Lunch and Learn: The Barbed Arrow of Insanity: Debating the Boundaries Between Mental Pathology and Religion

Join us as Professor Alexandra Prince presents an historical overview of the 19th century diagnostic and cultural label of religious insanity. This virtual talk will examine how certain American faith groups were interpreted as more of a mental disease than a legitimate faith, the development of medical interpretations of religion within asylum medicine and the popular press, the religio-social consequences of insane labeling, and efforts employed by different faith groups to counter outsider critiques that their faith was evidence of madness.

This virtual program is free. To secure a spot, register now. You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link attached, and we will send you a reminder on the day of the program.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Busa, Public Programs and Special Events Coordinator, at jennifer_busa@chs.org.

Image: “Grand Ascension of the Miller Tabernacle!” Adventist Digital Library. 

About the speaker

Alexandra Prince holds a PhD in history from the University at Buffalo. Their research examines the cultural history of American religions and the social study of madness. Currently they are an adjunct professor at Skidmore College in upstate New York and Director of Operations at the Mountain Top Historical Society.

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