Realizations Inc

©Arlene R. Taylor PhD     Realizations Inc

The term religion is sometimes used interchangeably with and word faith (although the concept of faith can apply to a trust in a Higher Power or as subscription to specific beliefs regarding the sacred or diving and the practices and institutions associated with those beliefs. As such, the term religion can apply to an almost limitless number of forms in a variety of cultures. Sometimes the word religion is used to designate a specific denomination. In that case it might more properly be described as a religious organization, adherents of which subscribe to and support the exercise of their brand or form of religion. There are many such religious organizations in today’s world including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Unitarian Universalism, and Spiritism to name just a few.

If people choose to affiliate with a religious organization, they usually do so with one that espouses, or purports to espouse, the theology and belief systems with which the individual identifies. Affiliation is likely to be impacted by training and upbringing, past experiences, cellular memory, expectations, family-of-origin issues, and personal levels of false guilt and unhealthy shame, to name just a few. In addition, affiliation with a religious organization may be accompanied by a personal spiritual journey or not. In other words, spirituality may differ from and occur separately from affiliation with a specific denomination, religious organization, or dogma. (Refer to Spirituality and Brain Lead for additional information.)

Unfortunately, studies have shown that the impact religion and/or affiliation with a religious organization has on people depends very much on how the individuals view their God. In today’s culture, at least in America, there seems to be a move toward a personal spiritual journey, along with a corresponding move away from affiliation with established religious organizations. According to studies by Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman, co-authors of the book How God Changes Your Brain, Americans are becoming less religious but more spiritual as they embrace images of a universe that is scientific yet mystical.

The authors have reported that the research they have come across seems to indicate clearly that religion and spiritual practices generally have a positive effect on a person’s physical, emotional, and neurological health. There are even studies that suggest such individuals have fewer addiction, better health overall, and they might even live longer than those who live more secular lives. But not always.

Studies have shown that the impact religion has on people depends very much on how those adherents view their God. If the individuals view their God as loving, compassionate, supportive, and forgiving, the people tended to have a positive view of themselves and of the world around them. If, on the other hand, they viewed their God as unforgiving, vengeful, and even disinterested or dispassionate, this perspective could have deleterious effects on both their physical and mental health.

Research has shown that this latter perspective can activate portions of the brain that are involved in anger, fear, and stress responses. Not only can this ultimately damage portions of the brain and body, but also end up triggering animosity and even violence toward those who ascribe to a different belief system. It likely forms the basis for the position that “My religion is right and your religion is wrong.” Atheists are prone to point out the inconsistency between subscription to a religion that is often supposed to encourage harmony and brotherhood among people and nations and the destructive behaviors and actions that often are perpetuated in the name of that same subscription (starting as far back as the crusades and reaching as far forward as some of the current wars and controversies in today’s world).

Individuals who choose to affiliate with a specific religious organization often gravitate toward specific types of religious activities. This may be based on their innate brain lead. It is recognized, however, that other factors may have an overwhelming impact (e.g., brain gender type, sensory system preference, innate position on the EAI Continuum, upbringing, expectations, and whether or not the individual is living his/her innate giftedness).

Following are examples to consider.