Author M.E. Anders, the Cult Slayer » PsychPod Studio http://mindi.authormeanders.com Psychological Thriller Author - Thrillers for Thinkers Mon, 28 May 2012 06:58:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat ten of minutes of psychological news, views, and interviews. Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion. M.E. Anders no mindiesther@comcast.net (Author M.E. Anders) PsychPod Studio Podcast by M.E. Anders is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Psychological & Thriller News religious,cults,religious,groups,religious,lies,losing,religion,how,to,become,atheist,freethinker,podcast,freethinking,podcast,cult,survivor,sects,and,cults,religious,sects,christianity,exchristian,leaving,christianity,pagan,heathen,psychol Author M.E. Anders, the Cult Slayer » PsychPod Studio http://mindi.authormeanders.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PsychPod-Studio-Cover-Art.jpg http://mindi.authormeanders.com/category/psychpod-studio/ TV-G Chicago, IL Weekly PsychPod Studio Podcast by M.E. Anders is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.religious,cults,religious,groups,religious,lies,losing,religion,how,to,become,atheist,freethinker,podcast,freethinking,podcast,cult,survivor,sects,and,cults,religious,sects,christianity,exchristian,leaving,christianity,pagan,heathen,psycholArts/LiteratureScience & Medicine/Social SciencesSociety & Culture/PhilosophyReligion & Spirituality/OtherSociety & Culture/Personal Journalsmindiesther@comcast.netM.E. Anders42.077178-87.723736PsychPodStudioPodcasthttp://feedburner.google.com Sexual Orientation and Religious Discrimination http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/sexual-orientation-and-religious-discrimination/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/sexual-orientation-and-religious-discrimination/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:00:20 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=5281
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/sexual-orientation-and-religious-discrimination/feed/ 0 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast What's it like to grow up in a home where sexual orientation is discriminated against because of religious worldviews?  In episode 20, I tackle the hushed topic of controversy amongst many fundamentalists and conservatives - sexual orientation. What's it like to grow up in a home where sexual orientation is discriminated against because of religious worldviews?  In episode 20, I tackle the hushed topic of controversy amongst many fundamentalists and conservatives - sexual orientation.  Are we born with sexual orientation, or is attraction a choice? Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News: Psychopaths and Stalking  - Fabulous article by one of my favorite bloggers on the psychopath. “Paradoxically, psychopaths are egomaniacs without pride. Their shamelessness, lack of boundaries and hunger for control often leads them to relentlessly pursue individuals who don’t want them, and who repeatedly reject them. Normal human beings not only don’t desire to stalk others because they have boundaries, but also they would feel too deeply embarrassed and humiliated to continue pursuing individuals who have rejected them over and over again. This common sense logic does NOT apply to psychopaths...” Click here to read the rest of the article.   What I’m Reading? Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance by Marcus Buckingham   What I’m Writing? Not much novel writing.  I’ve been focusing my creative writing into my social media community management job.  I have some exciting news about my future in this career, but I’m waiting to tell you when it’s official.   What I’m Watching? Game of Thrones - I am already addicted to this show.  I’ve been bingeing on the episodes - watched four of them in one night!  Tremendous (sometimes gory) cinematography and acting.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A) - In response to my podcast questions, “Can Religion Be Bad For Kids?” Howard says, “Yes, I am a former Evangelical, though open to a possible reattachment to some very progressive church. Of all prominent “theologies” I definitely find most helpful and feasible that called Process Theology–I did PhD work at Claremont, which houses their Center for Process Studies. As to the question of abuse of kids via religion–no time to go into that. Personally my main sense of “abuse” (very broadly defined) was that I was conditioned to think in terms of only “right” (orthodox) theology and view of the world–and only one way of salvation, etc.  Took me many years of gradually deepening questioning and searching to, by age 45 or so, make a major paradigm switch.  Even that is quite traumatic for some, though for me was gradual enough that trauma was kept mostly to very scared, negative reactions and minor shunning from close family and other relatives–all conservative believers.  That is partly smoothed over, tho I imagine will never be completely.  So perhaps a blessing that my parents had passed and I’d not been very close with my two sisters even prior to my transition.”   Today’s Topic:  Sexual Orientation and Religious Discrimination Which groups are discriminated against? Anyone who is not heterosexual. Anyone who is not monogamous. Anyone who claims that “they were born this way.” LGBTQ - even asexuals. Author M.E. Anders clean 17:11 Revealing the Hidden Abuse in Churches http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/revealing-the-hidden-abuse-in-churches/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/revealing-the-hidden-abuse-in-churches/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:00:40 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=5146
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/04/revealing-the-hidden-abuse-in-churches/feed/ 0 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 19 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the abuse that can lurk within the walls of our most distinguished churches. Are churches a safe haven for children?  Do abusers have free reign over the minds, bodies, In Episode 19 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the abuse that can lurk within the walls of our most distinguished churches. Are churches a safe haven for children?  Do abusers have free reign over the minds, bodies, and sexuality of these innocent kids? Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News: Meet the Mercy Ministries Survivors run by my friend, Lisa Kerr:   Mercy Ministries Survivors is a support network of geographically dispersed women who have survived placement in the Mercy Ministries program run world-wide. As well as serving as a point of contact for survivors of Mercy Ministries, this site is also aimed at assisting potential future applicants in their own decision making process. Features of this website include: - Excerpts of various media articles covering the both the Australian scandal and issues with Mercy Ministries globally. Links to blogs of former residents sharing their personal accounts and journey towards healing. Links to other blogs and websites that discuss Mercy Ministries. A resource page that lists alternative help points for potential future Mercy Ministries applicants who decide to seek help elsewhere. Information and resources for concerned family or friends of current or future potential Mercy Ministries clients. A resources page for survivors of Mercy Ministries and other destructive groups including counseling services and a list of resources personally recommended by survivors of Mercy Ministries. This site is run by survivors for survivors and is supported by volunteers and kind donors.   What I’m Reading? The Single Girl’s Manifesta by Jerusha Stewart Blurb, "Ever wonder why you're the last single girl among all your married girlfriends? Do you have a gorgeous, talented, witty daughter, sister or best friend who just can't seem to find the perfect mate? Don't stress, you - and that fabulous woman you know - have something in common with 96 million other Americans: You're single!"   What I’m Writing? I am finally getting back into my writing after such an upheaval in my life with my divorce and relocation to Central Coastal California.  My goal is 10,000 words/week on my first book, Playing God.  At that rate, I’ll be finished with my 2nd draft within 9 more weeks!   What I’m Watching?  The Hunger Games - who actually has NOT seen this movie by now?   Today’s Topic:  Denial of Abuse in Churches Types of Abuse Physical Did the leaders not notice the bruises, cuts, scratches, and abrasions? Could relatives not notice what was happening? Emotional Psychological Consequences of Abuse in Churches God can seem to be silent to these children. Children are taught to forgive their abuses “seventy times seven” in Matthew 18:21-22...that’s what we were taught in high school when girls/boys came forward to leaders about their abuse. No meaningful statistics comparing and contrasting abuse in religious setting with secular settings. Author M.E. Anders clean 15:51 Can Religion Be Bad For Kids? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/can-religion-be-bad-for-kids/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/can-religion-be-bad-for-kids/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:02 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4950
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/can-religion-be-bad-for-kids/feed/ 2 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,author,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Child abuse,Christianity,critical thinking,cult In Episode 18 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of can religion be bad for children. Most of the time, we only think of the positive aspects of religion upon childrens' development into responsible and well-grounded individuals. In Episode 18 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of can religion be bad for children. Most of the time, we only think of the positive aspects of religion upon childrens' development into responsible and well-grounded individuals.  Is there a dark side?  If so, how can we recognize the symptoms of dangerous religion or religious leaders? Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News:   Are Honor Killings Acceptable?  Janet Heimlich brings awareness to these serious issues in North America in her blog article: “Naturally, many Muslims find the killings horrific and have openly condemned the violent acts. They insist that honor killing is not part of Islam, pointing out that the practice is not discussed in the Qur’an. One of those Muslims is Ali Falih Altaie, the imam at the Shafias’ mosque. In a media interview, Altaie denounced the murders as “unforgivable,” “unacceptable by any religion,” and “unbelievable.” Said Altaie, “Only people who have lost their brain do that.” But as shocking as the crimes were, why did Altaie find them to be “unbelievable”? This case is not the first honor killing to take place in Canada or the United States. In fact, honor killings are on the rise in Canada, often perpetrated by Muslim immigrants. Just last summer, a Pakistani father and brother of 16-year-old Aqsa Parvez of Ontario were sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murdering Aqsa, when she would not wear a hijab covering.” Click here to read the rest of the article.   What I’m Reading? Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain Blurb, “Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so.”   What I’m Writing? Peace Corps Applications and Addendums - it’s typically a 9-15 month process to get accepted.  Good thing I am a writer to jump through all their hoops!   What I’m Watching?  Spartacus (1960 version) - “Spartacus is the bold gladiator slave who leads a massive slave revolt against Imperial Rome in this epic true account of man's eternal struggle for freedom.”   Where am I? My new studio apartment in the countryside just outside San Luis Obispo, California.  I’m experiencing a bit of culture shock, as you could imagine, moving from the Chicago area to the West Coast.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A) In answer to my podcast, “Do Christians Really Leave Religion Because of Other Christians?” ShadowGalleryV says, “I think if I had to categorize myself, I’d say I was a Deist. There’s a part of me that wants to believe there is something more than this life… Reading the bible and finding hypocrisies, cruelty and inhumanity, my own personal experiences and the behavior of other holy and elect “Christians” is what eventually led me out of Christianity. When I allowed myself to really, really question and doubt, thinking that if this bible stuff is true, Author M.E. Anders clean 14:27 Why Debate the Existence of God? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/why-debate-the-existence-of-god/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/why-debate-the-existence-of-god/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:00:41 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4936
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/why-debate-the-existence-of-god/feed/ 0 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 17 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of why should we even debate the existence of a god. The question of whether or not there exists some sort of god is not one which should necessarily preoccupy the minds of atheists a... In Episode 17 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of why should we even debate the existence of a god. The question of whether or not there exists some sort of god is not one which should necessarily preoccupy the minds of atheists all of the time, but it is one to which we should return from time to time. Theists - especially Christians - regularly challenge us with all sorts of arguments and ideas which supposedly demonstrate that some sort of god definitely exists. Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News:  Are You in Love with a Sociopath?   Signs you might be in a relationship with a sociopath: Your partner lies more often than they tell the truth. Your partner has no friends, but also has ready excuses for why that is. Your partner can’t hang on to a job (and also has ready excuses for why that is.) Your partner shows no remorse when they do something wrong, whether it is to you or others. Your partner blames others for things that were clearly their own fault. Your partner is constantly seeking that “next thrill” through drugs, alcohol, risky behaviors, sexual promiscuity, etc. Your partner has a long list of past relationships, and somehow, they all ended because it was the other person’s fault. Click this link to read the entire article: Are You in Love with a Sociopath?   What I’m Reading? The Leopard - by Jo Nesbo.  I am listening to the audio version on my road trip. Blurb, "Two women are found murdered in Oslo – both of them have drowned in their own blood. What mystifies the police, is that the puncture wounds in the victim’s faces have been caused from the inside of their mouths. Kaja Solness from Homicide is sent to Hong Kong to track down a man that is the Oslo Police Department’s only specialist on serial killings. The severely addicted detective has tried to disappear in the vast, anonymous city. He is on the run and haunted by his last case…"   What I’m Writing? Job applications...and more job applications.  I’ve had some practice tweaking my resumes for various positions.  Not “fun” writing, but necessary.   What I’m Watching?  Martha Marcy May Marlene - Cult Thriller.  I have been looking forward to this movie release for several months.  It’s now on Netflix. Pitch line, "Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult."   Where am I? I’m actually on a road trip to move to San Luis Obispo as you’re listening to this.  Wish me luck - my first time crossing the country to the West Coast in a car.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A)   On the topic of Christianity and Slavery in my Freethinking Fashion interview:   Jason Brett Mullinder says, “I have a lot of problems with slavery and the way forced conversions are played down, yet there are many stories of missionaries having a hard time bringing the gospel to new lands. That it took over 1500 years for anyone to even think seriously about human rights is appalling, Author M.E. Anders clean 16:08 Does God Matter To You? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/does-god-matter-to-you/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/does-god-matter-to-you/#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:53 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4924
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/does-god-matter-to-you/feed/ 8 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 16 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of the how the belief in a god could influence our daily lives. The question of whether or not there exists some sort of god is not one which should necessarily preoccupy the minds of... In Episode 16 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the question of the how the belief in a god could influence our daily lives. The question of whether or not there exists some sort of god is not one which should necessarily preoccupy the minds of atheists all of the time, but it is one to which we should return from time to time. Theists - especially Christians - regularly challenge us with all sorts of arguments and ideas which supposedly demonstrate that some sort of god definitely exists. Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News:   How to Deal with a Narcissist I learned a lot about this issue, since I have been in successive relationships with narcissists.  Growing up in a cult, the ideal man was the ultimate narcissist.  These types were the ones who were most successful.  I’ve recently learned to stay as far away from a narcissist in my relationships as possible!   What I’m Reading? The graphic novel, Habibi by Craig Thompson Blurb, "Sprawling across an epic landscape of deserts, harems, and modern industrial clutter, Habibi tells the tale of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves bound to each other by chance, by circumstance, and by the love that grows between them. We follow them as their lives unfold together and apart; as they struggle to make a place for themselves in a world (not unlike our own) fueled by fear, lust, and greed; and as they discover the extraordinary depth—and frailty—of their connection. At once contemporary and timeless, Habibi gives us a love story of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling."     What I’m Writing? I am brainstorming a memoir/story from my recent family experience.  It’s unique enough to write as a memoir, but I could also use it as a plot for fiction.  I have about 63,000 words written for this one.     What I’m Watching?  Terminator - with Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Can you believe I have never seen this film?  I know, I’ve lived in the Dark Ages of Hollywood.   Where am I? Tomorrow, I am attending my Grandma’s wedding!  I’m so excited for her.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A)   In response to this post of Tebow and the Starving African: Nathaniel Kramer says, “I hope this doesn't offend you, but I couldn't help but pray and hope that this verse doesn't apply to you. Romans 9:22 "What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:" God has used people like you before as examples and I wouldn't put it past him to do it again. I really hope I'm wrong about this, but I felt I had to say something. Like your Tebow/Africa picture proves, God isn't obliged to give anyone mercy. This could be your last warning. Your hatred of God cannot continue without horrific consequences. You will only experience more torments and bitterness. Author M.E. Anders clean 15:21 What’s the Difference Between a Religion and a Cult? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/whats-the-difference-between-a-religion-and-a-cult/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/whats-the-difference-between-a-religion-and-a-cult/#comments Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:37 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4912
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/03/whats-the-difference-between-a-religion-and-a-cult/feed/ 3 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 15 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the difference between a cult and a religion. Are all religions actually cults which have been accepted in mainstream culture?  Is there a surefire test to prove whether or not a religion is a cult? In Episode 15 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss the difference between a cult and a religion. Are all religions actually cults which have been accepted in mainstream culture?  Is there a surefire test to prove whether or not a religion is a cult? Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News: How One Woman Left Islam - Wafaa Soultan If you cannot see the video in your browser, click here to watch it in a new window.   What I’m Reading?  Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone by Eric Klineberg     What I’m Writing? Busy getting ready for my new life as a single, so I have been writing up blog posts, doing podcasts, and making videos ahead of time.  I am relocating to San Luis Obispo County, California as of March 18.     What I’m Watching?   Doubt - Blurb, "In a Bronx Catholic school in 1964 a popular priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled 12 year old black student is questioned by the school's principal." This movie left me ill at ease with the lingering questions, but it moved me in ways I would not have predicted.   Where am I? AWP Conference in Chicago from March 1 - March 3, 2012.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A)   In response to my podcast about “Do Christians Really Leave Religion Because of Other Christians?”   Lilburn Lowell Decker  says, “When someone learns I'm an ex-Christian and now an athesit, the most common knee-jerk conclusion of fundamentalists is that I renounced the religion because I was "hurt". Hundreds of times I've heard "I'm sorry you were hurt" and they say that with the stupid attitude that just saying that will make things okay and that I will run back to the church. When I point out that the harm done by religion is secondary and that the REAL reason that I (and many others) renounced religion is that we studied religion. (In my case I studied the bible for about 10 years to be a preacher and THAT is the primary reason I am no longer a Christian.) When fundies ask "What happened?" I reply "I learned too much" and they almost invariably change the subject. Based on my experience as a fundamentalist Southern Baptist and what I know about other cults, I suspect that most of the cult members (and I include all fundamentalist Southern Baptists to be cult members) have been taught that nobody ever leaves their cult unless there is something wrong with the one who leaves the cult. Many of them seem afraid to even entertain the possibility that their cult could be the problem.”   Today’s Topic:  What's the Difference Between a Religion and a Cult? This chart comes courtesy of the Cult Hotline and Clinic Website. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A DESTRUCTIVE CULT AND A RELIGION CULT, CULTIC GROUP RELIGION Deceit in recruitment Information offered up front Totalitarian Allows freedom of thought and members have a say Destroys that family unit Promotes the family unit Isolates its members Works within society Keeps non-believers out Open to general community Author M.E. Anders clean 16:08 Questioning God’s Existence – Is There a God? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/questioning-gods-existence-is-there-a-god/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/questioning-gods-existence-is-there-a-god/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:00:20 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4838
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/questioning-gods-existence-is-there-a-god/feed/ 2 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 14 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss how I began questioning God’s existence after growing up in a religious cult for 20 years.  How do those of us from religious fundamentalism allow ourselves a guilt-free exploration of the question, In Episode 14 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss how I began questioning God’s existence after growing up in a religious cult for 20 years.  How do those of us from religious fundamentalism allow ourselves a guilt-free exploration of the questio... Author M.E. Anders clean 3 Healing Strategies for Post-Trauma Night Terrors http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/3-healing-strategies-for-post-trauma-night-terrors/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/3-healing-strategies-for-post-trauma-night-terrors/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:23 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4737
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/3-healing-strategies-for-post-trauma-night-terrors/feed/ 0 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast In Episode 13 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss how those who survive a traumatic experience endure extreme nightmares.  What causes recurring night terrors after a traumatic occurrence?  How can we heal psychologically to lessen the night terr... In Episode 13 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I discuss how those who survive a traumatic experience endure extreme nightmares.  What causes recurring night terrors after a traumatic occurrence?  How can we heal psychologically to lessen the night terrors?  All this and more in the show. Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion.   How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes  One bit of Psych News: Marlene Winell - A special area of expertise is Dr. Winell's work on religious recovery, which is based on both personal and clinical experience.  Inspired by her own journey out of Christian fundamentalism, she worked with clients in Colorado who had experienced a variety of damaging religious influences.  She then interviewed widely on this subject and published her first book, Leaving the Fold: a Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion in 1994.  Since then, Marlene has specialized in this area of work - consulting, teaching, and leading recovery workshops for people coming out of various religions. She has a tremendous series about Religious Trauma Syndrome on YouTube, which demonstrates how man could create God in our own image, instead of vice versa. What I’m Reading? The Innocent by Taylor Stevens.  Book Blurb:  Eight years ago, a man walked five-year-old Hannah out the front doors of her school and spirited her over the Mexican border, taking her into the world of a cult known as The Chosen. For eight years, followers of The Prophet have hidden the child, moving her from country to country, shielding the man who stole her. Now, those who've searched the longest know where to find her. They are childhood survivors of The Chosen, thirty-somethings born and raised inside the cult who've managed to make a life for themselves on the outside. They understand the mindset, the culture within that world, and turn to Vanessa Michael Munroe for help, knowing that the only possibility of stealing Hannah back and getting her safely out of Argentina is to trust someone who doesn't trust them, and get Munroe on the inside.   What I’m Writing? I am in the middle of my second draft of Playing God.  Interesting how the story has taken on a life of its own.   What I’m Watching?  Goodfellas - really enjoyed the storytelling capabilities of the screenwriters. I had no idea it was based upon a true story. Where am I? 2.11.2012 - Saturday Talk and Q&A with Bill Wolf: Cook County Public Defender Time:  11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Appearance Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 West Madison, Forest Park, IL 60130 www.centuriesandsleuths.com   Reader Mailbag (Q & A) In response to recent blog post, Are You a Skeptic or Believer in the Paranormal? Chris Gronlund says, “Thanks for sharing this, M.E! When I was younger, I really tried understanding why people believed in things that made no sense to me. When it became clear that many of them (okay, MOST people I encountered) were not as willing to listen to me as I was to listen to them, I finally gave up. I’ve gone to so many churches with friends, Author M.E. Anders clean Do Christians Leave Religion Because of Other Christians? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/do-christians-leave-religion-because-of-other-christians/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/do-christians-leave-religion-because-of-other-christians/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:59 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4667
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/02/do-christians-leave-religion-because-of-other-christians/feed/ 36 "Mystery Fiction","Religious (Catholicism)"; simon toyne,agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book review,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking I tackle the misconception that ex-Christians leave religion solely because of negative experiences in Christianity. How should an ex-Christian answer when accused of forsaking God because of being offended by Christians? - I tackle the misconception that ex-Christians leave religion solely because of negative experiences in Christianity. How should an ex-Christian answer when accused of forsaking God because of being offended by Christians? In Episode 12 of the PsychPod Studio Podcast, I explain my experience as a former religious cult member to becoming an atheist. Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion. How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News: Valerie Tarico - Psychologist available to help those transitioning from religion. She has a tremendous series about the Emotions of God on YouTube, which demonstrates how man could create God in our own image, instead of vice versa. What I’m Reading? Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne.  One of the best introductory books to evolution for prior Intelligent Design and Creationist proponents.   What I’m Writing? I am in the middle of my second draft of Playing God.  Interesting how the story has taken on a life of its own.   What I’m Watching?  Chuck:  Season 4 - Yes, I am a Chuck addict.  The storytelling is tight.  Every detail within an episode has at least one purpose, if not many.  I need to take a lesson or two from these TV screenwriters.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A) In response to Brad Snowder's post about what really happened "In the Big Inning" of the Bible: Jason Brett Mullinder says, “One of my college lecturers liked to point out that the Bible is an eastern book, we are so far removed from the original culture and understanding yet still cling to the words like an un-named Idol of a long forgotten civilization that apparently was very powerful (despite the fact it is decimated). Its ironic your point about Tribal cultures since it was missionaries and theologians that inspired the destruction of them in more recent centuries. Some pockets of christianity try and reclaim the tribal culture, to somehow undo thousands of years of atrocities, social justice & other agendas, all the while proclaiming “My God has a bigger **** then yours” or whatever more socially acceptable paraphrase is used on their particular schoolyard.”     Daily Topic: You Rejected God. Who Hurt You? Why do Christians default to this question when you admit that you have lost faith? They are taught that every person who leaves faith does so because someone hurt them. They cannot accept the answer that we have come to that conclusion from an intellectual standpoint because the Bible is “irrefutably” true.  Duh!  It says so. :) It is true that some people leave faith and religion because of negative experiences. This is a very natural human response to trauma. Still, there are many of my friends who have succumbed to the Stockholm Syndrome and stay even through repeated abuse. Christians will often say, “People may let you down, but Jesus Christ never does.” This sounds good to Christians in theory. Problem is that they have often not questioned their beliefs in light of contradictory evidence.  If it does not support their belief system, they ignore it as from the devil. Author M.E. Anders clean Is Divorce a Dirty Word? http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/01/is-divorce-a-dirty-word/ http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/01/is-divorce-a-dirty-word/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:22 +0000 mindiesther@comcast.net (M.E. Anders) http://mindi.authormeanders.com/?p=4664
This is just a teaser. For show notes and more psychological and thriller news, please check out my website.
]]> http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/01/is-divorce-a-dirty-word/feed/ 9 agnostic,agnosticism,Atheism,atheist,baptist podcast,best thriller novels,book reviews,Christianity,critical thinking,cult,cult escape,cult podcast Why do pastors preach that 1 man + 1 woman = 4 life? What's the big problem in getting divorced?  Is divorce really bad for the children?  When can be divorce be a positive experience?  In Episode 11 of this PsychPod Studio Podcast, Why do pastors preach that 1 man + 1 woman = 4 life? What's the big problem in getting divorced?  Is divorce really bad for the children?  When can be divorce be a positive experience?  In Episode 11 of this PsychPod Studio Podcast, I demystify why divorce is the ugly "D" word in Christian conservatism. All this and more. Welcome to the PsychPod Studio Podcast with Psychological Thriller Author M.E. Anders, where we chat 15 minutes of weekly news and views.  Merging fact and fiction into an infotainment-packed show. Here we’ll explore hot psychological topics from the perspective of a suspense and mind-altering thriller author. Popular topics include cult survivor tales, author interviews, psychological expert interviews, reader discussions, critical thinking skills, skepticism, freethinking, and religion. How You Can Listen: iTunes - Click here to download the episode or listen in iTunes! RSS Feed - Click here to subscribe to the podcast in the RSS feed of your choice. Stitcher - PsychPod Studio is now on Stitcher!  Listen to us on the web, your iPhone, Android Phone,  BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Click the Play in New Window button below to listen now. _________________________________ The Podcast Shownotes One bit of Psych News: Naked Pastor - Are you transitioning out of religion?  Questioning your beliefs? I would highly recommend getting transition guidance if you are struggling.  Naked Pastor is an ex-pastor with extensive transition counseling experience: Naked Pastor says, "Yesterday a friend asked me what nakedpastor is about. What I am passionate about is helping people transition. When people start to question their beliefs and begin to move away from assumed commitments, there is basically no support. When you question your beliefs and begin moving away from your theology and even start to drift away from church or even Christianity altogether, basically you’re fucked. You’re on your own. There’s no support. Like I tweeted a couple of weeks ago: Navigating beyond the borders of the church is scary because support doesn’t come from the church but from that which it doesn’t endorse." Contact him here if you would like support for your journey. What I’m Reading? Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman In the highly anticipated Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities—and also the faults and biases—of fast thinking, and reveals the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and behavior.   What I’m Writing? Working on my second draft for Playing God, my first novel.   What I’m Watching?  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - American version. I also saw the Swedish version - not sure which version I like best. Both were incredible.   Reader Mailbag (Q & A) Brad Snowder, the Astroholic, kicked off his Bible Satire Series.  Last week, he covered what happened in Genesis.  Julie, one of my favorite writer-blogging friends, was so kind to leave her comment from a Christian perspective. Julie Glover says, “As a studious Christian myself, I note that the events are here in order and stay somewhat true to the biblical account. But of course, there is denotation and connotation. I obviously disagree with the description and conclusions. Some biblical scholars think that this is a literal story and others think that it is symbolic. Either way, believers agree that God is the ultimate creator. The reference to the plural (and yes, God says “we” should create) matches up with the Christian belief that God is three-in-one, a trinity. I do think it is reasonable for people to question their own theology or be questioned by others. Anyone who believes that this is truth (and as a Christian, Author M.E. Anders clean M.E. AndersnonadultPsychological & Thriller News