New Release · June 15, 2026
Religion Unburdened
by Belief
The Way of Open Inquiry
Joshua Pritikin, Ph.D. · Psychological Counselor (IFS Level 3, IFS-Certified)
What if belief is the problem, not the solution? A radical but rigorously grounded case for religion without doctrine—and the practices that make it real.
For the millions of Americans who identify as spiritual but not religious, and for anyone who has sensed that clinging to doctrine may be narrowing rather than deepening their experience, Religion Unburdened by Belief offers a rare combination: genuine intellectual depth and practical tools for transformation. Drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, the anthropology of shamanism, neurophenomenology, and the study of altered states, Pritikin sketches a framework—the Way of Open Inquiry—for practicing authentic religion without creed.
Why This Book
A book for a generation without a religion
"Spiritual but not religious" is now the largest single religious category in the U.S. This book gives that demographic a real framework—verifiable practice, not vague affirmation.
Psychedelics + therapy + spirituality
Arrives at the peak of cultural interest in psychedelic medicine, altered states, and the science of consciousness. Rigorously grounded, not sensationalized.
IFS therapy meets ancient wisdom
The first book to integrate Internal Family Systems—one of the fastest-growing therapy modalities—with shamanism, neurophenomenology, and consciousness research.
A distinctive author voice
Wall Street software engineer turned scholar turned IFS therapist. The prose runs two
parallel registers: a rigorous academic argument and a playful narrator who keeps
winking at you from just off-stage. Best appreciated without spoilers.
Praise
"His systematic approach to belief reduction—combining measurement, practice, and philosophical grounding—provides a comprehensive guide that spiritual seekers have long needed but that did not exist until now."
— Dr. Franco Fabbro, Professor of Physiology & Clinical Psychology, University of Udine · H-index 68 · 14,900 citations
"Pritikin's work offers a compelling new lens: not what to believe, but how to relate to belief itself."
— Dr. Michael J. Winkelman, Editor, The Handbook of Entheogenic Healing · H-index 50 · 11,400 citations
"This new emphasis on less dogma, more practice and direct experience will accelerate growth in religious insight."
— Pastor Bob Stanley, Sacred Garden Community Church
"Encourages a move towards a true, personal, and direct relationship with that which the self considers both Divine and Sacred."
— George "Greg" Lake, Entheogen Religious Freedom Attorney
About the Author
Joshua Pritikin, Ph.D., is a psychological counselor whose work sits at the intersection of consciousness research, IFS therapy, and the study of religious experience. He maintains a private practice, Estrela Counseling, in White City, Oregon.
- Ph.D. Quantitative Psychology, University of Virginia (2016)
- IFS Certified Practitioner (2024)
- Former software engineer, NatWest / Deutsche Bank, NYC
- Postdoctoral researcher, Virginia Commonwealth University
- ~10 peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Grandson of Nathan Pritikin, founder of the Pritikin Program
What's Inside
Eight chapters: sacred subtraction, IFS, the eldest religion, the spirit world, states of consciousness (incl. psychedelics), moral growing pains, ceremony, and exit through the gift shop. With appendices on the Way of Open Inquiry, a guide to recognizing coercive dynamics in communities, and a critique of the chakra system. 488 references.
Book Details
Title: Religion Unburdened by Belief
Subtitle: The Way of Open Inquiry
Author: Joshua Pritikin, Ph.D.
Pub Date: June 15, 2026 · Pages: 475
Publisher: Jpritikin Industries, Inc.
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-972228-01-2
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-972228-04-3
Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-972228-03-6
Audience & Shelving
Primary: Spirituality · Religion · Self-Help
Secondary: Psychology · Consciousness · Philosophy
Comps: Waking Up (Sam Harris), The Power of Now (Tolle), works by Richard Rohr
Strong appeal for "spiritual but not religious" readers, IFS/therapy communities, and audiences following psychedelic research and consciousness studies.
