RELIGION MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 10, 1972

Dr. Chesen bases his contention that religious tenets may be a factor in emotional and mental disturbances on what he believes to be a distorted view of reality inherent in religious teachings, bolstering his attack with scattered case histories of mental patients. He is critical of such matters as the Catholic position on abortion, divorce, and what he thinks is the Catholic position on virginity (""equated with saintliness""); the evangelical Protestants' propensity for inculcating fear, guilt, and, an obsession with perfection; and the Jewish religion's grisly tales for children. Unfortunately Dr. Chesen, perhaps because of a lack of adequate background in the contemporary educative approaches of the various American religions, is unable to offer convincing proof that religious doctrines have more direct influence on personality growth than, say, proclamations concerning patriotism or any set of propounded strictures where ritual expression may only be a social gesture. Dr. Chesen does think belief in the afterlife or prayer could be ""useful"" -- so it appears one must plow one's own pathway to the stars. Chesen leads from a weak suit having made a bold bid for controversial attention.

Pub Date: April 10, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Peter H. Wyden -- dist. by McKay

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION