Psychiatry and Religion

"Science takes things apart to see how they work.  Religion puts things together to see what they mean."  (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, 1948-- )

I developed and twice taught a course, Psychiatry and Religion.  I had been interested in the topic for many years.  Teaching the class was an opportunity to dialogue with students, share my beliefs and listen to theirs.  As a major component of the course, adding to the conversation, I presented the beliefs of many past and prominent thinkers.

Sigmund Freud, a self-proclaimed atheist and father of psychoanalysis, declared religion to be “an illusion.”  Religious belief he called, “patently infantile.”

But there are those who felt otherwise.  Psychologist and philosopher William James, writing in the early 20^th century, saw religion as a positive force.  “The highest flight of charity, devotion, trust, patience, bravery to which the wings of human nature have spread themselves have been flown for religious ideals.”  In the mid-20^th century, psychiatrist and holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl saw religion as an essential part of our being.  “Man lives in three dimensions, the somatic, the mental, and the spiritual.  The spiritual dimension cannot be ignored for it is what makes us human.”

And what do I believe?  After more than 35 years of clinical practice in child psychiatry, I believe that we need religion.  This is not a statement of faith or religious conviction, but a response to necessity.

It’s a crazy, polarized world.  On one side are the extremists, the fundamentalists and the fanatics.  On the other side are the hedonists, the morally apathetic and the spiritually indifferent.  On one side are those who would willingly kill under the banner of their belief.  On the other side are those who would willingly drop-dead shopping, believing, “he who dies with the most toys wins.”  It’s difficult to navigate between these polarities, this modern-day Scylla and Charybdis.  It’s especially difficult to guide our children through these challenging times. We need religion.

In a world filled with meaningless and trivial pursuits, religion can offer meaning and purpose.

In a quick-fix, impulse ridden world, religion can teach self-control and self-discipline through ritual and observance.

In an impersonal, increasingly detached world, religion can speak to roots and the continuity of generations.

In a morally confused world, where it sometimes seems as if anything is permitted, religion can remind that there is a transcendent source of right and wrong that starts with “love thy neighbor.”

In a jaded world where too many eyes are focused on televisions, computer screens, telephones and video games, religion can open eyes to the awesome wonder of creation.

In a commercial world, bombarded by advertising that focuses on creating needs, wants and desires, religion can refocus on the blessings in life and on the importance of gratitude.

In a self-centered, narcissistic world, religion can stress the obligation to others.  We are part of a larger community.  We are part of a greater whole.