The definition of a delusion is that it is a fixed, unshakeable belief that is false (i.e. not based on evidence or fact) and that it is not shared by the others within the individual's culture.
Excluding the last point, which can kind of be explained by hundreds of years of brainwashing on a massive scale, does no-one else think that perhaps religion is one massive delusion? After all, there is no hard evidence, yet religious people believe in their religion more strongly than anything else alot of the time, so it is therefore fixed and unshakeable. It is apparent from my work experience that many Schizophrenic patients often have complex and/or bizarre religious delusions.
2006-09-26 11:26:45 · 32 answers · asked by emma s 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Only non christian religions and science are delusions. Christians have the word of Jesus which can never be wrong.
2006-09-26 11:30:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'll agree, some of the "religious experiences" from Schizophrenic patients are kinda freaky.
Consider this...If I were in the room at this moment and said your fly was down, would you check? Most everyone I know would (only reason they wouldn't is because they know my character as a notorious jokester). You checking your fly means that you're concerned about it and it's real. Now to answer your question, if people are so concerned about religion on a massive scale, wouldn't that make sense that it's in fact real? I'd say the "truth factor" behind each religion is debateable (I believe only one faith system is true), but I think we could fairly conclude that religion does in fact exist - it's not a grand illusion.
2006-09-26 11:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by shardsoftherepublic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are some who believe that schizophrenic's are tormented by spirits. If that is so it would explain their behavior about religion...umm,,,,,,,,,as for the massive scale of delusion........would massive delusion have so many different forms from the same delusion. Religion has many different forms and beliefs. If you take away religion then don't you have to take away all forms of spiritual beliefs? Such as witches, spirits, new age, occult, Western belief, eastern belief, ect....ect... I think you might be missing the mark on this one
2006-09-26 11:39:28 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same could be true about anything. Religion is not the problem. Its the abuse and threats that are the problem. Mental health could be an illusion. Real only means most people agree on certain things. Suppose you are right? Then, what is real? Your "schizophrenic" patients may be right and you are wrong.
2006-09-26 11:33:44 · answer #4 · answered by changRdie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not possable, If you read the Bible you will see things happening today, that have been prophasied many many years ago, And If it were not true, you wouldn`t have so much hate in the world because of it,why would anyone want SO badly to put an end to religion, If it wasen`t true?Its the Devil that wants to make people believe its not true, thats why there is so much hate over it.
2006-09-26 11:34:14 · answer #5 · answered by theladylooking 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I "praytell" - thou shalt not use thy Schizophrenic patients name in vain to prove your point. The manics will begin to lobby for equal time, for they too, have been known to have experiences which are exquisitely divine. Ahem, with that said,
if having a set of standards by which to guide your life makes you feel a little safer & a little more directed in this crazy-*** world, then why does it matter how people come to believe? Imposing one's beliefs on another person is an issue of character and personaltiy, and that, you should understand from your work, is something distinct from following a shared set of principles. (i.e. not all members of one teaching are holy rollers/zealots/used car salesmen) Live & let live....if you don't want to be brainwashed on a large scale, then ask one of your patients if you can borrow his/her roll of tinfoil and make yourself a helmet.
2006-09-26 11:33:27 · answer #6 · answered by amuse4you 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose that one can think that this is the case. But in order to do so, one has to avoid a lot of evidence that supports what the BIBLE tells us. Simply look at what the BIBLE tells us regarding nations. A lot of folks have thought is was all nonsense and make beleive. Now, because of archeological finds, much of what the BIBLE has told us is being proven true.
Basically, a person will beleive what they wish and what will allow them or help them think what they wish, do as they wish. Most people are not interested in learning, only in having their view supported. The best that I can tell you is this. If you are really interested in finding out if God is who and what he says, simply consider what he told us, then see if the past as well as the present match what is said in the BIBLE. After all, God tells us that if we really wish to know truth, he will help us find it and see it.
2006-09-26 11:37:52 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. JW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so.There are very Intelligent, Loving, Kind and Sincere People who are stuck in a Religion.
Believing in GOD is Reality.
All Religions are False cause they can't Recreate your Spirit (Save you).
If you are a Believer in GOD you have a Good chance of Growing in the Lord Jesus, and casting out those Nasty Devils who cause all of those Delusions in Peoples minds.
Jesus did it for a man who called himself Legion.
2006-09-26 11:36:01 · answer #8 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible? Of course it's possible, if only because you ask. If human beings can think it, it's posible. We prove that endlessly as we continue to grow, both in our physical self, and our metaphysical or spiritual, bodies. By that same token, you must see then that God, either internal or external, Christian, jewish, ect... doesn't matter. If we can think it, it is already posiible. If there is any real God, doesn't stand to reason that we would be terribly arogant to think we understood it? I think the real question then is, "How big is God?" because if one God eliminates the possibility of another, well, I want a God that can handle many faces. Peace.
2006-09-26 11:34:40 · answer #9 · answered by breakenschidt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The essence of religion is 'works'. If one does just enough or is good enough by doing enough of the law. And no matter how many ceremonies we perform, or how much money we give, or how deep we meditate on nothingness; these religious works don't give us ever lasting life in heaven.
So, I believe there is a big deception in religion.
Remember, religion & faith are two different things. You can have faith in religion & works done for it, or you can have faith (trust & obey) in God & who God Is.
2006-09-26 11:38:20 · answer #10 · answered by t a m i l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there done that. This question is your only hope at getting your ego stroked today.
Yes, delusion but possibly a peaceful one in a world no one has the answers to.
2006-09-26 11:28:55 · answer #11 · answered by Corey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋