In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter explores the deep connection between our unconscious beliefs about God and their impact on both emotional and physical health. Cognitive dissonance—a disconnect between what we consciously believe and what we unconsciously feel—can lead to spiritual confusion, heightened anxiety, and physical ailments such as chronic pain and increased inflammation.
Dr. Paynter draws from both scientific research and biblical wisdom, such as Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:15, to highlight how unaddressed spiritual doubts can manifest in real-world symptoms. By examining her personal journey of reconciling her faith with her health, she offers a pathway for Christian women to explore their beliefs, work through doubts, and ultimately, find peace and healing through a deeper understanding of God.
Reflect on your religious beliefs and explore the evidence surrounding them.
Allow yourself to openly acknowledge and discuss doubts without fear or guilt.
Integrate prayer and seeking God's guidance as part of addressing health issues.
Aim to align unconscious beliefs with your conscious behaviors to achieve spiritual harmony.
John A. Bargh and Ezequiel Morsella, “The Unconscious Mind,” Perspectives on psychological science : a journal of the Association for Psychological Science 3, no. 1 (January 2008): 73, accessed October 24, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2440575/.
Tatjana Schnell, Dietmar Fuchs, and René Hefti, “Worldview Under Stress: Preliminary Findings on Cardiovascular and Cortisol Stress Responses Predicted by Secularity, Religiosity, Spirituality, and Existential Search,” Journal of Religion and Health 59, no. 6 (March 27, 2020): 2969, accessed October 24, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7677289/.
0:00
— Introduction to cognitive dissonance and its relevance to faith and health.
5:12
— Dr. Tanya Paynter poses questions about the Bible's divine origin and infallibility.
10:25
— Importance of exploring and openly discussing doubts about religious beliefs.
15:40
— Personal journey of reconciling faith and overcoming cognitive dissonance.
20:50
— Impact of cortisol and stress on physical and emotional health.
25:30
— Critique of the healthcare system's lack of spiritual consideration.
30:15
— Emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in faith for emotional stability.
35:47
— Final advice from Dr. Tanya Paynter on integrating faith with health practices.
Dr. Tanya Paynter is the host of "The Christian Clinician" podcast where she explores the intersection between faith and evidence-based medicine. She offers unique insights into how religious beliefs impact overall health and well-being. Dr. Paynter encourages open discussions about doubts and struggles in faith and invites listeners to engage with her on these important topics.
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Read our blog post on Cognitive Dissonance in Faith: How Unconscious Beliefs Affect Your Spiritual and Physical Health for more insights on the link between spiritual and emotional wellbeing.