News wave about Scientology

You may be seeing a new wave of stories about Scientology in the news. Religion Link, which serves as a religion resource to reporters, recently issued an update about Scientology. It coincides with a series by Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg Times about controversial aspects of Scientology. This might form the basis of an interesting assignment, particularly in conjunction with a recent post on the TED Blog in which Zimbardo is asked such questions as what psychology's biggest mistake has been, and whether there is such a thing as a good cult.

And, speaking of TED, another post there that you or your students might find interesting is Diane Benscoter's talk at TED and her later Q & A session. Although Benscoter asserts that brain scans of people engaged in circular thinking, such as she experienced while with the Moonies, would differ from those of people engaged in critical thinking, I'm not aware of any studies that have demonstrated this. (Perhaps you could point me to such studies?)

These are very controversial topics, and may need special care in class discussion. But your students are likely to find them very stimulating, and you can use them to illustrate important concepts in the psychology of religion.

News about Conversion

I don't often post links to news stories but I happened upon one today that was a bit out of the ordinary. The Star Phoenix, published in Saskatoon, Canada, recently published a story about religious conversion that mentioned Lewis Rambo. As you may know, Rambo has written extensively about about conversion, developing one of the most notable research programs on the subject. The Star Phoenix article offers a glimpse into some of Rambo's more personal experience with conversion.

Many years ago, perhaps at a meeting of SSSR, I had an interesting conversation with another psychologist about this issue. In the social scientific study of religion, we don't often hear about the researcher's personal perspective regarding religion. Sometimes it is self-evident, given the direction of the researcher's publications. Once in a while, we even read directly from the researcher, as with William James. There are understandable reasons for this, such as personal privacy and concern for the perceived legitimacy of one's research or motives for studying religion. Even the place of religion in academics generally, and in psychology specifically, seem to affect what many researchers reveal about their interest in religion. But I admit that I found it, well, refreshing to read a little about the personal background of someone whose work I have admired, but whom I have never met. Perhaps you will have the same reaction after reading the story.

New York Doll

I'd heard good things about the movie New York Doll, but I was unprepared for just how strong a film this is. While in film school, Greg Whiteley learns that Arthur "Killer" Kane is in his congregation and preparing to play a concert with his fellow New York Dolls. This has been Kane's dream, and comes after the group split up 30 years ago. During that time, Kane went from stardom and fame to obscurity. In the process he had a religious conversion and lived a humble life, working in a church library while dreaming for the day when he and the other two remaining members of the Dolls might play together again.

Through the efforts of Morrissey, the group reunited in 2004 to play a concert that exceeded everyone's expectations. Past hurt had been forgotten, and the band's music was a triumph.

In case you don't know Kane's story, I won't give away the ending of the film. I will say only that I was deeply touched by the story of this gentle soul. My musical tastes don't include the style of the Dolls, but this film will be one I watch many times for its beautiful message.

It also will be one I recommend to my class. Kane's story illustrates many elements in theories of conversion as well as the role that religion can play in one's life. Rent or purchase a copy of New York Doll and see for yourself. You will be glad you did.