Cognitive Distortions & Religion, Pt 2: Jumping to Conclusions (#363)

In the continuation of this series examining how cognitive distortions impact our religious beliefs and experiences, I'm diving into one of the most pervasive distortions with returning guest Molly LaCroix: jumping to conclusions. 

This thinking error shows up everywhere: in our relationships (Molly shares a perfect personal example involving this very podcast), our therapy practices, and especially in religious contexts. I break down the difference between evidence-based thinking and filling voids with negative assumptions, examining everything from Job's misguided friends to prosperity gospel theology. 

We tackle some genuinely sticky questions: What's the difference between jumping to conclusions and taking a leap of faith? How do we hold beliefs provisionally while maintaining committed faith? And when does this cognitive distortion cross into spiritual abuse territory? 

Drawing from evolutionary psychology, Christian tradition, and wisdom from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, we land on something surprisingly hopeful—that both good therapy and ancient religious wisdom point us toward the same antidote: slow down, seek fuller information, and approach others with curiosity rather than suspicion. 

Whether you're a therapist, a person of faith navigating deconstruction, or just someone who wants to stop catastrophizing every time a sent text goes unanswered, this conversation offers practical tools wrapped in deeper existential questions about certainty, ambiguity, and what it means to truly have faith.

Molly's Website | ⁠Mollylacroix.com

Un-Shaming Each Part of Ourselves (#197)

Episode #123 with Heather Griffin | "Bible Truths," "Sanctified Common Sense," & "Evangelical Insta-Trust"

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