Why a Psychic Reading Shouldnt Make You Question Your Atheism

[rug]

May 23, 2017
by David G. McAfee

In an article published by Elite Daily, writer Alexandra Strickler explained how a reading from a psychic medium named MaryAnn DiMarco made her “question” her “years of atheism.” And whenever someone makes a claim like that, it’s worth looking at the story with a skeptical eye…

First, let me clarify that Strickler (presumably) still identifies as an atheist. In fact, it doesn’t even seem like she believes in psychics. She writes in her conclusion:

"So, coming out on the other side of my reading with DiMarco, I don’t suddenly believe in the all-knowing power of all psychics, nor do I suddenly believe deceased loved ones are guiding me through life.

"But, I do believe some people are more intuitive than others, and with the right dedication to that craft, you can harness it to help other people navigate this world, which is exactly what DiMarco is doing."

Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: Can you be an atheist who also believes in psychics? Sure. It’s not out of the question to dismiss God while believing in other supernatural ideas, including ghosts, Heaven, and karma. That’s not to say those beliefs are rational, but that it’s possible. The only requirement for atheism is that you don’t believe in deities.

Strickler appears to be in that group of atheists who believes in psychics from the start. She writes in the beginning of her article that she believes “in a general concept of energies out there in the universe.” Whatever that means. (It sounds like a kind of pseudoscience related to the misnamed “Law of Attraction.”)

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/05/23/why-a-psychic-reading-shouldnt-make-you-question-your-atheism/

[edhopper]

1. There are no psychics

In magisc it is called cold reading and mentalism.

And most store front psychics are con artists.

All the ones on TV are.

[Bretton Garcia]

2. "Patheos" is often pathetic

Last edited Wed May 24, 2017, 05:17 AM - Edit history (1)

Often slyly apologetic, while pretending not to be.

Rational study of psychics suggests they are essentially profilers. From looking at you, they guess what kind of person you are. And what your concerns might be. Then they fish for cues as to your specific desires.

Psychics are typically women. Catering to traditional conservative women. Addressing a traditional women's concerns. Like family and so forth.

As women themselves, they have some sense of family issues. And in sessions, they supply advice in effect on such issues. But? It's all done with so much hocus pocus, that even normally good advice becomes tainted and toxic.

[edhopper]

3. And 95% of the time

it is love or money that concerns the mark (client).

[Bretton Garcia]

4. Yes. Even Patheos begins to agree. Later in the article.

The article above is a review of a less critical original, however. Found in a blog that is horribly misnamed, when it calls itself "Elite." That original blog is mostly about very silly romantic advice.

Not the most intellectual blog around.