Shalom everyone,
In my personal ministry, I have always felt that we need to break free of the oppressive and cumulative mistakes that religion has made over the centuries, and which have given God a bad reputation. If religion is to survive in an ever-increasingly secular world, where religion is perceived as the domain of narrow-minded and unthinking individuals, it needs to change its approach, to become something that is a positive and healthy benefit to the human mind. So I asked Google AI this question:
“What ten main things should a decent religion teach, which are in tune with developing a healthy human psyche?”
The answers it gave me very much accord with my personal ideals for Talmidaism. The only practical difficulties would be in the area of ideals which need a large base of members in order to operate well (such as a functioning social support network). I hope that in time, as we grow, that people will remember these ideals and put them into practice.
I also feel we must remember that there is a way of being positive in life without being arrogant or vain; sometimes, the type of individual who graduates from ‘positive thinking’ seminars, becomes so full of themselves, almost like super-charged ‘power-competitors’, that they look down on those who are not as strong as they have become. In the Yahwist mindset, the strong protect the weak, as well as helping them to become strong themselves. In Israelite culture, the strong have a humility before God that is lacking in some overly confident individuals in secular society. You can still be confident and have a dignified demeanour, without being arrogant, pushy or overbearing.
So here was Google AI’s answer:
A decent religion aligned with a healthy human psyche would likely teach the following: community and belonging, promoting strong social support; meaning and purpose, providing answers to existential questions and a sense of direction; compassion and forgiveness, fostering positive relationships and emotional well-being; resilience and coping skills, helping individuals navigate any stress and loss with hope; thankfulness and mindfulness, encouraging appreciation for the present moment, and so reducing negativity.
Here are ten core teachings which a decent religion in tune with a healthy human psyche might offer:
1. The pursuit of meaning and purpose
A healthy religion would teach that a person’s life has inherent meaning. By providing a framework for understanding one’s place in the world, it would help reduce existential anxieties and increase life-satisfaction. It would offer a path to discover personal meaning through one’s relationships, contributions, and connection to a greater whole.
It would offer satisfying answers to existential questions like “why are we here?” and provide a sense of direction and purpose in life. This helps individuals make sense of their experiences and reduces existential angst by giving their life a greater meaning.
2. Radical forgiveness and compassion
Rather than using guilt or a punishing deity to force compliance, such a religion would emphasize forgiveness as a path to psychological health. It would teach unconditional love and compassion for oneself and others, and encourage members to practice self-forgiveness. The focus would be on repairing harm and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
A mentally healthy religion would promote compassion, empathy, and forgiveness towards others and oneself. These teachings encourage positive interpersonal relationships and help individuals cope with negative feelings and situations more constructively.
3. The development of self-worth
A decent religion would teach that self-worth is an intrinsic and fundamental human need, and does not need to be earned through performance or strict adherence to rules. It would provide a supportive community that helps members develop a secure and positive sense of self, fostering confidence, dignity, and independence.
4. Honest self-reflection and wisdom
Instead of blind faith, such a religion would encourage an open-ended search for truth, promoting intellectual humility and mature, ethical development. It would value practices that encourage honest self-reflection, such as meditation or contemplative prayer, as a way to build wisdom and self-awareness.
(Personal note: I think that part of this is allowing people to question and to doubt, and to have their questions answered. I really don’t think we should ever be scared of questions, or anxious about not knowing the answers; as long as we are honest and genuine, questions can lead to new insights. The Jewish people have always treasured questions and doubts as part of an honest faith. I have always tried my best to answer any and all questions presented to me, and if I don’t know the answer, I have done my best to research one. YHVH is a God of Wisdom; therefore, it is important that we don’t just settle for populist-type answers that seem right in the moment, or simple knee-jerk answers to issues. Important questions need well thought-out answers which will stand the test of time).
5. Embracing a growth-oriented mindset
Instead of teaching that misfortune is a form of divine punishment, a decent religion would teach that life-challenges are opportunities for growth; a psychologically sound religion would promote resilience, rather than encouraging members to avoid or fear adversity. It would reframe suffering not as punishment, but as a potential catalyst for character development, wisdom, and deeper meaning.
(Personal note: Rather than seeing God as a Being who makes sure that nothing bad ever happens to you – which is completely unrealistic – I have learnt from my own experience of God as a Being I can draw strength from; YHVH is a God who gives me courage and endurance to get through the bad times, so I have tried to teach that mindset to others).
6. The power of supportive community
This religion would be intentionally designed to foster strong, supportive social bonds that meet a fundamental human need for belonging. Such a community would function as a reliable support network during life’s difficulties, providing a sense of shared purpose and connection that reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation.
A healthy religion would provide a sense of community and belonging, offering social support and connection with others. This includes strong social networks, cohesion, and a feeling of being part of something larger than oneself, which can enhance well-being and offer support during difficult times.
7. Building Resilience and Hope:
It would promote a balanced approach to life’s circumstances by encouraging personal initiative and self-discipline, while also teaching the serenity and wisdom to accept things that cannot be changed. Members would learn healthy coping strategies to manage stress, rather than relying on denial or avoidance.
Such a religion’s teachings would provide coping mechanisms for stress, loss, and uncertainty, fostering hope and a positive outlook. This includes offering role models and a framework for enduring hardship, making negative life events less distressing.
8. Ethical conduct based on empathy
This religion would provide a clear ethical framework rooted in principles of kindness, empathy, and respect for all beings. The “golden rule” would be taught not as a rigid law, but as the natural outcome of a compassionate heart, and the understanding that all people deserve dignity.
9. Finding the divine in daily life
Instead of placing the divine in a distant or inaccessible realm, a healthy religion would find it in everyday life, creativity, and service to others. It would encourage its members to find a sense of awe and spiritual connection through a variety of personal and communal experiences, such as appreciating art, enjoying nature, or helping those in need.
(Personal Note: In my own ministry, I have purposefully tried to foster a deep, personal and vibrant connection to God – a living and emotional relationship with YHVH, who is close to our hearts and minds. I strongly believe that this closeness to God is what Yeshua tried to teach his followers during his ministry too).
10. Healthy detachment from materialism
Recognising the links between materialism and dissatisfaction, such a religion would promote a sense of gratitude for what one has, rather than an endless craving for more. It would teach the value of simplicity and contentment to liberate members from the external pressures of consumer culture, freeing them to pursue more meaningful pursuits.
A religion aligned with a healthy psyche would encourage thankfulness and living in the present moment. This practice can enhance positive emotions, focus on the good in life, and contribute to overall mental peace.