Lost Souls: The Spiritual Gap in Mental Health Conversations
The removal of God and rise in transhumanism
Not long ago, I received a text message from my cousin, a Navy SEAL contemplating his next career after military service. He is considering becoming a psychologist, driven by a passionate interest in understanding human potential and helping people through their struggles.
He asked, "How do you reconcile modern psychology’s unwillingness to acknowledge the soul?"
I didn’t want to discourage him from exploring the path to becoming a psychologist. We need more people like him to challenge existing paradigms and assume positions of leadership. As a Navy SEAL, he is the best of the best, having learned to overcome the limitations of the mind and display unmatched courage and strength. He is a critical thinker who won't shy away from challenging authority or cultural norms. He was one of the SEAL’s who refused the COVID vaccine even in the face of threatened discharge and loss of benefits.
Like me, he is a Christian, raised Catholic, and believes that we are eternal souls living this human experience and serving a mission greater than ourselves. He shares the belief that the purpose of life isn't merely to avoid death, evade emotional pain, and pursue pleasure. We both understand that we are more than our bodies and can transcend the limitations of our minds. We find great solace in recognizing the temporary nature of all aspects of the human experience and ultimately serve God.
Certainly, this perspective carries SIGNIFICANT implications for understanding human psychology and navigating life's challenges. One doesn't necessarily need to be religious or Christian to acknowledge that we are more than our physical bodies and to embrace the spiritual concepts associated with our soul's journey. The idea that humans are spiritual beings has been explored since the earliest recorded history and communicated even earlier through oral traditions.
In modern times, there are laboratories at major academic institutions dedicated to studying spirituality, Near Death Experiences and other spiritual phenomena that defy explanation within the confines of our scientific laws in this material world. Interestingly, such topics are not typically included in the curriculum of the American Psychological Association's (APA) training for psychologists, replaced by more critical matters such as the harms of traditional masculinity. (not kidding)
The superficial treatment of concepts related to fear of death, the exploration of meaning in suffering, our interconnectedness and the philosophies across various religions and cultures can leave one feeling empty, as it did for me. The notion that our human experience is confined solely to the consciousness emitted from our brains and the behavioral conditioning from our environment may well lead him to feel disconnected from the modern approach to mental health "treatments." Denying the presence of God can feel, well, soul-crushing.
When he dares to ask difficult questions and diverge from the established curriculum accredited by the APA, he'll likely witness what I did: uncomfortable professors squirming as they try to navigate an answer that acknowledges the role of God and religious practice in many people's lives. This includes recognizing the indisputable data that supports the belief in God as a powerful predictor of measurable well-being.
The FEAR of this topic is palpable.
This will be measured with an underlying tone that aligns with our cultural secularism and focuses more on psychological concepts related to "belief" and social support. Many in academia will dismiss the presence of God (in any form) as merely an imaginary friend created to cope with the fear that life ends when the body dies. At times, there is even a disdain for the idea, with more emphasis dedicated to highlighting the perceived harms of religious practice.
There will be a focus on what the science demonstrates as if SCIENCE is truth. We are taught to accept this without question. Only a fool would deny SCIENCE. Ask Anthony Fauci.
Is scientism a new religion?
My cousin should aptly point out our limitations on what can be observed and how science is fundamentally a PURSUIT OF TRUTH. History demonstrates that our understanding of truth evolves over time and we should be humble in what we do not understand yet. Scientists are vulnerable to corruption. Scientific findings are misrepresented to serve special interests.
Scientists are not God.
I believe in the scientific method as a safeguard against harm. It is our responsibility to mitigate biases and empirically validate medical and psychological interventions to ensure their safety and effectiveness. We embrace the pursuit of truth and inform people of what we may and may not know.
It would be equally naive to assume that what exists is limited to what we can perceive with the human eye. As our scientific knowledge expands, so too does our perception of reality, challenging us to continually question and refine our understanding of the universe.
I paused and delivered a rehearsed response to my cousin emphasizing how psychological science and therapeutic interventions can enhance a person's functioning and overall quality of life without explicitly addressing the concept of the soul. I emphasized that effective therapy can still be provided to individuals who are atheists or reject the notion of a soul. I did believe this at the time.
While this perspective holds some merit, it fails to fully address the common struggles we all will face. Our inherent relationship to fear, nihilism, purpose and the acceptance of inevitable suffering. These existential challenges often remain unresolved when life is perceived as devoid of inherent meaning beyond the pursuit of pleasure.
We are witnessing this now.
The Rise in Transhumanism
Transhumanism is a movement that promotes improving the human condition through advanced technology. It envisions a future where scientific advancements like genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and brain-computer interfaces allow humans to overcome their biological limitations. This could lead to enhanced cognitive abilities, extended lifespans, and even the ability to merge with machines, giving humans capabilities beyond what is naturally possible.
Dangerous.
This raises clear ethical concerns about the dangers of playing God and disrupting the natural order of human design. Transhumanists deny the existence of God and the eternal soul, viewing life as devoid of meaning beyond pleasure, power, and the pursuit of godlike status. This perspective can be observed in sociopaths, tyrannical leaders, and those relentlessly seeking power, control, and pleasure.
Experimental psychiatric drugs targeting the brain reflect a core belief in transhumanism that humanity's natural state is flawed and needs improvement. By altering human consciousness through technology, proponents of transhumanism argue that we can advance the human condition and overcome inherent limitations.
When the risks are denied or minimized, it becomes clear that this is NOT a pursuit of truth but rather the pursuit of an agenda. While the specifics of that agenda may be unclear, it is evident that, to those who hold this ideology, we are considered expendable in the name of science.
In psychiatry, there has been shift towards altering brain chemistry as a primary method of treatment. This reflects a broader societal belief that certain people are inherently flawed due to their suffering or mental health conditions. The number of people undergoing this experiment has increased dramatically. This is by design.
By “medicating” them to modify their brain chemistry, psychiatry is conducting an experiment on the brains of those viewed as inferior. Expendable in the name of science. They actually use language that suggests it.
Mentally Ill.
Broken.
Disordered.
Disturbed.
Sick.
In fact, a physically healthy 29-year-old Dutch woman recently died by assisted suicide due to having a "personality disorder." Can we truly trust that their intention is to alleviate suffering? If that were the goal, the entire field would be steadfast in evaluating the risks and long-term consequences of psychiatric drugs.
Instead, we see the opposite.
Furthermore, the modern approach to mental health treatment prioritizes the pursuit of pleasure over the acceptance of painful human emotions. It might not be explicitly stated, but this is the insinuation. Every negative experience is easily viewed as a some odd depiction of a mental disorder. As if being happy is the expected state of being. Emotions such as sadness, fear, and anxiety are viewed as obstacles to a fulfilling existence, while pleasure is seen as the ultimate goal.
As a result, psychiatric interventions concentrate on diminishing negative emotional states (drugging them), assuming that this will boost overall well-being.
Spoiler alert- it doesn’t work.
Dismissing the significance of even a depressive episode within a broader transformative process is short-sighted and contradicts many psychological studies.
A clear denial of God, the soul’s purpose and our greater connection to a divine order. Never spoken about. Not acknowledged. Not studied. Conspicuously absent.
Disrupting the Divine Order of Creation
The ethical concerns surrounding transhumanism and experimental medical interventions lie in their pursuit to redefine the human experience beyond the bounds of what is traditionally understood as divinely ordained. By seeking to transcend the limitations of our natural existence through technological enhancements and manipulations of human biology, proponents of these movements often overlook the inherent wisdom of God and the concept of divine creation.
This raises profound questions about the ethical implications of playing a role in fundamentally altering the nature of humanity, straying from the inherent purpose and design intended by a higher power. I argue that such endeavors risk disrupting the delicate balance of the natural order and may lead to unforeseen consequences that challenge the very essence of what it means to be human.
There is a profound beauty in the intricately crafted human existence, one that transcends the limitations of current scientific understanding. Each human emotion, whether joyous or sorrowful, holds inherent value and significance, contributing to the richness of our shared experience. Even what may be perceived as dark moments in our lives can serve as catalysts for transformation.
Throughout history, stories from various sources—biblical texts, philosophy, myths, legends, and proverbs—have depicted the transformative journey from darkness to light. From Job's trials to Nietzsche's existential reflections, these narratives offer profound wisdom for navigating life's darkest moments. They challenge us to confront adversity as a catalyst for personal growth, suggesting that our deepest struggles may hold the keys to our most profound transformations. It's essentially a playbook that has evolved over time, a compilation of profound wisdom. Many of us believe this to be divinely inspired.
Why is this not explored when training psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists?
The consequences of psychiatric intervention have, in some cases, led to profound negative effects on health and well-being, illustrating the complexities and risks involved in altering brain chemistry. Individuals undergoing psychiatric treatment have reported experiences of worsening episodes of mental illness, where symptoms intensify rather than alleviate under the influence of prescribed medications.
Mass shootings, homicide, suicide and bizarre behavior have been linked to commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. There is a large and growing movement of harmed patients that report permanent sexual dysfunction, drug dependence and metabolic illness as a result of being prescribed these drugs. This is “evidence based treatment” while the growing evidence of their harms is ignored.
Under the guise of progress, perceived benefits are exaggerated, while the harms are scarcely acknowledged. Yet, amidst this fervor for technological innovation, we overlook the delicate balance and harmony that permeates the universe, including the intricacies of the human experience itself.
Rarely do we discuss the impact psychiatric drugs have on the human spirit. Instead baselessly referring to the “Evidence Base”. Personally, I've witnessed many people prescribed these “medications” lose their vitality and zest for life. Blindly deferring to medical authority can be a dangerous form of idolatry that has unquestionably led to harm.
If science is the pursuit of truth, it begs the question: why is evidence contradicting medical recommendations in psychiatry disregarded?
Enforced Conformity
In our relentless pursuit of progress, we find ourselves at risk of succumbing to enforced conformity, compelled to adhere to the tenets of the religion of scientism and the allure of transhumanism. These ideologies, often touted as the epitome of human advancement, have become normalized within our society, overshadowing critical discourse and ethical considerations.
When figures like Anthony Fauci claim to represent science, they're essentially asserting that their word is the ultimate truth, insinuating that the rest of us are too ignorant to understand the “Science”. As weapons, they will throw around baseless numbers out of context to defend their version of the truth. The sheep will report “I trust the professionals” or even claim there is consensus of opinion when no consensus exists. If you question the data you are questioning “Science”.
Shut up and follow our instructions.
When you dare to question the narrative, you'll likely be met with demands to "show me the published studies" from individuals who lack the capacity to grasp research design or statistical analysis. Instead, they blindly accept the author's conclusions as gospel truth, simply because they believe it represents science. Any conflicting data is conveniently ignored or unpublished. In this paradigm, questioning the conclusions, in pursuit of truth, is deemed as questioning science itself.
This is enforced conformity.
The training of mental health clinicians often mirrors a perilous indoctrination into scientism and transhumanism. By reducing the human experience to mere collections of “symptoms” (medical terminology) and advocating for technological solutions to existential questions, mental health training strips away the richness of human existence and the potential for profound growth through hardship. Psychiatry often shows little interest in exploring existential questions. In many cases, personal stories are disregarded, with little consideration given to individual experiences.
Take this pill.. you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
This misguided notion disrupts the natural balance and purpose of the human experience, relegating essential aspects of our humanity to the sidelines in pursuit of an illusory utopia. The antihuman view espoused by select elites is a chillingly reminiscent of dystopian narratives. In their delusion, they see themselves as gods, seeking to transcend the limitations of the human body and reshape existence according to their whims.
Yet, in their pursuit of godhood, they risk unraveling the very fabric of humanity, erasing the beauty and diversity that define us. It is a sobering reminder of the ethical and moral dilemmas that accompany unchecked technological advancement and the need for collective vigilance against the encroachment of authoritarian ideologies.
Many in the mental health profession have unwittingly become victims of the transhumanist ideology, perpetuating a system that prioritizes medical intervention to alter delicate brain chemistry. Trapped within the confines of their training, they fail to grasp the broader implications of their actions, blindly adhering to protocols that prioritize the manipulation of brain chemistry over the delicate and divinely ordered understanding of human emotions.
As much as it pains me to acknowledge, most therapists are ill-prepared to explore these profound bioethical questions. Most are trained in rudimentary 60-credit master's programs that barely scratch the surface of understanding a broken system.
This is not to say therapists are ill intentions. It’s quite the opposite as I find most to be really caring people. Therapists generally commit to guiding people through their darkest moments but unfortunately succumb to the fear of their clients' emotional states, perpetuating the problem. They themselves fear conditioned within the educational system.
Despite their reservations and lack of understanding about the consequences, they readily refer clients to medical professionals due to their emotional states. Fear of suicide. Fear of “depression”. Fear of missing something. Fear of not following standards. Fear of a lawsuit. Fear of losing their license. Fear of being fired. Fear of upsetting their client.
FEAR
FEAR
FEAR
It’s everywhere.
To confront this flawed paradigm, we require professionals of the highest moral and ethical integrity. Instead of fearing medical authority, we require reverence to the divine within us all. This represents the pinnacle of moral and ethical standards—to do no harm and to act in the best interest of our fellow human beings, recognizing our interconnectedness.
In this battle for the soul of mental health, perhaps what is needed most is the unwavering resolve of a Navy SEAL.
RESIST
Announcement:
If you have not read my friend Brook Siem’s memoir yet I HIGHLY recommend it. Her story is unfortunately not unique but it inspires hope for those who have experienced the harms of antidepressant drugs and withdrawal. It’s both educational and a great read.
Goodreads is providing a free giveaway of the book and you can enter to receive a free copy from June 3rd-June 13th: Click here to enter
Brooke was a guest on the Radically Genuine Podcast and it was a fascinating conversation that is a must listen for anyone who has been prescribed antidepressant drugs. The conversation also reflects upon many of the philosophical, moral and ethical conflicts in this article.
Fourteen months ago, I suffered a tragic loss that resulted in profound grief. Most extended family members were not very supportive. They were grieving as well but they would say things to me like, "you should go talk to someone, I don't know how to help you but you need help." It was really hurtful. It made me feel like a freak. After 3 months of doing practically nothing, I decided I wanted to live. I joined a gym and attended fitness and yoga classes to restore my fitness but also as a way to pass the time with distractions (and with strangers who know nothing about me). Anyway, getting to the point in relation to your article, in the yoga classes I was doing there were periods of meditation. These were difficult at first because I thought I would just start to cry with all distraction suspended for those moments. Also, I didn't really relate to the "me centered" meditation. So I just started to pray. I prayed for myself sometimes but I also would focus on my closest loved ones. Just asking for comfort and wisdom and courage and so on and also expressing gratitude for them. And I've been praying ever since. I still get sad every day but I'm slowly recovering and along with the support of a few loved ones, the prayer is key. And now I focus on expanding my prayer beyond my grief and toward others who are facing difficulty. A good friend is having heart surgery today. Multiple jabs yet he seems clueless. I pray for his survival and recovery. I pray for his family.
Totally agree. Thank you to you and your cousin. I am a counsellor working in a body centred and transpersonal way. I recall, during my training in integrative counselling, that I was the only one in our cohort that was comfortable in the realm of the soul and spirit. Everyone else expressed fear of exploring the transpersonal with their future clients. Often, during our sessions, I would feel called to challenge the narratives being propogated by the tutors. It was educational, to say the least. I now witness first hand the harmful consequences of mainstream psychiatric meds (I support the bereaved) and doctors dishing out SSRIs like sweets... people on depression meds for 20 or even 30 years. They tend to be completely disconnected from their emotions, numbed and often suicidal (one of the known serious side effects). Now there is a group of critical psychiatrists whom are challenging their 'profession' like Joanna Moncrieff and Sami Timimi. More needs to be done.