examination of religious trauma.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Aug 2, 20212 min read


Two Unique Religion Recovery Events in July! One online and one in-person.
Dr. Terri Daniel, a non-religious hospice chaplain, invites you to a freethinking community for two great events.
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jul 5, 20211 min read


Did you miss the International Conference on Religious Trauma? You're in luck! Watch the videos now!
On the weekend of May 29-30, the Global Center for Religious Research (GCRR) hosted the 2021 International eConference on Religious...
Dr. Darren M. Slade
Jun 5, 20211 min read

Do you suffer from Religious Trauma? We want to hear about it. Tell us your story.
GCRR Press is in the process of bringing together some of the world's top scholars and researchers on religious trauma for a...
Dr. Darren M. Slade
May 12, 20211 min read
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