Assumption Quote by C. S. Lewis
“Keep clear of psychiatrists unless you know that they are also Christians. Otherwise they start with the assumption that your religion is an illusion and try to 'cure' it: and this assumption they make not as professional psychologists but as amateur philosophers.”
About This Quote
Warns that mental‑health professionals lacking shared faith may treat religious belief as a pathology, imposing secular assumptions rather than therapeutic care.
In simple terms: Caution when seeking therapy without shared religious worldview.
Key Takeaway
Religious belief can be misinterpreted as delusion by non‑believing clinicians.
Themes
faith
psychology
authority
bias
ethics
Mood
skeptical
cautious
Type
advice
caution
When to use this quote
- seeking counseling
- religious crisis
- interfaith counseling
- mental health assessment
Key Concepts
religious identity
professional boundaries
cultural competence
Practical Applications
- choose therapist aligned with faith
- advocate for spiritual sensitivity in care
Questions to Reflect On
- How can therapists balance respect for belief with clinical objectivity?
- What safeguards protect patients from religious bias in therapy?
A Different Perspective
Many clinicians are trained to respect diverse beliefs and do not aim to eradicate religion; they focus on mental health, not doctrine.
