Reason V Religion

Traditionally, religion and spirituality have provided meaning and purpose.

Yet in secular Australia, perceived freedom from doctrine coupled with increasingly fragmented and unstructured social roles may be causing or amplifying existential crises, according to psychologist Dr Brock Bastian from the University of Queensland. “This creates a lot of flexibility for people and leaves people open and free to engage in life as they wish but I think some people end up feeling a bit lost,” Dr Bastian says. The proportion of Australians identifying as Christian has fallen from 96 per cent in 1911 to around 61 per cent now. Those of us harbouring a belief in ‘something bigger’ may be better equipped to weather the struggles that inevitably form part of the human experience. In fact, science has found a direct link between religious practice and physical and emotional wellbeing. Research has linked religion to lower risk of suicide and substance abuse and regularly attending a religious gathering has been associated with reduced stress and anxiety. One Australian study even found that religion not only reduced the likelihood of suffering from depression, but may be used effectively as a therapeutic tool in its treatment. Psychologist Christina Comely is leading the way in integrating faith with conventional talk therapy.

“In my practice I use both cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and spiritually modified CBT,” says the Sydney-based practitioner.

Religious and spiritual practice can reinforce positive interpersonal factors such as humility, forgiveness and gratitude.

Professor Keith Ward, author of Is Religion Dangerous? says most religious beliefs are good for self-esteem. “They provide an ultimate hope that can survive almost any incidence of drug addiction, for instance.