Are all theists irrational and delusional?

Question

There are a lot of people who subscribe to no particular religious belief system other than basic theism who say that their examination of the data lead them to a belief in God. Anthony Flew is one of them. He wrote most a lot of the philosophy of science for logical positivism in the 1960’s and later came to believe there was a God. Therefore, I find people such as Dawkins who claim that all who believe in a God are being irrational and delusional as making an overstatement. I think that Flew is in fact an example of an intellectually honest person who reached a different conclusion. Is the fact that there are philosophers and scientist who come to believe in God because of their studies counter examples to the argument that all theists are delusional and irrational? I think that Flew certainly would be because he wrote so much about the need for falsification in scientific study. If he used his own method, and came to a positive belief then he would be at least one case.

Answer 1

Antony Flew is considering the possibility that there might be a God. Sort of. Flew is one of the most renowned atheists of the 20th century, even making the shortlist of "Contemporary Atheists" at About.com. So if he has changed his mind to any degree, whatever you may think of his reasons, the event itself is certainly newsworthy.
Read more about him @ http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/antony_flew/

Answer 2

No, not at all. THat is why for awhile i had a mission of answering all the religion bashing questions on here. I find myself to be relatively intelligent, and dont prescribe to any religion, but do believe there is a god. I believe in every aspect of science, and feel that there is plenty of room left for god. All this talk about it being illogical makes me ponder "have you ever actually wrapped your mind around the fact that the is SOMETHING when there could adnd should be NOTHING. There is a reason physicists dont go to before the big bang. Its because everything suddenly coming into being, bursting if you will, into existence out of nothing MAKES NO LOGICAL SENSE EITHER. BUt I believe both of them. My reasons for believing in a god happened because I experienced proof. Just because I cant show you that proof does not mean it wasnt proven to me.

One irrational thing ive seen from many athiests, is an automatic disregarding of anyone who doesnt believe just that they do. Alot of these people will call others idiots and such, when they are not a very intelligent person thereself. They only use arguments that they have heard others use, and are just following the bandwagon, it seems. If one looks at the universe,a nd see's whats going on, one must concede that something much larger than us is going on, something that man will probably never be able to understand or comprehend. And its going to run its couse no matter what we do. Its more powerful than us, so one must at least admit that there is a higher power, although im sure the suggestion will piss many off.

Gene above says that the shackles of religion are hard to break. Only for the weak of mind. I was brought up with christianity crammed down my throat, and did not believe a bit of it. I was on my own for aawhile before i felt that there was a god, and for strange reasons that had nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with the nature of existense. And to claim that most religious followers are "brainwashed" is kind of reckless. Brainwashing is defined as the act of coersive persuasion. Although im sure this technique has been use by cults mostly in the religious form, i would say that the religion isnt brainwashing people, people are brainwashing people, and using religion as the lure.

Answer 3

Hmm. there's a logical fallacy.... ok so if maximum human beings there says something illogical.... Then maximum human beings of Chrsitians as an entire could be delusional. guy this is an illogical fallacy Hasty Generalization to be precise.

Answer 4

I generally cnsider myself to be rational, I have my moments, but don't we all. There are a lot of people who believe in a god-structure who are irrational and delusional (read: fundamentalists) but most of us have some recognition that life is more than the sum of its parts and choose to hold that fact in our heads and hearts with a recognition of something larger than us, something different than us. Some of us have a definition, but some of us don't. Until we start using that idea as a basis for ruling a country, or starting a war, its all good.

Answer 5

I wish people would stop saying that theists, Christians, etc. cannot possibly be rational or intelligent. We DON'T leave our brains at the doors of a church. God gave us a brain and our intelligence, and He expects us to use the talents and abilities He has given us. He didn't create us to be irrational, delustional, or stupid people.

And yes, people have come to God after trying to prove He doesn't exist. They find after extensive study and research that they just can't. That's exactly what happened to Lee Strobel.

I know that this isn't a very detailed or complete answer, but definitely check out Habits of the Mind by James W. Sire which hits upon this very subject.

Answer 6

There are always exceptions to a rule. By and large, most theists are brainwashed into their belief. So irrational and delusional are rather harsh words. I'm reading Dawkins at the moment. I agree with most of what he says. What's easy for Dawkins is hard for most people. The shackles of religion are difficult to break.

Answer 7

I am pleased that someone out there does not take it for granted that all who believe in a higher power are retarded,unintelligent.gullible, weakminded.or irrational.there are actually whole droves of people who consider themselves christians and scientists.and i agree with you about Flew.

Answer 8

no, we are sane normal people. You are another example of a christian who thinks they are better than everyone else just because you believe in god and are afriad whenever someone questions that belief.

Answer 9

Albert Einstein said "science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind"

And Dawkins is trying to get a 501(c) so he wont have to pay taxes and he's starting his own atheist religion! How's that for the pot calling the kettle black!

Answer 10

Yup.