As we all know, religious beliefs are often given deference even when they run contrary to healthy practices. One case in point came from a member of this Meetup who was taken aback when a licensed psychologist insisted that a depressed individual's belief in eternal damnation as punishment for suicide should be respected. The number of responses to this post were so numerous and thoughtful that it became clear the topic of Reason and Depression should be addressed in a Meetup event.

Please join us on August 29th at the main meeting room of the Southdale Library in Edina for a presentation and discussion on how to deal with the intrusion of religious dogma into the counseling of mental health professionals and others. Those of us who have been met with unhelpful suggestions from friends, family members, co-workers, and therapists will be able to share their stories and learn techniques for countering faith-based advice.

The format will consist of three parts:

1) an introduction to the topic, followed by questions and answers,
2) short statements from individuals who wish to share their own experiences, and
3) group discussions

This Meetup will be presented and moderated by Nick Pease.

Nick is a freelance writer and also teaches in a couple of programs at the U. After decades of first-hand experience with depression and psychotherapy, he is convinced of what his old Irish granny once told him: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” He also subscribes, however, to the injunction “live and let live” and, in certain circumstances, to Sartre’s conclusion that “Hell is other people.” (Nick Pease recently gave a presentation on Existentialism as a positive and life-affirming philosophy at a Minnesota Atheists Monthly Meeting.) Such ideas will form the basis of the discussion. In Nick's own words, it "should be a hell of a time!"