Psychology vs. Religion
This has been a major debate that has been going on throughout the years, Psychology vs. Religion. We may have seen it in the movies, tv shows, or even in the daily newspaper, but what exactly is the debate? Well, for one, Psychologists pretty much believe that everything is in the head and that there are no outside forces that try to control us. Long before Psychology was ever as advanced as it is now, in history, those that were believed to be possessed by evil spirits bore a hole in the skull to relieve pressure or to release the spirits. They called this trephining. Seems very extreme, doesn’t it? Back then it didn’t seem that all too crazy. Probably the most famous illustration of Psychology vs. Religion would be in the movie, The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
I believe that Psychology is advanced to the point where we can prevent these foolish acts like having a skull in the brain or declaring someone a witch for being abnormal, but can we go further? How can Psychology disprove the spiritual world? I guess only time will tell for this debate.
You know, I’m a converted Christian, and I don’t feel too comfortable with psychologists. They almost seem to be derisive, especially when you discuss religion with them, but very subtly so. Psychologists are by nature somewhat arrogant; they like being the only “perfect” people, above everyone else, many considering it impossible for themselves to be psychologically disturbed, helping all they deem damaged or abnormal just for money. Most psychologists are atheists, you know. There has to be a reason…
I believe there may be something, but I need the proof beyond that shadow of a doubt that it actually exsists. I am taking psychology as my main course in college and have been for about 2 years now. I know from a personal stand point, my mother being a catholic, my father being a contemporary christian and my boy friend being an athiest just how rediculous religion is. I see people everday, blame thier bad misfortunes and behaviors on the “devil”, and thier good fortunes on a “god”, and i just wonder why they cannot take responsability for thier own actions. I must say that i serverly disagree with Rafa, for i know damn good and well, that i am not perfect and i know i have, perhaps some psychological issues, but I know i will not throw all my cares into the air for a mythical being. I have seen too many people thus far, put thier faith into the so-called ‘servants’ of ‘god’ and seen them robbed of thier money, and so mentally exhausted they cannot do anything to help themselves. I taking these classes of psychology to ammend and aid those who feel broken and sick and empower them so that they may have the mental stregnth to have faith in themselves. And with faith in themselves be able to feel healed and know that they can be better, if not thru psychology, then thru someone who uses common sense and a kind spirit…
Ouch Rafa. As a Christian and a psychologist, I am offended by the broad brush with which you are painting.