How Religion Causes Brain Damage
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I must preface this article by saying that I do not mean to insult any religion, nor individual believers. Rather, I intend to educate inquisitive minds by explaining the negative physical effects that devout religious belief can have on the human brain. It is important to note that by “religion,” I am primarily referring to Evangelical Christianity. There exists a plethora of scientific research and documentation which substantiates the unhealthy relationship between religious zealotry and mental health. I do not presume to know the answers which millions seek in Scripture. This information is not intended for those who have already decided to blindly follow their faith. It is for those youths who have not yet been so indoctrinated as to ignore logic.
The “Believe to Attain Salvation” Formula
The notion that one must believe in order to attain salvation is perhaps the most ingenious mind control tactic ever devised; whether intentionally or unintentionally. Therein, students are taught that they are born into sin and automatically damned to eternal punishment. Accordingly, the only method by which to avoid damnation is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on the cross for the sins of humanity and to accept him as Lord and savior. Many children are taught this formula from a very early age and berated with graphic depictions of Hell; eternal fire, flesh-eating worms, and torturous demons. Some make the conscious decision to follow Christ to avoid this fate, while others have the choice made for them, usually by their parents. These parents are not in any way devious, as often they too were conditioned in the same manner and believe their role to be a righteous one.
While it is easy to frighten small children, the insidious rhetoric becomes more subtle when aimed at adults. As these people enter into the real world and doubts arise, they are taught to cling to the church and fear all things that may shake their faith. In turn, they help to organize social events and prepare approved reading lists which bar exposure to contradictory influences and ideas. From the perspective of adult believers, they are merely protecting their children from losing the faith that guarantees their salvation.
Psychological Effects
Such a formula introduces believers to the dichotomy of belief or damnation; playing on their self-preservation instincts. This creates a schism in the mind as they must guard those ideals which will save their souls and forgo temptation to believe otherwise. Such ideals effectively hold the mind hostage as it is no longer permitted to operate according to its natural design and employ logic. Reason and logic must be applied in order to ascertain facts. However, if such evidence contradicts the core belief system, it must be avoided so as to secure eternal salvation. It is difficult for this conflict to be won on the side of logic and reason when self-preservation demands otherwise. Accordingly, most believers will fight logic to the end, regardless of empirical evidence.
“If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance with his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.”- Bertrand Russell
The human brain is wired by individual thought patterns. As these patterns become established, physical changes take place. Applying logic is simply what the brain does when functioning properly. However, the self-preservation instinct requires that logic be shut out if it exposes a flaw in religious ideology. This internal struggle can physically shut down parts of the brain. Neuroscience researchers have proven that devout religious belief can actually cause atrophy in the Hippocampus of the brain; which is involved in the formation, organization, and storage of memories as well as emotional responses, navigation, and spatial orientation. This atrophy can result in a reduction of volume in the Hippocampus, which can promote depression and dementia. Those Christians who report life-changing religious experiences as well as those who claim to be “born again,” especially Catholics and Protestants, demonstrated the highest level of Hippocampal atrophy. Agnostics and Atheists may also fall victim to Hippocampal atrophy, though not to as great a degree. Accordingly, religion can be healthy; but only in moderation.
I do not worry for those adults who remain steadfast in their belief systems. My concern is for the children who are unwittingly exposed to dogmas which may negatively impact their mental health. By the time they reach the age of reason, the damage may have already been done. At that point, it may be too late for them to make an educated and conscious assessment of their own religious beliefs.
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I did not feel the need to delve into the entirity of the scientific data. That is why I provided the links at the end of the hub. This article was my interpretation of that data. Feel free to draw your own conclusions.
The "inquisitive minds" include you, since you took the time to read and comment. I am simply providing information of which most people are unaware. My intent certainly is not to "indoctrinate" anyone. Rather, I explained that religious zealotry can have negative psychological effects; that is fact.
I never denied a belief in God in the above paragraphs. In fact, I went so far as to say that a lack of belief can damage the brain in the same way as overzealous belief. I would recommend that you read Phil Zimbardo's "The Time Paradox," specifically the chapters covereing Transcendental-future time perspectives. Again, religion can be healthy in moderation (as I said above). How is logic a human construct if you believe that God created you, which would include your brain? Why would he give it to you and expect you not to use it? While I am not imposing Atheism on anyone, I have to disagree with you as you stated that I "know God is real" but choose to deny him. I do not know that God is real because I have not seen enough cempelling evidence. Perhaps you have, which may be why we disagree.
I loved this. Behavioral Anaylst here. Sadly giving up free will the ability to exercise your own judgement aka surrendering to religious fanticism causes the brain to atrophy.
And you made me laugh because I doubt this crowd is particularly interested in reading this topic. Absolutely hysterically funny!!
JT
@JT: thanks for commenting. I have much respect for the behavioral sciences and intend to obtain my MA in Sociology once I complete my undergrad CJ studies. Glad to see that an educated person at least took the time to read my ramblings. Of course, I harbor no delusions and realize that much of what I post is unpopular to such a degree that it is often comical. I just enjoy the discourse.
Have you studied John Douglas work or considered the FBI? Somehow, at least for me, it is hard to image a Marine social worker unless you are going to work with vets? Behavioral profiling is where it has always been at at the FBI. Conside it. I have an excellent paper on juvenile sex offenders I wrote which might interest you as well as differentiating terrorism as mass murder and no serial murders. Mass murders being the easiest of all to predict and eliminate the threat.
I paper on juvenile sex offenders was to eliminate sex predators in our society by providing early interventions into the criminal justice system. I didn't publish because it was the preliminary analysis and they wanted me to conduct research with sex offenders tp complete the study. I never completed the research.
If you are interested and want to stop butting heads fr a while. It is comical the way you approached this subject matter.
All My Best,
JT
I have read two of Douglas' books; The Anatomy of Motive and Mindhunter. I have a lot of respect for what he did in the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. In fact, I had originally considered becoming a forensic psychologist, but gravitated toward sociology. I am leaning toward a career with the Bureau of Prisons, in hopes that I can help cure the disgusting recidivism trend. I am definitely interested in any research or educated opinion regarding reduction in crime; however unorthodox they may be. I figure that soon enough I will no longer get a rise out of angering people over the internet with my hubs and will be forced to compose something more professional. Thanks again for commenting.
Jonesy0311,
How would this apply to fanaticism of any kind?
Thank you for your service to our country.
Remember Pearl Harbor
Hi Jonesy0311,
The only way to attack recividism rates is to become a special educator. I have researched this as well but have not published my findings on HP. I conducted a stepwise logistical regression and study the most pertenant factors.
They include
1) Age of Arrest
2) Academic Aptitude
3) Literacy
4) Socio-economic status
5) Type of crime for first arrest.
Sadly, all of the most pertentant issues have to be dealt with in a proactive model and not adhocly. You will never be able to reduce redicivism once they are I prison as they are too far gone at that point or at least that is what all the research has indicated.
You are a vet you would be a natural for FBI. I forget was Minhunter the fictional novel or the actual book by John Douglas. I actually only read John Douglas books. Funny to when I saw Silence of the Lambs I thought Jodie Foster is the wrong gender for this role.
If I had it to do all over again, I would be a behavioral profiler which is the only type of profiling that occurs in this nation. So sad and to bad people don't know they are not be profiled racially.
I took some CCJ in undergraduate and graduate school.
I have applications on my hubpages account for FBI and I posted a paper on Characteristics of Juvenile Sex offenders I think may interest you. Not to pander my stuff on your sight but since you are going into this field of work, I thought you might find it interesting.
All My Best,
JT
@tirelesstraveler; As far as I understand it, this phenomenon is measurable based on religious belief. I have not seen any research on it regarding other forms of fanaticism. I suppose it is entirely possible, provided that the fanatic ideology was able to play on the self-preservation instinct of the indoctrinated. I would like to see if anyone has done this research on individuals with fanatic racist ideals. For instance, some white supremists generally believe that they are preparing the world for their children to live peacfully in; essentially giving a part of themselves for an immortal cause.
@JT Walters; Much of what I have read is in line with your suggestion that by the time they reach prison, the damage has been done and they have effectively crossed the Rubicon.
Mindhunter was mostly a biography of Douglas and the story of how the FBI Behavioral Science Unit was founded. There wasn't much information regarding the process of profiling or any specific cases. Not a bad read though. The Anatomy of Motive was much better as it demonstrated how profiling was used in specific cases. It also breaks down different personalities; arsonist, bomber, hunter, etc.
I would hope that shows such as Criminal minds have at least demonstrated to some that there are ways to profile that are not racist. Just because a profiler says that the offender is a particular race, many people become irrate.
I have been a CJ major for quite a while, but am gravitating toward sociology. It is far more interesting to me. The more I learn, the less faith I have in the justice system. Feel free to pander your work anytime. I will read your paper as soon as I can.
YOu are to cool JOnesy,
You know who JOhn Douglas is. You know about Caesar's Rubicon. I know I didn't want to do FBI either because I didn't love crime. And I think you have to be a person who loves crime in order to be in that business. I am just wondering how employable sociologists are. I wanted to take a proactive position in society before people became criminals.
But I do love profiling and figuring out how an individual thinks. I like the puzzles and putting them together. I couldn't remember thanks for reminding me I haven't read Douglas's book in a decade. Crime happens regardless of the outcome in the justice system which should be our first indication the justice system, especially the criminal courts, are failing.
Here is the link if you ever get the time.
http://jtwalters.hubpages.com/hub/Characteristics-
It is a paper on Characteristics of Juvenilee Sex OFfenders written over a decade ago when no one would touch the subject. There is no difference between the profile of a juvenile sex offender and that of an adult sex offender except that how the justice system treats the juvenile sex offender. Which usually is written off to sex exploration and amounts ot a slap on the hand. These children grow up to be our sex offenders, and our serial killers. One leading to another of course!! And while not presented in the paper, I have interventions to identify this population and end their hunter/predator behaviors early. I was surprised how progressive North Africa had been in their research. I didn't incude all the citations as it is the hubpages and the material is daunting enough without making it seem like a thesis. I received and "A" and I was approached about do field research in prisons with sex offenders, interviews mainly, and to complete my PhD in CCJ. Again I didn't love crime enough and I was pregnant with my son. I didn't think a prison was a real healthy place to hang out pregnant.
Thanks for letting me pander on your hub. You are a most enlightened person and generous as well.
All My BEst,
JT
I was incredibly interested in forensic psychology for a long time and contemplated it as a career choice. Katherine Ramsland's book, "The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds" was a decent inroduction into the subject. Though, I later found out that it is an incredibly competitive field and was turned off by the low salaries projected for recent psychology PhDs.
Sociologists (graduate level) actually have a pretty nice employabiliy projection according to the BLS; better than political scientists anyway. The vast majority work in state government, usually Dept of Human Services type work or for the prison system. It's a suprisingly versatile field.
I agree that the justice system is not much more than an imposing oak and marble distraction these days which upholds the facade of due process, impartial treatment, blah blah constitution blah. By the time anyone even begins to "help" the offender, they are at the end of a long road of bad decisions. Much of what I have read seems to indicate that our "warehousing" philosophy has actually made it so that time in prison is more likely to increase recidivism. Chalk one up to the "get tough on crime" bobble-heads.
Just go home, take your soma, turn on the New World Coliseum and see what the Jersey Shore kids are up to...Pay no attention to the crumbling walls, citizen. There's free bread in Rome!
When I asked about fanaticism I was referring to other religions as well as Christianity. After reading your links I realized how specific to Christianity these studies were. Interesting that Christianity and fanaticism is so often considered the same thing in our society. Another interesting article you might be interested in. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/sports/hockey/de
Until the bread runs out and then the games willbegin at the Collseum.
JT
First you must define religion only then you make statements like "How religion causes brain damage". You can help yourself out by referring to some of the most notable writers or philosophers, no matter ancient or contemporary, who wrote or spoke about religion and religious experience, because that kind of statements are simplistic and do only harm. And the most important is to examine your own self.
Religion is first of all an attitude, a world-view. It is how we relate ourselves to reality in our efforts to define it. Religion is primarily spirituality and has to do with what we know as consciousness. Since we were born, from our first breath, we become spiritual beings who in the process of aging search for who or what we are. This defines everybody as spiritual or religious. This way it doesn't matter whether you are an atheist or theist - either way you are spiritual, you search for meaning and end. You stay spiritual because without consciousness you will not be able to be aware of your own self and only afterwards to identify with some supreme reality whether called god or nature. To believe is human. Everyone believes. Everyone is aware of his mortality as flesh. And exactly because of this we bestow powers and knowledge to a supreme being. Some people talk about how nature "creates" but reject the notion that god "creates". Why is that? Where exactly is the difference? We postulate one and the same supreme being who has "creative power" through its supreme knowledge. The conflict between religion and science as we know them is silly because they talk about the same thing but can't agree where it is to be found.
The problem with religion and science is that they deny or simply do not accept the idea that we are a part of this supreme being. This being is always somewhere (wherever it is) outside us, unattainable, unreachable for humans, only through revelations of some special, chosen ones whether scientists or prophets. This idea turns our spiritual life into prison, where you are not allowed the freedom of personal revelation, but you only must obey and live according to what these special humans tell and revealed about the supreme being. If Newton discovered the laws of gravity and motion, then you must follow these laws and obey in order to prosper, to live happily or in religious language - to be saved. So science and religion (again - as we know them) to the contrary of what many think about them, are in agreement here. But the self-realized sages through the ages are unanimous - Atman (the self) is Brahman (supreme being). The human being by degrees is either Christ (ascending consciousness) or Antichrist (descending consciousness). The former leads to bliss the latter to suffering.
The truth will always be far far away until we face our own revelation individually. It is simple - there is Truth somewhere and your task is to find it. How do you do this? By poking the earth, by splitting the atom? Of course not. Of course you can poke or split as much as you want and let's say you find the Truth. Would it be an object? No. It would be you yourself. Because it is you who realize that something external is Truth. So you become one with this object, by this very realizing it in your consciousness. The Subject (You) has become the Object (the Truth).
@triangels: The title “How religion causes brain damage” was meant to get attention…which it obviously did. Those who wish to delve further and understand exactly what I am talking about are free to read the hub. Also, I did reference a notable philosopher, Bertrand Russell, near the end. This subject matter does not require an examination of my “own self.” I am simply presenting my interpretation of scientific data. Of course my title is simplistic…it’s a title. How descriptive can a title be? I could say the same thing about Stephen Hawking’s “The Universe in a Nutshell” or “A Brief History of Time.” Not that my work even compares to his.
I agree that religion is a world-view, as is any other us-they mentality. For instance, the police worldview is responsible for the Blue Wall of Silence. It is more of the same regarding the Inner Circle Theory…I am in “this” group, therefore all others outside of it are somehow inferior or have unfounded beliefs. This was not a debate concerning religion over science or vice versa. Again, I simply stated the fact that devout religious belief, particularly that of Evangelical Christianity, causes atrophy of the Hippocampal region of the human brain.
I must disagree that science cannot help uncover the truth. Science has taught us much about our own place in the universe. How far would civilization have advanced if we all followed those priests who refused to look through Galileo’s telescope out of fear? I doubt that science will one day answer everything, but I have certainly learned more about the nature and state of the universe and time by reading scientific literature than I have ever found in scripture. For those who require spirituality and religion, I am sure that they find comfort in their beliefs. I have not required spirituality in my own personal life so I cannot empathize.
I enjoyed your hub, which incidentally has been copied at Talk Blog dot info. It is currently on page 3.
I’m a huge fan of logic and reason, which I think is the secret to my professional success. I'm very interested in brain differences in those of us that followed our logic and reasoning to a different conclusion at an early age, despite being surrounded by all the religious rhetoric. A different kind of stress, holding on to a secret so taboo. My sister was brave enough to come out as gay, but I hope my mother never learns my secret.
Sorry, make that page 4.
@rmcrayne: I’m glad you enjoyed the reading. I suppose I could be upset that my article was copied without my knowledge, but I suppose I can’t stop someone from copy-pasting it all over the Internet. I won’t get on the side of the Anti-Piracy zealots, so I will just be glad that someone else found it interesting.
I can’t imagine people believing that logic and reason are somehow a threat. That is what the human brain is designed to do; think. People are largely unaware that ignorance has real consequences. Though, as Bertrand Russell said, to my knowledge there is not one word in the Gospels in praise of intelligence.
wow, you have pointed out that Christians suffer a contagious atrophy in the brain that can and will poison young minds and cause depression and other clinically proven conditions, isms, we call them. What about soap operas and tv talk shows, movies, music and just about every media byte that is thrown at our children, that affects them in very negative ways also. I was raised in a Catholic Church and actually served as an alter person for several years. Now after being brainwashed in several different ways, I have come to realize that I have to think for myself and so that is what I try to do. I do still have my faith and most likely because I've hung onto it all the while, I've managed to cheat death so many times I count them all. You have written a very good hub and I appreciate what you are trying to say here, but I think it is a mistake to put Christianity in the hot seat while the murder rate goes up and up, while high school drop out is at all time high, the drug war rages on, families continue to fall away, I could go on and on! So ignorance to me lies in the turning away from Christian doctrine and having faith in the so called dogmas of this world. Wouldn't you agree with that? Thanks for your point of view, but no thanks, I'll stick with worship of my Creator G-D. Peace, Love and grace from above, I pray that you find an ism that brings you back to the Almighty.
Its pointless to take an association and convince someone else to relocate the association that they associate with. Movement after all is nothing new. Neither is the origin thereof. What is crucial to our fabric of being, is our response. Either respond or not. What,how,when,where, why is irrelevant. All that is needed is response.
The funny thing about response is, it doesn't have qualifications. However, no response certainly leads to "death" or "damnation". Non believers are calling you, how shall you respond? "I don't believe too?".
Believers are calling you, shall you respond "I believe too?".
Religion is deviced to destroy humanity without humans even knowing it. why well only similar kids of people from below aiming to disintegrate human mind and with milenia of time to do this would make such a terrible invention. I'm not trying to be what people call "racist" but what other civilization or ethnicity has taken over all others like the jews, from the bible, torah or coran all have the same origin. And we know those people have always been persecuted?, does evolution says anything agaisnt the appereance of this kind of people, just saying maybe living in the dessert, or being enslaved tiggered something in them, just saying more research is neccesary about it.
@Artin-I agree that children are being exposed to a whole host of information and images which are hindering their emotional development. However, this is nothing more than bad parenting. One can easily regulate the number of hours of television their household watches in a week. I do it and it works fine. I agree that there are many social problems facing our society today. That doesn’t mean that I have to talk about all of them every time I write a hub. I’m not saying that “religion causing brain damage” is public enemy #1. I just thought it was an interesting topic worth discussing.
I would ask, however, that you check your data. Simply saying something does not make it true. Yes, high school drop-out rates are increasing in many areas. You can thank the Dept of Education and the Prussian education system. Also, the war on drugs is only raging on because politicians today are not as smart as though who imposed Prohibition; they haven’t yet realized that they have made a mistake. Remember, no law is comprehensively “right.” Laws are socially constructed so as to reflect the mores and norms of a particular society. Such is why certain things are illegal in certain nations, states, and cities, but not in others. Law is not written in stone. But, legislation that supports the war in drugs has the effect of “creating crimes” and thus “creating criminals.” Reference: http://www.countthecosts.org/sites/default/files/C
You mentioned that murder rates keep going “up and up.” This is factually inaccurate. In reality, homicide rates peaked at 10.2 per 100,000 in 1980. In the early 1990s is was 9.8 per 100,000. Currently, it has dropped to somewhere around 4.8 per 100,000. Basically, the rate has dropped by almost 50% in the last two decades. Reference: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/htus8008.
I am glad you have found peace, however that was achieved. I, however, cannot go “back” to the Almighty because I have never been a believer. Perhaps the future will change my mind. But, up to this point, the more I have learned, the less “faithful” I have become.
@meanpeace-I apologize for not understanding exactly what you are asking. Perhaps your comment was too poetic for me. Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting.
@acbc-I haven’t found any evidence in my own research which indicates that religion is inherently malevolent. The most likely origin, in my opinion, is that it sufficed for those who didn’t yet understand the world around them. As science advances and answers more questions, the non-theist population has grown. This is simply the natural progression of civilization…Also, as far as I know, there is absolutely no archaeological evidence that the Exodus (or the mass enslavement beforehand) ever actually took place.
SirDent 5 months ago
Well, I read this piece and saw no evidence as was promised in the opening paragraph. I read your opinion but that is all.
You wrote, "I intend to educate inquisitive minds" So it is your intent to indoctrinate these minds yourself.
Logic itself is a human construct. It has flaws and always will have flaws. How can a person stake their life on it? The sad part of all this is, you know God is real yet you deny Him of your own choosing.