For Immediate Release
New York City Atheists
Web: nyc-atheists.org
Press contact: 212-879-2687
In an Economic Downturn,
Is It Better to Pray or to Work with Reality?
Realism Wins Hands Down, Says Psychologist Dr. Nando Pelusi
New York, Feb.19, 2009—Prayer, which is "like talking to an imaginary friend," may give one temporary succor
in tough economic times but realism will do the better job in the long run, says Dr. Nando Pelusi, who is speaking
at NYC Atheists' monthly meeting February 26 on "Handling Hard Times with Aplomb (and Without god)."
Using modern cognitive-behavioral approaches to get stronger—rather than seeking the feeling of distraction
through prayer—is the better way to go, believes the Albert Ellis-trained clinical psychologist, who also conducts
NYC Atheists' once-a-month Lifestyle Support Group.
Dr. Pelusi notes that since religiosity is found in all cultures and throughout history, scientists have posited the
theory that religion is an evolutionary adaptation that may have helped some of our ancestors in attributing
causality. "If we experience traumatic events, we like to think there's a purpose and a meaning to those events—
and that makes us feel better. And because this made our ancestors feel better, they felt it must be true."
Atheism Is Liberating
But if we had better ways of handling stress, we wouldn't need to resort to "magic," the psychologist points out.
"That's why I don't want to just attack religion. I want to show that religion is an outgrowth of human cognitive
processes and people are vulnerable to it. People are also vulnerable to depression, anxiety, rages. There's a
human emotional and cognitive propensity that makes us vulnerable to all kinds of false beliefs about ourselves,
about others, about the future, and to understand all of those is to see that atheism is positive, it can be fun, it's
liberating."
In fact, Dr. Pelusi points out, "Godless societies actually seem to do better in most things—the two big examples
are Denmark and Sweden. The most-religious societies tend to be the most destitute and the most dangerous. The
murder rates are highest in places that are most religious."
Dr. Pelusi, who uses a cognitive behavioral approach in his practice, earned his Ph.D. in a combined
psychotherapy and philosophy program at Hofstra. He was previously with the Albert Ellis Institute, where he
was a professional supervisor and conducted psychotherapy workshops with Dr. Ellis. Dr. Pelusi also writes a
column, called "Neanderthink" for Psychology Today magazine.
EVENT SUMMARY
WHAT: "Handling Hard Times with Aplomb (and Without God)," a talk
by Dr. Nando Pelusi, with a question period afterward in which
the audience can bring in relevant personal problems that may
be of general interest.
WHEN: February 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: SLC Conference Center
352 Seventh Ave. (bet. 29th & 30th Sts.)
16th Floor
COST: We would appreciate a donation of $5 toward the cost
of the meeting place.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Jane Everhart
Director of Communications
New York City Atheists Inc.
212 879-2687
Kenneth Bronstein, President
New York City Atheists Inc.
212-535-7425
-----------------------------------------------------
New York City Atheists Inc. is a 501C not-for-profit educational association dedicated to the separation of church
and state and to promoting the atheist lifestyle and values. All are welcome, including agnostics, humanists,
skeptics, freethinkers and those just questioning and seeking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
