2006-12-18 06:20:43 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Any culturally consistent religious belief is considered part of normal development within the mental health field. Where this breaks down is when a mentally ill person asserts a unique relationship with God, that perhaps they are God, or that God has singled them out for punishment.
This, of course, means that under these criteria, many old testament prophets and Jesus might be considered mentally ill. However, we must keep the culture in context. Because their teachings were only nuances that were meant to reform the culture, not self-aggrandizing statements of personal merit, they would not have probably been considered mentally ill, had the concept been around in Biblical times.
2006-12-18 06:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, just a personality quirk. In order for something to be considered a mental illness (or disorder, which is the preferred term) it must interfere with one's daily life.
2006-12-18 14:28:23 · answer #2 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, this is supposed to be a board that talks about religion and spirituality, to answer questions and share our faith, and to inquire about each other's beliefs so we can learn about eachother.
Why do you post questions that are so insulting? Why is it that atheists are the main contributors to this board, who don't have a religion or spirituality?
You put us Christians down constantly, then criticize us when we stand up for what we believe.
Why don't you just stop harassing us here, and go to a board where you can share something positive?
I am a Believer. But, you know, we Believers get angry and hurt, too.
2006-12-18 14:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by Dianne C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are kids insane for believing in the Tooth fairy or Santa Claus?
Same thing for everyone else. Being naïve does not necessarily mean being nuts.
2006-12-18 14:24:52 · answer #4 · answered by Исаак Озимов 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How so? People have faith in ALL kinds of things, faith is spouses, faith in law, faith in government. Its kinda like trust without evidence it is always justified and deserved.
Religion may be, but I doubt faith alone would be.
2006-12-18 14:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by sweetie_baby 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If one person thought there was an invisible guy controlling the world, they would be considered nuts.
If thousands believe it, it's called religion
2006-12-18 14:25:55 · answer #6 · answered by Honest Opinion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. in most countries, it's considered a social norm. belief in things that aren't proveable isn't necessarily a psychiatric concern unless it becomes pathological.
2006-12-18 14:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Samurai Jack 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
faith? no but religion should be labeled as some type of obsessive-compulsive neurosis.
2006-12-18 14:34:13 · answer #8 · answered by elfogom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sadly it's considered the cure by too many--anything to make people functional
2006-12-18 14:22:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, because they have faith that us loonies will continue to see them and give them our money to do so.
2006-12-18 14:22:23 · answer #10 · answered by nanny4hap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋