Is Christianity mentally harmful or is it mentally helpful?

Question

Psychological theories of religion have posited that religion rises out of a darwinian coping mechanism. Thus it is helpful. Yet we also hear it claimed, here, that it is malicious and threatens civility. Which do you think religion is?

Answer 1

In my experience, it is harmful and I will tell you why. When people wonder why I am so weird, I can explain it with an anecdote from my past. Growing up, bible school convinced me that I had a guardian angel who was ALWAYS with me, protecting me from the devil who was ALWAYS with me trying to lead me into temptation and all of this was ALWAYS being watched by God. Growing up with that will cause anyone to go schizophrenic. It is like the 80's song "I always feel like Somebody's Wathcin' me." It is amazing I wasn't afraid to do anything with all of these people constantly WATCHING me!

Answer 2

The basis of religion is not human.

Its God.

And all the religions of the world were created to humble humans attitudes down with the knowledge that something by far larger and greater and most importantly ETERNAL exists out there.

The need to believe in something ETERNAL is inherent and cannot be erased. Its an integral part of human belief and value. Without which, people lose connection with reality. As knowledge that you live in like animals in a world where everything dies, gives no meaning or purpose but to eat, trash and do all you could on this planet.

Maybe some people like living like that. But that does not change the fact that humans NEED to have something to believe in, something eternal and much better when they fall, which eventually they do.

Answer 3

It all depends on the needs of the individual. All organized religions offer people a sense of community and belonging. It gives their followers set of societal rules to follow. This sense of belonging can come from other organizations, but religion seems to be the most powerful. It is unfortunate that some people become over zealous about their religion, but, on the whole, I think religion is a good thing for those that need it.

Answer 4

To some extent yes it is helpful. I started out with Christians belief because that's where I grew up. But eventually, my insatiable quest for a greater truth, valid questions which no priest/pastor could give valid answers led me to go a little off the dogmatic system. It was an adventure but quite liberating.

Answer 5

Judging by the questions and answers they post it is a crippling mental disorder and they can only survive in a hive state.

edit: see the "answer" above, and the unsupported assumptions the poster makes to justify their belief system. Not everybody needs to have an "eternal" to believe in, or a Sky-Daddy to catch us if we fall.

Answer 6

As with most human activities "it all depends". I have no doubt that it does help SOME people lead a "good" life, who otherwise would not. It allows some people to feel a sense of belonging, and hope.

For some, it leads to hopelessness and bewilderment. It leads some to intolerance and hatred.

Answer 7

Religion, or lack of, is a personal choice. It only becomes my business when it affects my lfe, as in the law.

Answer 8

Christianity is mentally harmful. If it has any Darwinian origin, it is parasitic in nature. It mires people in the outdated morality of old societies that promoted slavery and the domination of women, to name two examples. It uses guilt to control people and is divisive in nature. It allows a few people to control many on the lame authority of an imaginary being.

Answer 9

Harmful.

Answer 10

Religion is a way to organize things for the human pleasure.
Complete worship of God s what we need.