Question for atheists?

Question

Do you think theists are delusional?

Answer 1

There are delusional theists and delusional atheists.
A delusion is "a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact." (psychologically speaking)

Since no "actual fact" either proves disproves the existence of God, simple belief or lack thereof does not make one delusional, only possessed of an opinion. A strongly held opinion is not necessarily a delusion.

The reason I say that both groups include those who are delusional is that both "sides", as it were, contain among their number those who believe that "all a/theists are [insert probably insulting noun/adjective here]".

This kind of generalization, IMO, is a fixed false belief resistant to reason and actual fact, which both tell us that no group is that homogeneous. To believe that all atheists hate theists or that all theists are stupid, even when the world offers you plenty of examples to disprove either thesis, is a delusion.

This is broader than just theism v. atheism; it is equally delusional to believe that "all x are y" where "x" is a group of people and "y" is any character trait.

Answer 2

Depends. Some think god is talking to them. That's definitely delusional. Some believe science proves the bible is always correct. That's delusional if they ever read Genesis 1 and 2, which can't both be correct. If they have never read Genesis 1 and 2 it's not really delusional to think science proves the bible is true, but it's a bit shortsighted to say the least.

Some people think that God is love, or that God is the mystery behind the universe which we cannot know or understand. I would never dream to call these people delusional. I don't like it that they use the word "God" to refer to the mystery, because so many people use it in the first sense, as a person who wrote a book. But I respect them for doing so, and I will always try to find out what somebody means by God.

Answer 3

No, I think theists are being true to themselves. I don't believe an entity created and governs the universe. I can't change that belief, it is a part of who I am. I believe everyone is different and people with different beliefs should not be so problematic. Theists are responsible for their minds and I respect that.

Answer 4

In all honesty, I think the *ones that follow strict religious dogma, AND act like all those who don't follow that exact same strict dogma are evil and will burn forever when they die* are delusional. No rational person could ever believe that, IMO. Now, they probably are not stupid people, just deluded.

Most other theists are pretty cool, though.

Answer 5

Yes.
Much of the time it's not their own fault -- they're brought up from childhood being taught delusional ideas, being taught that logic and reason don't matter, being taught they should believe some religious leader instead of trusting evidence and reason...is it any wonder they are confused and deluded?

In many ways our society promotes delusion and the abandonment of reason. Fix that, and there won't be so many delusional people around :)

Peace.

Answer 6

Not in the terms of the DSM. Everyone's life is based on fantasy to some degree.

Answer 7

I think they are gullible. But not delusional.

I also think they have little understanding of the relationship between their brain providing perception, emotion, and their psychological needs.

Answer 8

Some of them, yes. But like Riegan said, that really is a loaded question.

Answer 9

Insofar as they're theists, yes.

By which I mean that they may otherwise be reasonable and intelligent people; but they've agreed to keep religion in a watertight compartment in their brains.

Answer 10

Yes