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The book examines assertions made by the [[Transcendental Meditation movement]] (TM).<ref name="harvey" /> Utilizing scientific techniques, ''TM and Cult Mania'' analyzes the efficacy or lack thereof of the TM meditation process, concluding that it is, "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".<ref name="harvey" /> The authors write that, "Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures".<ref name="ralphsmith" /> The book notes that physiological changes observed due to partaking in TM methodology are very small.<ref name="weldon" /> Persinger, Carrey, and Suess conclude in ''TM and Cult Mania'', "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."<ref name="harvey" />
The book examines assertions made by the [[Transcendental Meditation movement]] (TM).<ref name="harvey" /> Utilizing scientific techniques, ''TM and Cult Mania'' analyzes the efficacy or lack thereof of the TM meditation process, concluding that it is, "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".<ref name="harvey" /> The authors write that, "Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures".<ref name="ralphsmith" /> The book notes that physiological changes observed due to partaking in TM methodology are very small.<ref name="weldon" /> Persinger, Carrey, and Suess conclude in ''TM and Cult Mania'', "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."<ref name="harvey" />


''TM and Cult Mania'' received a positive review in the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', where the reviewer noted that the authors utilize [[logic]] to point out transparencies in the assertions of Transcendental Meditation.<ref name="freshman" /> ''Rational Mysticism'' noted that the book uses a psychopathological technique to analyze a religious belief system.<ref name="horgan" /> ''TM and Cult Mania'' has been cited as a reference by researchers, in publications including the ''Journal of Public Child Welfare'',<ref name="bardin" /> ''Sociological Analysis'',<ref name="cartwright" /> and ''The Canadian Journal of Sociology''.<ref name="kent" />
A positive capsule review in the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' noted that the authors use [[logic]] to point out transparencies in the assertions of Transcendental Meditation.<ref name="freshman" /> ''Rational Mysticism'' questions Persinger's neutrality and says that in his book he treats religious beliefs and spiritual practices as mental illness.<ref name="horgan" /> ''TM and Cult Mania'' has been cited as a reference by researchers, in publications including the ''Journal of Public Child Welfare'',<ref name="bardin" /> ''Sociological Analysis'',<ref name="cartwright" /> and ''The Canadian Journal of Sociology''.<ref name="kent" />


==Authors==
==Authors==
Line 33: Line 33:


==Contents==
==Contents==
''TM and Cult Mania'' takes a look at the assertions made by the [[Transcendental Meditation movement]] and analyzes them from a scientific perspective.<ref name="harvey" /> The book acknowledges that those who utilize Transcendental Meditation techniques feel relaxed and experience an increase in creative functions.<ref name="harvey" /> According to the book, physiological impact from Transcendental Meditation are low by scientific standards.<ref name="harvey" /> The authors assert that the effects from the meditation process are "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".<ref name="harvey" /> Transcendental Meditation is seen as most noteworthy due to its ability to manipulate stress and expectancy.<ref name="freshman" />
''TM and Cult Mania'' takes a look at the assertions made by the [[Transcendental Meditation movement]] and analyzes them from a scientific perspective.<ref name="harvey" /> The book acknowledges that those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique feel relaxed and experience an increase in creativity.<ref name="harvey" /> According to the book, the physiological effects reported by the scientific studies on Transcendental Meditation are relatively small from a scientific perspective and "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".<ref name="harvey" /> Transcendental Meditation is seen as most noteworthy due to its ability to manipulate stress and expectancy.<ref name="freshman" />


"Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures", write the authors.<ref name="ralphsmith">{{cite journal|last =Smith, Jr, MD | first=Ralph S. |title=Maharishi Ayur-Veda|journal=[[Journal of the American Medical Association]]|publisher=[[American Medical Association]]|volume=266|issue=13|pages=1773–1774| date =October 2, 1991|issn=0098-7484}}</ref> The book notes, "Frankly, the reported effects of TM upon human behavior are trivial. Considering the alleged potency of the TM procedure, the changes in physiological and behavioral measures are conspicuously minute."<ref name="weldon">{{cite journal|last =Weldon| first=John|title=Transcendental Meditation in the New Millennium – Part Two: Does TM Really Work?|journal=Christian Research Journal|volume=27|issue=6|page=2|publisher=Christian Research Institute|location =[[Charlotte, North Carolina]] | year = 2004| id = JAT262‐2 }}</ref> ''TM and Cult Mania'' comes to the conclusion that, "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."<ref name="harvey">{{cite news| last = Harvey | first = Bob | coauthors = | title = Establishing Transcendental Meditation's identity; Few can agree if it's a religion, Hinduism or meditation | work = [[The Ottawa Citizen]] | page = C6 | date = December 18, 1993 }}</ref>
"Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures", write the authors.<ref name="ralphsmith">{{cite journal|last =Smith, Jr, MD | first=Ralph S. |title=Maharishi Ayur-Veda|journal=[[Journal of the American Medical Association]]|publisher=[[American Medical Association]]|volume=266|issue=13|pages=1773–1774| date =October 2, 1991|issn=0098-7484}}</ref> The book notes, "Frankly, the reported effects of TM upon human behavior are trivial. Considering the alleged potency of the TM procedure, the changes in physiological and behavioral measures are conspicuously minute."<ref name="weldon">{{cite journal|last =Weldon| first=John|title=Transcendental Meditation in the New Millennium – Part Two: Does TM Really Work?|journal=Christian Research Journal|volume=27|issue=6|page=2|publisher=Christian Research Institute|location =[[Charlotte, North Carolina]] | year = 2004| id = JAT262‐2 }}</ref> ''TM and Cult Mania'' comes to the conclusion that, "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."<ref name="harvey">{{cite news| last = Harvey | first = Bob | coauthors = | title = Establishing Transcendental Meditation's identity; Few can agree if it's a religion, Hinduism or meditation | work = [[The Ottawa Citizen]] | page = C6 | date = December 18, 1993 }}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
In a review of the book for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', Phil Freshman commented, "Using hard logic and crackling humor, a trio of Canadian laboratory researchers cogently deflates Transcendental Meditation; they spotlight transparencies in its claims and warn of its latent hazards to those in wobbly mental health."<ref name="freshman">{{cite news| last = Freshman | first =Phil | title =Notable: TM and Cult Mania | work =[[Los Angeles Times]] | page = Q8 | date = August 24, 1980}}</ref> In his book ''Rational Mysticism'', author John Horgan comments that the book "cast religious belief and spiritual practices in a psychopathological light".<ref name="horgan">{{cite book| last = Horgan| first = John | title = Rational Mysticism: Dispatches from the Border Between Science and Spirituality | publisher = Mariner Books | year = 2004 | page = 95| isbn = 978-0618446636}}</ref> ''TM and Cult Mania'' has been cited by researchers as a reference in works including the ''Journal of Public Child Welfare'',<ref name="bardin">{{cite journal|last =Bardin| first= Livia |title=Recognizing and Working with an Underserved Culture: Child Protection and Cults |journal=Journal of Public Child Welfare|volume=3|issue=2|pages=114–138 | date = April 2009 | doi =10.1080/15548730802690759 }}</ref> ''Sociological Analysis'',<ref name="cartwright">{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3711432|last =Cartwright| first=Robert H. |coauthors=[[Stephen A. Kent]]|title=Social Control in Alternative Religions: A Familial Perspective|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3711432|journal=Sociological Analysis|volume=53|issue=4|pages=345–361|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] | year =1992 }}</ref> ''Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy with College Students'',<ref>{{cite book| last = Cooper | first = Stewart Edwin | coauthors = James Archer, Leighton C. Whitaker | title = Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy With College Students | publisher =Routledge | year = 2002 | pages=152–153 | isbn = 0789014300}}</ref> ''Journal of Student Psychotherapy'',<ref>{{cite journal|last =Dubrow-Eichel| first=Steve K. |title=Saying Good-bye to the Guru: Brief Intermittent Developmental Therapy with a Young Adult in a High Demand Group |journal=Journal of College Student Psychotherapy|volume=16|issue=1 & 2|pages=153–170 | date =January 2001 |doi =10.1300/J035v16n01_10 }}</ref> and ''The Canadian Journal of Sociology''.<ref name="kent">{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3341128|last =Kent| first=Stephen A.|authorlink=Stephen A. Kent |title=Deviance Labelling and Normative Strategies in the Canadian" New Religions/Countercult" Debate|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3341128|journal=The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie|volume=15|issue=4|pages=393–416| year =1990 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3341804|last =Peckham| first=Michael |title=New Dimensions of Social Movement/Countermovement Interaction: The Case of Scientology and Its Internet Critics|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3341804|journal=The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie|volume=23|issue=4|pages=317–347 | year = 1998 }}</ref>
A capsule review of the book for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', Phil Freshman commented, "Using hard logic and crackling humor, a trio of Canadian laboratory researchers cogently deflates Transcendental Meditation; they spotlight transparencies in its claims and warn of its latent hazards to those in wobbly mental health."<ref name="freshman">{{cite news| last = Freshman | first =Phil | title =Notable | work =[[Los Angeles Times]] | page = Q8 | date = August 24, 1980}}</ref> In his book ''Rational Mysticism'', author John Horgan comments that although Persinger says he's neutral toward religious belief, he's more biased than other neurotheologians and that his two books "cast religious belief and spiritual practices in a psychopathological light". That is, they consider it mental illness.<ref name="horgan">{{cite book| last = Horgan| first = John | title = Rational Mysticism: Dispatches from the Border Between Science and Spirituality | publisher = Mariner Books | year = 2004 | page = 95| isbn = 978-0618446636}}</ref> ''TM and Cult Mania'' has been cited by researchers as a reference in works including the ''Journal of Public Child Welfare'',<ref name="bardin">{{cite journal|last =Bardin| first= Livia |title=Recognizing and Working with an Underserved Culture: Child Protection and Cults |journal=Journal of Public Child Welfare|volume=3|issue=2|pages=114–138 | date = April 2009 | doi =10.1080/15548730802690759 }}</ref> ''Sociological Analysis'',<ref name="cartwright">{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3711432|last =Cartwright| first=Robert H. |coauthors=[[Stephen A. Kent]]|title=Social Control in Alternative Religions: A Familial Perspective|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3711432|journal=Sociological Analysis|volume=53|issue=4|pages=345–361|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] | year =1992 }}</ref> ''Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy with College Students'',<ref>{{cite book| last = Cooper | first = Stewart Edwin | coauthors = James Archer, Leighton C. Whitaker | title = Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy With College Students | publisher =Routledge | year = 2002 | pages=152–153 | isbn = 0789014300}}</ref> ''Journal of Student Psychotherapy'',<ref>{{cite journal|last =Dubrow-Eichel| first=Steve K. |title=Saying Good-bye to the Guru: Brief Intermittent Developmental Therapy with a Young Adult in a High Demand Group |journal=Journal of College Student Psychotherapy|volume=16|issue=1 & 2|pages=153–170 | date =January 2001 |doi =10.1300/J035v16n01_10 }}</ref> and ''The Canadian Journal of Sociology''.<ref name="kent">{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3341128|last =Kent| first=Stephen A.|authorlink=Stephen A. Kent |title=Deviance Labelling and Normative Strategies in the Canadian" New Religions/Countercult" Debate|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3341128|journal=The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie|volume=15|issue=4|pages=393–416| year =1990 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|doi =10.2307/3341804|last =Peckham| first=Michael |title=New Dimensions of Social Movement/Countermovement Interaction: The Case of Scientology and Its Internet Critics|url =http://jstor.org/stable/3341804|journal=The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie|volume=23|issue=4|pages=317–347 | year = 1998 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 10:43, 1 September 2011

TM and Cult Mania
Book cover
AuthorMichael Persinger, Normand Carrey, Lynn Suess
LanguageEnglish
SubjectTranscendental Meditation
GenrePsychology
PublisherChristopher Publishing House
Publication date
1980
Publication placeUnited States
Pages198
ISBN0815803923
OCLC6582905
158/.9 19
LC ClassBF637.T68 P46

TM and Cult Mania is a book authored by Michael Persinger, Normand Carrey and Lynn Suess.[1] It was published in 1980 by Christopher Publishing House.[1] Persinger is a neurophysiologist and has worked out of Laurentian University.[2] He trained as a psychologist and focused on the impacts of religious experience.[3] Carrey is a medical doctor who specialized in psychiatry.[4] He focused his studies into child psychiatry with research at Dalhousie University,[5] and has taught physicians in a psychiatry residency program in the field of family therapy.[4] Suess assisted Persinger in researching effects of geological phenomena on unidentified flying object sightings in Washington;[6] the two conducted similar research in Toronto and Ottawa.[7]

The book examines assertions made by the Transcendental Meditation movement (TM).[2] Utilizing scientific techniques, TM and Cult Mania analyzes the efficacy or lack thereof of the TM meditation process, concluding that it is, "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".[2] The authors write that, "Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures".[8] The book notes that physiological changes observed due to partaking in TM methodology are very small.[9] Persinger, Carrey, and Suess conclude in TM and Cult Mania, "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."[2]

A positive capsule review in the Los Angeles Times noted that the authors use logic to point out transparencies in the assertions of Transcendental Meditation.[10] Rational Mysticism questions Persinger's neutrality and says that in his book he treats religious beliefs and spiritual practices as mental illness.[11] TM and Cult Mania has been cited as a reference by researchers, in publications including the Journal of Public Child Welfare,[12] Sociological Analysis,[13] and The Canadian Journal of Sociology.[14]

Authors

Michael Persinger is a neurophysiologist who has worked at Laurentian University in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.[2] He trained as a psychologist and focused on the impacts of religious experience.[3] Persinger is the author of the book Neuropsychological Basis of Human Belief, and since its publication he has researched and examined the physiological and neurological causes of religious belief systems.[15] Normand Carrey received education as a medical doctor and specialized in psychiatry.[4] He became a child psychiatrist, and worked out of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.[5] Carrey has conducted studies into psychological resilience,[16] and has taught physicians in a psychiatry residency program in the field of family therapy.[4] He has worked in the field of adolescent psychiatry at IWK Health Centre.[17] Lynn Suess assisted Persinger in 1980, in researching geological phenomena which may have affected unidentified flying object sightings in Washington.[6] Suess and Persinger performed similar research in Toronto and Ottawa.[7]

Contents

TM and Cult Mania takes a look at the assertions made by the Transcendental Meditation movement and analyzes them from a scientific perspective.[2] The book acknowledges that those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique feel relaxed and experience an increase in creativity.[2] According to the book, the physiological effects reported by the scientific studies on Transcendental Meditation are relatively small from a scientific perspective and "no more effective than many other meditation techniques".[2] Transcendental Meditation is seen as most noteworthy due to its ability to manipulate stress and expectancy.[10]

"Transcendental Meditation has achieved international recognition through commercial exploitation" and "poor scientific procedures", write the authors.[8] The book notes, "Frankly, the reported effects of TM upon human behavior are trivial. Considering the alleged potency of the TM procedure, the changes in physiological and behavioral measures are conspicuously minute."[9] TM and Cult Mania comes to the conclusion that, "science has been used as a sham for propaganda by the TM movement."[2]

Reception

A capsule review of the book for the Los Angeles Times, Phil Freshman commented, "Using hard logic and crackling humor, a trio of Canadian laboratory researchers cogently deflates Transcendental Meditation; they spotlight transparencies in its claims and warn of its latent hazards to those in wobbly mental health."[10] In his book Rational Mysticism, author John Horgan comments that although Persinger says he's neutral toward religious belief, he's more biased than other neurotheologians and that his two books "cast religious belief and spiritual practices in a psychopathological light". That is, they consider it mental illness.[11] TM and Cult Mania has been cited by researchers as a reference in works including the Journal of Public Child Welfare,[12] Sociological Analysis,[13] Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy with College Students,[18] Journal of Student Psychotherapy,[19] and The Canadian Journal of Sociology.[14][20]

See also

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References

  1. ^ a b Jarrell, Howard R. (1985). International Meditation Bibliography, 1950–1982. United States: ATLA Bibliography Series. p. 209. ISBN 0-8108-1759-4.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Harvey, Bob (December 18, 1993). "Establishing Transcendental Meditation's identity; Few can agree if it's a religion, Hinduism or meditation". The Ottawa Citizen. p. C6. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ a b Brothers, Leslie (2002). Mistaken Identity: The Mind-Brain Problem Reconsidered. State University of New York Press. p. 56. ISBN 0791451879.
  4. ^ a b c d Brown, Catrina (2006). Narrative Therapy: Making Meaning, Making Lives. Sage Publications, Inc. p. 323. ISBN 1412909880. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b Quigley, Ann (2007). Mental Health. Greenhaven. p. 86. ISBN 0737724846.
  6. ^ a b Reynolds, Nancy E. (November 26, 1908). "Ashford Sightings Involved – Scientist Has New Ufo Twist". The Dispatch. Pierce County, Washington. p. 1.
  7. ^ a b Bobrow, Robert S. (2006). The Witch in the Waiting Room: A Physician Investigates Paranormal Phenomena in Medicine. Da Capo Press. pp. 228–229. ISBN 1560258144.
  8. ^ a b Smith, Jr, MD, Ralph S. (October 2, 1991). "Maharishi Ayur-Veda". Journal of the American Medical Association. 266 (13). American Medical Association: 1773–1774. ISSN 0098-7484.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Weldon, John (2004). "Transcendental Meditation in the New Millennium – Part Two: Does TM Really Work?". Christian Research Journal. 27 (6). Charlotte, North Carolina: Christian Research Institute: 2. JAT262‐2.
  10. ^ a b c Freshman, Phil (August 24, 1980). "Notable". Los Angeles Times. p. Q8.
  11. ^ a b Horgan, John (2004). Rational Mysticism: Dispatches from the Border Between Science and Spirituality. Mariner Books. p. 95. ISBN 978-0618446636.
  12. ^ a b Bardin, Livia (April 2009). "Recognizing and Working with an Underserved Culture: Child Protection and Cults". Journal of Public Child Welfare. 3 (2): 114–138. doi:10.1080/15548730802690759.
  13. ^ a b Cartwright, Robert H. (1992). "Social Control in Alternative Religions: A Familial Perspective". Sociological Analysis. 53 (4). Oxford University Press: 345–361. doi:10.2307/3711432. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b Kent, Stephen A. (1990). "Deviance Labelling and Normative Strategies in the Canadian" New Religions/Countercult" Debate". The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie. 15 (4): 393–416. doi:10.2307/3341128.
  15. ^ Burguete, Maria (2008). Science Matters: Humanities As Complex Systems. World Scientific Publishing Company. pp. 74–76. ISBN 9812835938. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Ungar, Michael (2008). Resilience in Action: Working with Youth Across Cultures and Contexts. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press. p. 111. ISBN 0802094716. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Young people need more access to mental health services – volunteer". The Chronicle Herald. Halifax, Nova Scotia. March 11, 2009. p. B1.
  18. ^ Cooper, Stewart Edwin (2002). Case Book of Brief Psychotherapy With College Students. Routledge. pp. 152–153. ISBN 0789014300. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Dubrow-Eichel, Steve K. (January 2001). "Saying Good-bye to the Guru: Brief Intermittent Developmental Therapy with a Young Adult in a High Demand Group". Journal of College Student Psychotherapy. 16 (1 & 2): 153–170. doi:10.1300/J035v16n01_10.
  20. ^ Peckham, Michael (1998). "New Dimensions of Social Movement/Countermovement Interaction: The Case of Scientology and Its Internet Critics". The Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie. 23 (4): 317–347. doi:10.2307/3341804.

Further reading

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