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. Dr. Ray explained that at Recovering from Religion they see the evidence of that 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 it still frightens them. People that tell us they don’t believe in any gods but still fear hell or armageddon. People that feel intense shame for natural sexual desires and feelings.
This behavior 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 high control groups. From multilevel marketing schemes to Catholic sexual dogma, all can trap our brains in an ideological prison that undermines our humanity.
Note: This lecture series is jointly sponsored by Faith to Faithless and Recovering from Religion (RfR) as an outreach and fundraising event. All proceeds from donations or ticket sales go directly to Humanist Society Scotland. Neither RfR, nor Dr. Ray receive any remuneration or compensation.
Guest Speaker Biography
Dr. Ray practiced clinical psychology for a decade before transitioning to organizational psychology, where he focused on team dynamics and workplace culture. He authored two books on organizational development: Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization and The Performance Culture: Maximizing the Power of Teams.
In 2009, Ray founded Recovering from Religion (RfR), a nonprofit organization 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, emphasizing the importance of science-based approaches to therapy and the challenges faced by individuals leaving religious communities.
Donate
Entry and participation is FREE, but donations are encouraged from anyone who can afford to support the vital work Humanist Society Scotland does to make Scotland more secular, rational, caring, and rights respecting.
Please pop the details in your calendar, and our local group volunteers look forward to welcoming you.
Date: Monday 13th October, 7pm-8.45pm
Venue: Lister Learning and Teaching Centre,
Address: 5 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU