Why is it so difficult for many people to discard harmful religious beliefs? Atheist Ireland hosted Dr Darrel Ray, psychologist and president of Recovering from Religion, to give this talk at Buswells Hotel, Dublin.
The Talk: Religious Trauma and Your Brain
Religious ideologies create psychological conflicts that have life long consequences. Even people who were never raised religious, often hold beliefs that are harmful and destructive and rooted in ancient religious ideas. At Recovering from Religion we see the evidence every day when people call to say they are concerned about a loved one who has been taken in by a religious or political ideology.
People who discover that the things they were taught as a child are not true yet still frightens them. People who tell us they don’t believe in any gods but still fear hell or Armageddon. People who feel intense shame for natural sexual desires and feelings. This behaviour is clear evidence that the brain has been impacted, especially the limbic system where fear is processed.
In this talk, Dr Ray will explore why it is so difficult for many people to discard these beliefs and how the organisation, Recovering from Religion helps anyone needing hope, healing and support as they deconstruct the ideology of religions or a high control groups. From multilevel marketing schemes to Catholic sexual dogma, all can trap our brains in an ideological prison that undermines our humanity.
The Speaker: Dr Darrel Ray
Dr Darrel Ray practiced clinical psychology for a decade before transitioning to organisational psychology, where he focused on team dynamics and workplace culture. He authored two books on organisational development: Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organisation and The Performance Culture: Maximising the Power of Teams.
In 2009, Dr Ray founded Recovering from Religion (RfR), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with religious trauma, doubt, and non-belief. Under his leadership, RfR has expanded to include a global network of volunteers, online support groups, and resources for those transitioning away from religious belief. In 2012, he launched the Secular Therapy Project, connecting clients with secular, evidence-based mental health professionals.
Dr Ray is also the author of The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture, and Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality, works that explore how religious belief systems can influence personal behavior and societal norms, particularly concerning sexuality.
Throughout his career, Dr Ray has been a vocal advocate for secularism and mental health, emphasising the importance of science-based approaches to therapy and the challenges faced by individuals leaving religious communities.