What is healthy skepticism? It is perhaps the same thing as what academics call "critical thinking." It is the ability to evaluate evidence and arrive at a conclusion that might be contrary to what one has been taught or led to believe. It is lack of gullibility. It is the consideration of many alternative explanations for a given phenomenon. It is the insistence upon extraordinary evidence for extraordinary claims. It is respect for systematic means of knowledge-gathering and evidence-testing, an ability to distinguish good evidence from bad.
Is there such a thing as UNhealthy skepticism? Perhaps, if this phrase labels cynicism and nihilism and world-weary rejection of all that uplifts or spiritually informs. To be skeptical is not to issue a blanket condemnation of all belief systems. To be skeptical is to be aware that human beliefs and concepts are constructions taking place in human brains and, as such, are subject to error. Critical thinking can even be uplifting, encouraging transcendence, by encouraging us to recognize and analyze our limitations...which arguably is the only way to go beyond them.
"Abstract: For eighteen years I was a close associate of novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand whose books, notably The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, inspired a philosophical movement known as objectivism. This philosophy places its central emphasis on reason, individualism, enlightened self-interest, political freedom -- and a heroic vision of life's possibilities. Following an explosive parting of the ways with Ayn Rand in 1968, I have been asked many times about the nature of our differences. This article is my first public answer to that question. Although agreeing with many of the values of the objectivist philosophy and vision, I discuss the consequences of the absence of an adequate psychology to support this intellectual structure -- focusing in particular on the destructive moralism of Rand and many of her followers, a moralism that subtly encourages repression, self-alienation, and guilt. I offer an explanation of the immense appeal of Ayn Rand's philosophy, particularly to the young, and suggest some cautionary observations concerning its adaptation to one's own life."
"What would you do if you learned one day that your spiritual teacher sexually harassed his male disciples and covered up his sexual affairs; a plagiarist who lifted his teachings from other traditions without due reference; a spendthrift who lived extravagantly, though he took a vow of poverty; a questionable business man who engaged in risky and possibly illegal activities; and a religious charlatan who consistently told untruths about a variety of issues?"Break-off your discipleship? Leave the organization? Stay with the movement? How would you feel ? Shocked, disgusted, saddened? Or, perhaps, a strong sense of rationalization: okay, he may be sexually manipulative, a plagiarist, a crook, and a liar, but I have benefitted from him spiritually!
"Right now this is the dilemma of several members of M.S.I.A. (Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness) who believe that their teacher John-Roger has misled them and thousands of others."
World-Wide Support Network for Those Abused by Spiritual Teachers [including] Table of Corrupt "Spiritual" Organizations or Fallen Gurus
In disillusionment we have the most direct human experience of a contrast between belief (with the benefits thereto attained) followed by inability to believe (with the resulting crisis). This also helps explain how adherance to a belief system is maintained. Withdrawal is not often pleasant! But what follows the destruction of an illusion can be the awareness of something real and perhaps not altogether bad...
Will there ever be a web page on resacralization, Abe Maslow's term for the rediscovery of the sacred in the everyday?
Leaving Mormonism was not a step I took lightly. It is extremely painful finding out that Mormonism is a fraud. I was a member for over 20 years. The realization that we (my whole family) had been deceived also made me angrier than I had ever experienced.Dear Web Master: Re: AFF's Home Page! http://www.csj.org Information About Cults and Psychological Manipulation What is AFF? AFF is a secular, nonprofit, tax-exempt research center and educational organization founded in 1979. AFF's mission is to study psychological manipulation and cultic groups, to educate the public and professionals, and to assist those who have been adversely affected by cult experience. The Cultic Studies Journal (CSJ) is the foremost research publication for the professional and serious lay person; The Cult Observer our monthly newsletter highlights news clips about cults around the world; AFF News -- On-line offers a practical recovery guide for former cult members. Young People and Cults -- On-line provides news and advice to clergy and educators who conduct programs for youth. -- Patrick Ryan, Editor AFF News AFF News -- Recovery Information About Cults And Psychological Manipulation freemind@pond.com
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (aka "Psi Cop"). Publishers of the Skeptical Inquirer
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