Religious Abuse Ruins Children’s Psychology | Richard Dawkins Talks to Psychologist

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins

Joe's upbringing in the Exclusive Brethren and its impact on his career

Joe's background in the Exclusive Brethren influenced his interest in psychology and counseling.

Growing up in the Exclusive Brethren involved a sense of deprivation and limited exposure to the outside world.

The Exclusive Brethren is a sect where members are born into it and prevented from interacting with outsiders.

Joe was ostracized at school due to his upbringing within the sect.

Some of Joe's patients experienced similar conditions or other forms of child abuse.

Definition and consequences of religious abuse

Religious abuse involves indoctrination into a belief system, preventing the development of independent thought.

The discussion explores whether any religious upbringing might contain elements of abuse, depending on parental approach.

Abusive indoctrination includes restricting information access, preventing critical reflection, and limiting exposure to different perspectives.

Children in such sects are often instilled with fear of disapproval and eternal damnation.

Religious abuse is compared to other forms of child abuse, highlighting similarities in the abuse of trust and denial of self.

Impact of religious upbringing on personal development and potential

Suppression of natural inquiry and the inability to ask questions hinder a child's development.

A continuum exists between healthy and unhealthy religious upbringings, with the Exclusive Brethren representing a severe end.

Joe helps people leaving such groups through support groups and email correspondence.

Leaving a closed group involves leaving behind social networks, belief systems, and often family and friends.

Stories of individuals leaving cults and sects

A young man secretly contacted Joe using hidden technology, leading to a double life and eventual pressure to withdraw from a television program.

Another young man struggled with basic life skills and decision-making after leaving the group.

The motivations of those running the sects are discussed, focusing on control and power dynamics.

The importance of allowing children to think for themselves and develop critical thinking skills

The discussion highlights the need for children to develop their own moral compass and make independent decisions.

The existence of critical periods in human development is explored, particularly regarding the impact of abuse.

Joe reflects on his own difficulties in critically reflecting on information, highlighting the lasting impact of his upbringing.

The lack of opportunities for social experimentation and rehearsal of friendships is identified as a significant deprivation.

The broader implications of religious and cultural restrictions on personal freedom

The discussion extends beyond the Exclusive Brethren to encompass other groups with similar restrictive practices.

Joe's approach to therapy focuses on empowering patients to tell their stories and develop their own ways of thinking.

The role of churches as substitute families for immigrants in America is discussed.

The potential positive aspects of religion are explored, including providing meaning, structure, and emotional expression.

The vulnerability of university students to recruitment by religious groups is mentioned.