Cory B. Scott's Blog
February 14, 2023
Eating the Apple Part 4: The Long-Term Effects of Religious Indoctrination in Children
Religious indoctrination in children can have a significant impact on their adult life. Indoctrination refers to the process of teaching and instilling a particular set of beliefs, values, or ideologies in a person, often from a young age.
One way in which religious indoctrination can impact adult life is through the formation of rigid belief systems. Children who are raised with a particular set of religious beliefs may find it difficult to question or challenge those beliefs as they grow older. Some developmental psychologists believe that children are not capable of abstract reasoning, and they tend to view the world in a concrete, black-and-white manner. This can make it difficult for them to adapt to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking, limiting their ability to navigate a complex and ever-changing world. Some studies have shown that religious children are more likely to grow up with dogmatic and closed-minded thinking patterns, which can limit their ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
Another impact is that religious indoctrination can lead to a lack of critical thinking skills. Children who are taught to accept religious beliefs without question may not develop the ability to evaluate and analyze information, making it more difficult for them to make well-informed decisions and to engage in constructive dialogue and debate.
Another study found that children who are exposed to religious ideas at a young age are less likely to question authority and more likely to conform to societal norms. Like father, like son: Religious beliefs are transmitted across generations.
Religious indoctrination can also lead to a lack of tolerance and acceptance towards those who hold different beliefs. Children who are taught that their religion is the only correct one may have difficulty understanding and respecting the perspectives and beliefs of others, leading to conflict and division in their personal and professional relationships. Indoctrination can lead to a lack of religious diversity and tolerance and can perpetuate prejudice and discrimination.
Religious indoctrination can also limit the ability to form one’s own identity and self-expression. Children who are raised with a particular set of religious beliefs may struggle to find their own voice and to define their own values and beliefs as adults. As psychologist and philosopher Carl Jung stated, “religion is not what the individual believes, but rather what the individual does with those beliefs” (Jung).
Religious indoctrination can also have a negative impact on mental health, with studies showing a correlation between religious upbringing and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
It’s important to note that the above impacts are not always the case and are not inherent in all forms of religious education, but can be a result of an authoritarian, dogmatic, and inflexible approach to teaching religion. It’s important to expose children to a diverse range of religious and secular perspectives and to teach them how to think critically and respectfully about different beliefs.
Religious indoctrination in children can have a significant impact on their adult life by limiting their ability to think critically, to form their own identity, and to respect and accept the beliefs of others, question authority, and make informed decisions. It can also contribute to mental health issues and societal conformity, hindering personal growth and progress. It’s important for individuals to critically examine their religious beliefs and practices. Parents and religious leaders should be mindful of the ways in which they teach religion to children, promoting a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking and respect for diversity of thoughts and beliefs.
February 4, 2023
Eating the Apple Part 3 – Exploitation in the Name of God: Uncovering the Dark Side of Religious Manipulation
Religious manipulation is a dark and troubling topic. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups use religion and the concept of God to exploit and control others for their gain. God knows I had fallen prey to this, especially when I was younger. In this blog, I’ll explore some of the ways I was duped now that reflection and gray hair have given me valuable insights into how these people and organizations work.
One principle often used by these individuals is the idea of authority and power. They may claim to have a special connection to God or divine knowledge and use this to control and dominate others. They may also use fear and intimidation to maintain this power, claiming that disobedience or questioning their authority will lead to punishment from God. This is often implied subtly and casually, backed up with selected scriptures or holy texts taken out of context.
Another principle used by these individuals is the idea of salvation and redemption. They may promise salvation or redemption to those who follow their teachings or donate money to their cause, using this to manipulate and exploit vulnerable individuals. Redemption is very effective; who doesn’t want forgiveness? Who doesn’t want a clean slate? And most effective, who doesn’t want financial blessings?
A third principle is the false sense of community. These leaders may create a sense of belonging and community among their followers, but this is often used to control and manipulate them. They may also use this sense of community to isolate their followers from the outside world, making it difficult for them to leave or seek help. For me, I had to come to the hard realization that it wasn’t God I felt connected to, it was the people. When the people were gone so was the feeling of closeness to a God. So, was it God I was following or a congregation? The answer was eye-opening to me.
It’s important to note that these actions and principles do not align with the actual teachings of any religion and are, in fact, manipulation and abuse of the faith for personal gain. It’s always important to be critical of any claims of authority and to question the motivations of those who claim to speak for God. Additionally, it’s essential to seek guidance from respected and reputable religious leaders and to be skeptical of any group or individual that seems to be primarily focused on financial gain or personal power. It’s also crucial to be aware of the warning signs of manipulation and abuse and to seek help if you or someone you know is being taken advantage of in the name of religion.
Ultimately, God’s true principles, according to most religions, promote love, compassion, and kindness toward all. Any individual or group that uses religion as a tool for exploitation and abuse goes against these fundamental principles and should be condemned and held accountable for their actions.
The pain and devastation these organizations and individuals bring can be horrific to the ones who fall prey to them. We must deny the temptation to belong to a group that makes us feel special or wanted.
We can certainly take the teachings of love and forgiveness to heart and apply them to those around us. As I see it, life has already given us a church or congregation just by proximity. We encounter people every day in our interactions. We live in neighborhoods, and we have families. This is what life has given us first as our church or congregation. If we can’t show love, patience, and peace toward those in our lives, we have no business doing it with local church members or within our specific religious belief systems.
Join us next time when we explore how religious indoctrination in children can have a significant impact on their adult life in Eating the Apple Part 4 The Long-Term Effects of Religious Indoctrination in Children.
Follow me on the following: https://linktr.ee/authorcorybscott
January 30, 2023
Empowering Refugee Immigrants: Alliant’s CSML ConsultEX Collaboration with Amna Sanctuary
The California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) Professional Development program (CPD) trains students to give back to minority-owned businesses and not-for-profits by engaging in planning, growth, marketing, and culture-related projects.
The CSML ConsultEX program at Alliant International University is proud to announce that our students have provided free consulting services to Amna Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that empowers refugee immigrants with support and manual skills to earn money.
“Non-profits are the conscience of society. They remind us of our shared humanity, and that we are all in this together.” – Rabbi Irwin Kula
Amna Sanctuary was founded with the goal of helping immigrants who have fled their home countries in search of a better life but are struggling to find gainful employment in the United States. The organization provides training and resources to help these individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in the American workforce.
The CSML students have been working closely with Amna Sanctuary to provide consulting services that will help the organization achieve its mission. They have been conducting market research, analyzing data, and developing strategic plans to help the organization reach its target audience and better serve the needs of the refugee immigrant community.
One of the key areas of focus for the students has been helping Amna Sanctuary develop a sustainable business model. They have been working to identify potential sources of funding, such as grants and donations, and to develop strategies for generating revenue through the sale of goods and services.
The students have also been helping the organization to build a strong brand and to increase its visibility in the community. They have been working on marketing and communications strategies, including the development of a website, social media presence, and promotional materials.
“Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.” – Anonymous
CSML students are proud to be part of this partnership, as it not only allows them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in the classroom but also it gives them the opportunity to contribute positively to their community. The partnership between CSML and Amna Sanctuary is a great example of how education and community service can come together to create positive change.
CSML’s ConsultEX program continues to bring economic empowerment to the world and our local community. We encourage other universities and organizations to get involved with Amna Sanctuary and support their important work for refugee immigrants. Together, we can make a real impact in the lives of our new community members and help them become more secure and independent.
About the Author:
Dr. Cory B. Scott is the creator of the CSML ConsultEX program and a highly respected author, professor, and family man. He is a dedicated educator with a passion for leadership and management studies. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his students at the California School of Management and Leadership at Alliant International University, where he currently teaches and serves as the Director of the PhD in Leadership program.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Scott is also a proud father and grandfather. He values the importance of family and has been happily married for 30 years. His dedication to both his professional and personal pursuits is an inspiration to those around him.
Dr. Scott’s publications have been widely read and well-received, and he has made significant contributions to the field of leadership studies. His research interests include leadership development, ethics, emotional intelligence, and organizational behavior.
With his wealth of experience and expertise, Dr. Cory B. Scott is a respected and accomplished figure in the academic and professional communities. His dedication to his students, family, and the field of leadership studies is an inspiration to all who have the privilege to know him.
January 28, 2023
Eating the Apple Part 2: The Principles of God According to Man
Religion is a complex and ever-evolving concept that has been a central part of human culture for thousands of years. Throughout history, different cultures and societies have held different beliefs about the nature of God and the role that religion plays in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key principles of God according to man and how they relate to our understanding of the world around us.
“The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally soluble by reason, and that reason is the source of morality.” – Carl Jung.
One of the most fundamental principles of God according to man is the concept of archetypes. Archetypes are universal symbols or patterns that are found in the myths, stories, and religions of all cultures. They are believed to be innate and universal human experiences that shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. Examples of archetypes include the mother, the father, the hero, and the trickster (Jung, 1934).
Another key principle of God according to man is the concept of faith. Faith is the belief in something that cannot be proven or disproven through scientific means. It is a fundamental aspect of religion and is often considered to be the foundation of our understanding of God. Faith allows us to believe in something greater than ourselves and to find meaning and purpose in our lives. (Kurtz, 2010)
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The concept of God or gods in the garden, specifically the story of “eating the apple” in the Garden of Eden, is a metaphor that is often used to illustrate the idea of knowledge and the consequences of seeking it. The story teaches that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is something that is forbidden and can lead to dire consequences. This idea can discourage individuals from seeking knowledge, hindering personal growth and progress. Additionally, the garden is often seen as a symbol of paradise, a perfect and harmonious place where man lived in a perfect relationship with God and nature. (Eliade, 1957) This principle of God in the garden is also often used as a way to connect with the divine and to find a sense of peace and harmony in the world, as it is a reminder of the innate connection between humanity and the natural world.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” – Galileo Galilei.
Another important principle of God, according to man, is the idea of overcoming. This refers to the idea that we can overcome obstacles and difficulties in our lives through faith and determination. This principle is often used as a way to find hope and inspiration in the face of adversity and to find the strength to persevere in the face of challenges. (O’Connor, 2010)
The principles of God according to man are complex and varied, but they all share a common thread of connecting us to the divine and helping us to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Whether it be through the power of archetypes, the strength of faith, or the beauty of the natural world, these principles allow us to understand and connect with the divine in a way that is meaningful and personal to each individual.
Join us next time when we explore what happens when religious leaders use faith to manipulate their followers in Eating the Apple Part 3 – Exploitation in the Name of God- Uncovering the Dark Side of Religious Manipulation.
References:
Eliade, M. (1957). The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.
Jung, C. G. (1934). Archetypes and the collective unconscious. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Kurtz, P. (2010). Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism. Prometheus Books.
O’Connor, T. (2010). Overcoming: Finding Strength and Hope through Faith. New York: Image.
January 16, 2021
Knowledge Is a Burden
Knowledge is a burden,
It shrinks and erodes the magic,
It withers and corrodes faith in the unseen.
However, knowledge,
Also, allows reason to triumph over emotion,
It permits loves victory over hate,
And it shows us that we are all the same,
One race of humans who know very little.
CB Scott 1/16/21
November 8, 2020
My Grandbaby Took His First Step
With all the craziness of 2020, it is vital to take a moment, here and there, to sit back and enjoy life. With the forced stay at home orders and Covid-19 disruptions, our lives have also come to a forced pause, a time to smell the roses if you will.
One thing I will forever be grateful for is that this time has forced me to be at home with family, and I will forever remember that I was there when my grandson took his first step, something that I certainly would have missed if not for the events of 2020.
Will 2020 go down as the worst year ever? I think that is our choice and a matter of our chosen perspectives.
July 22, 2020
Introduction to Toxic Leadership – Part 1
A Free Five Part Series
A Powerful Five Part Series Every Leader Should WatchIntroduction to Toxic Leadership – Part 2
A Free Five Part Series
Toxic Leadership Part 2A Powerful Series Every Leader Should Watch
Introduction to Toxic Leadership – Part 3
A Free Five Part Series
A Powerful Series Every Leader (and Follower) Should Watch
Introduction to Toxic Leadership – Part 4
A Free Five Part Series
A Powerful Series Every Leader (and Follower) Should Watch
