Will Rex Heuermann's New Found 'Religion' Help His Case?

In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski sat down with psychotherapist and author, Shavaun Scott, to dissect the curious behavior of Rex Heuermann, who is reportedly leaning towards religion while being incarcerated. The conversation, though centered around Heuermann, brought up a larger point - the frequency with which incarcerated individuals turn to religion, a phenomenon commonly termed as 'jailhouse religion'.

“We're talking right now about Rex Heuermann,” Tony began, and mentioned Heuermann's current living conditions, hinting at the psychological toll that may ensue from being in confinement. Of particular interest to Brueski was Heuermann’s reported wish to have religious services, specifically from the Roman Catholic Church, brought to him. Brueski stated, “...but he is of Roman Catholic descent, and we're told that someone from the Roman Catholic Church has come in.”

Addressing this, Scott revealed, “Jailhouse religion, I cannot tell you how common that is.” She further explained that even individuals with a history of serious crimes suddenly become intensely interested in spiritual matters when incarcerated. Comparing it to the sudden surge of faith among soldiers in war, she opined that it's a “human tendency to reach out to the supernatural for comfort when people are feeling a lot of stress.”

Scott's perspective is particularly enlightening as she suggests that this gravitation towards faith might not be as straightforward as it appears. While on the surface, it may look like a genuine search for redemption or spiritual solace, the reasons behind such a shift could be manifold. Some might be seeking a genuine connection, while others could be motivated by more ulterior motives.

But do these individuals, especially those accused or convicted of heinous crimes, perceive and adopt religion in the same manner as others? Tony posed an intriguing question: "Is it speaking to them differently? Does it play into their narcissism?" Scott's answer provided a window into the mind of such individuals. She speculated that for some, turning to religion could be a method of absolving responsibility. She explained, “If you believe you've been forgiven for whatever sin you've committed just by praying about it, you may gain a little bit of comfort from that.”

Another interesting angle was whether these inmates use their newfound faith as a strategic move during trials. Could showcasing a religious transformation affect jury sentiments? Brueski remarked, "It's definitely that... It looks good." Scott expanded on this idea, highlighting the instances where convicts engage in spiritual performances to attract and manipulate vulnerable individuals, especially women seeking relationships with 'bad boys'.

The conversation didn't limit itself to prisons. Tony drew parallels with businesses that wear their faith on their sleeves, possibly as a strategic move. “Where a business will add some sort of religious aspect to their signage or to their logo...,” he observed, indicating that this might not always stem from genuine faith, but rather an attempt to attract a certain clientele or project trustworthiness.

In concluding remarks, both Tony and Scott agreed on the manipulative nature of this phenomenon when not genuine. Scott summarized, “They know that's going to build trust and people will ask fewer questions if they believe that, 'oh, we're talking to a person of God,' so therefore, it gives this veneer of righteousness to them. So it's a pretty dirty manipulation when it's done that way.”

The episode, rich with insights from Scott, is a testament to the multifaceted nature of human behavior. Whether one believes in the authenticity of 'jailhouse religion' or sees it as a strategic move, the phenomenon undoubtedly presents an intriguing facet of the human psyche, begging further exploration.

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