Jesus vs. Allah: The Anthropology of Belief

What do the voices in our heads reveal about the cultures we come from? A recent article on hallucinatory voices prompted me to reflect on the deep contrasts between East and West, Jesus and Allah, individuality and community. Growing up in Turkey and living in the U.S. for over a decade, I’ve come to understand how profoundly our spiritual and societal roots shape not only how we live—but also how we heal. This piece explores the tension and harmony between personal freedom and collective belonging, and why true balance might be the key to a more expansive, grounded life.