Can extreme religious fanaticism be considered mental illness?

Answer 1

yes, also known as christ-fixation

Answer 2

Yes, definitely. Delusions of grandeur, most common in schizophrenics or people with schizoid personality disorder. Very thought-provoking your question is!

What's a 'normal' delusion expressed by schizophrenics? The government is after them because they have something that no one else has, they have to get somewhere to give some information to god, aliens, or whatever, they are famous people like Jackie Kennedy and they have to protect their husbands from being shot, etc.

Though, when you think upon this question to a certain extent, the realization is inevitable that perhaps the only individuals free from being accused of being delusional are agnostics because they are open to either side. They don't have firm religious beliefs and don't really care either way.

Answer 3

Anything can be considered anything by anyone. The question is, "What is extreme? and "What is religious fanaticism?"
Also, is what you believe on any given subject a better alternative? Be sure that the source of your beliefs is credible and will stand up to the test it will one day undergo.

Answer 4

I think it should be considered a mental illness. Religious fanatics do MUCH MORE than simply have faith in their beliefs - THEY IMPOSE THEIR BELIEFS on massive amouints of people and try forcing everyone to live the way they do and believe the things that they believe. They don't typically believe in 'live and let live.'
Case in point: The SICKEST PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THIS MENTAL ILLNESS are the ones out here who are telling you that your question is stupid and you need to find god and read the bible.

Answer 5

i think of the handbook replace into referred to as DSM, or DSM 3. i'm fantastically particular you're superb. however the DSM, and psychiatry of c.1970 ordinarily, has long been criticized for claiming to nicely known lots extra as absolutes than it truly did. Had a dogma of it truly is very own, that did no longer meet the point of scientific standards. I do think of severe non secular perception must be seen an illustration of irrational perception of the worldwide. yet a psych classification is a pointy double edged sword i could be hesitant to work out wielded.

Answer 6

that depends on the persons outcome and motivations

i am a christian but have met other 'hangers on' that are truly fanatic and their 'devotions' tend not to last for long if it is a result of mental illness

people who have had a sudden change in their lives by encountering Jesus for themselves often do share apparent symptoms of mental illness (even tho they are perfectly healthy) but the difference is that they tend to stand by their beliefs even when the initial warm glow fades.

also as Christians we ought to be developing various fruits in our lives such as gentleness, kindness, self control, love, faithfulness (the list can go on) which are more apparent over time rather than less

Answer 7

Sees religion in general as a mental illness.

Answer 8

Can atheism and agnostics go too far? Can you go to far with your intent on not believing? Can it be considered a mental illness for you?

Answer 9

Yes it can but sometimes(quiet frequently actually) people are raised thinking that their extremest views are correct and everything else is wrong. They also may not have the capacity to take someone else's views into account.

Answer 10

I know someone who was very religious her whole life and just kept getting more and more delusional. So I think it can go too far...

Answer 11

Your questions and answers are ridiculous. You better start believing in God or else.