Dr. Tarico is a psychologist from Seattle and a member of Journey Free’s Board of Advisors. Her insights on religion and psychology are unparalleled. Don’t miss her book, Trusting Doubt, and read her blog, Awaypoint.wordpress.com. She also has a YouTube Read more…
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
“I am greatly troubled by what you say. I wrote Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn for adults exclusively, and it always distresses me when I find that boys and girls have been allowed access to them. (more…)
By Marlene Winell, Ph.D.
I get this question so frequently, I’ve made a real effort to reply. To be honest, I don’t like the question because it presumes we know what those words mean. Here are some responses, touching on more or less serious aspects of the topic.
1. Which god? Do you mean Zeus, Baal, Athena, Shiva, Allah, Jehovah, or some other? If you mean one of those, then no. I am not a theist. I don’t believe in an individual being that created and now controls the world.
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This is a YouTube series of 3 videos from Marlene’s talk at a retreat, explaining why she thinks the most important thing about accepting evolution has nothing to do with the Garden of Eden. It’s about understanding ourselves for who we are – animals. (more…)
Here’s my talk on “Leaving the Fold” at the Exmormon Foundation Conference on Oct. 15, 2011 in Salt Lake City. I think former Mormons are to be commended for making it out of such a controlling religion and powerful social Read more…
This article by Pete Walker is a good explanation of “emotional flashbacks” and complex PTSD, which result from childhood neglect and emotional abuse (common to RTS). In essence, current stress can trigger old pain; recognizing the signs and learning to Read more…
Casting Off , by Anne Bokma. For those who reject the strict religion of their childhood, it’s not cutting ties with their church that’s hardest. It’s breaking away from their devout parents. Even as a young boy, Peter Scott knew Read more…
With RTS, the social context is completely different from other trauma recovery situations. Natural disaster experiences, childhood sexual abuse or family violence are all understandable to friends and professionals who are likely to be sympathetic and supportive. In the case of religious abuse, a person is often hounded by family and church members to return, and reminded in many ways that they are condemned otherwise. In essence, they are pressured to return to the perpetrator of their abuse. Their suffering is not seen. In fact, they are made pariahs when they do not return and this social rejection is an added layer of serious injury absent from other varieties of trauma. (more…)
The Christmas season is often busy and complicated with families and schedules and special events. There are standard criticisms of materialism and holiday angst. Yet at the center of it all there is a powerful image that speaks to all Read more…
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