Aubyn wrote... Don't you worry that if you get excited about any study that offers superficial support for religion, you will have to be equally depressed by any study that seems to undermine religion?
Depends on the study's methodology. I can play the same game others do ;) Aubyn writes... It occurs to me it might help to clarify some things here, which perhaps would make Jim and an increasing group of others (though not necessarily on this list) feel less defensive. There is a growing and reliable body of solid evidence that religious commitments, on the whole, do not have a negative effect on a wide range of important outcomes. Religious people as a group are not more neurotic or prejudiced than others, for example. To the extent that there is any anti-religious bias within professional psychology (and I think that bias is significantly over-stated by many religious people) there does not seem to be a strong empirical basis for it. There are more nuanced conclusions that can be drawn, though the data gets less reliable the more fine grained the analysis. Some kinds of religious beliefs may be associated with problematic outcomes (e.g. a harsh view of God may be linked to drug abuse, Biblical literalism may be associated with broad misanthropy, conservative religiosity may be associated with lower usage of contraceptive and anti-STD practices). Other kinds of religiosity may be associated with real benefit (e.g. compassionate views of God may be linked with protection or good recovery from drug abuse, involvement with religious activities may be associated with good social functioning and mental health, conservative religiosity may be associated with healthy and safe behaviors like lower rates of adolescent sexual activity or illegal drug use). Religious variables certainly are a legitimate and important subject of psychological investigation, and we are only beginning to get the kind of systematic programs of research which can lead to deep understanding. The days when psychological professionals could assume that religious beliefs were indications of neurosis or immaturity are long gone - and shame on those who still indulge this particular form of cultural prejudice. But I do not believe that the data support that assertions (made by some) that religious commitment is a superior mode of being in the world, nor is it logically (nor, IMO good theological practice to hope) that psychological science will ever establish either the superiority or even existence of a supernatural frame of reference. [Note: I omit references to empirical literature for assertions made above for brevity's sake; I would be happy to point to some for anyone who disputes or is interested, though I suppose many are widely known]. --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
