As a therapist, I often rely on programs and concepts grounded in Buddhist psychology,

things like dialectical behavioral therapy, mindful self-compassion, and radical acceptance.

And while these approaches have been thoroughly vetted through Western research labs, I'm not blind to the irony here.

You know, here I am treating symptoms of religious trauma with ideas rooted in meta-meditation,

in the eight-fold path. And there are some who say that Buddhism isn't a religion, but honestly,

that reminds me of my own days as an evangelical Christian. Say it with me now, it's not a religion,

it's a relationship.

Psychology, like many of the liberal arts,

likes to boast that it teaches you how to think,

not what to think.

And yet, many of these programs come with built-in prescriptions.

Be kind.

Embrace impermanence.

Abroach things with curiosity.

Often good advice, sure,

but sometimes it can feel a little preachy. After hearing dozens of calls about atheism and science as the new religion, I have to wonder

what actually is religion and what is it we're really trying to push back against?

When are we allowing magical thinking or

religious assumptions to sneak in the back door? Well, whether it's soft science or soft heresy,

we're going to get into it today on Talk Heathen. So give us a call because the show is coming

right now. All right, welcome everyone. Today is May 18th, 2025. I'm your host, Christy Powell. And with me today is my

second favorite producer, Richard Gilbert. Thanks for that. Hi, Krista. It's great to be. It's great to be working with you, as always.

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