A religious thought-experiment...?

Question

Patients with Schizophrenia often have hallucinations. Psychologists have observed that when patients with these symptoms stay in close proximity to eachother so that they can talk freely, they often share the exact same hallucinations after only a short duration of time. It is not unknown for several of these patients to share a similar hallucination but possess no other symptoms. The only reason these people are regarded as insane is due to the fact that they believe something to be there that "apparently" is not. The belief in a god is similar to this: groups of people that believe something to be there that "apparently" is not. Logically, either these patients should be released, or all theists should be institutionalized. Which should it be?

Coice of Reason, I think you're referring to councellers. Don't know where you graduated from but have you ever heard of Sigmund Freud, calling him a humanist priest is like calling Jabba the Hutt pretty.

RB, wasn't Jesus the son of God? I could have sworn he was the son of Joseph. He was probably a raving mad schizophrenic as well.

chlaxman17, schizophrenics possess very diverse symptoms, hallucinations among them. I'm a psychology student and I have a strong interest in this subject. I've actually been around several schizophrenics when I volunteered to be in a control group for a psychological experiment.

Actually watcherofmankind, schizoprenia starts out as a purely psychosomatic disorder then develops into a neurological imbalance. Neurological imbalances are hard to find unless you are actively looking for them, so all theists may have a neurological imbalance.

sassinya, faith can only be understood from a psychological perspective, not a logical one, that implies that it is driven by insanity

lundstroms2004, all very correct, but you fail to mention that schizophrenia can manifest itself without any dectectable neurological deficiency.

Answer 1

I believe that it would be problematic to institutionalise all theists, so maybe we should just release non-offensive patients?

Answer 2

Well not every person with Schizophrenia is institutionalized.
In fact most of the worlds homeless population is dealing with untreated schizophrenia. The ones that are institiutionalized are eventually released. As for theists, one of the fruits of the spirit is self control, so mostly they're not freaking out and secondly they're not "seeing something that isn't there".... they are not hallucinating... they merely believe based on a book of rules that have worked in their life to the point of belief. Faith is not insanity. Faith is sanity. Gods word is the most sane you'll ever find yourself in this world if you follow it.

Implication is not fact either and that is your self-examination by your logical thought pattern. Thankfully those of us who have faith know that those who don't, can imply whatever they wish.

Answer 3

Well, not all with schizophrenia are in institutions. Those who are in there are there because they can't function in society. They either harm others or themselves. People with belief in God(s) can function in society (otherwise 90% of the US would be dead right now... no more McDonalds for you).

This really does look an awful lot like the Fanatics who claim the world would be a better place if they killed all those who don't believe like them. I hope this isn't what you are suggesting... that just because someone isn't like you, then they need to be institutionalized.

Answer 4

You need to do more research on schrizophrenia, and rely on science instead of empty rhetoric.

Abnormal brain structure is found consistently in people with schizophrenia. This includes enlarged ventricles and asymmetrical hemispheres. Computerized functional imaging of the brain has found decreased blood flow to the frontal lobes of people with schizophrenia. These types of brain abnormalities forecast certain symptoms, like loss of attention, difficulty with abstract thinking, and the inability to solve problems.

Some evidence suggests that infants who experience birth trauma or complications while in the womb are at greater risk for schizophrenia. Maternal illness may play a part as well. A mother who contracts a virus like the flu, especially during her second trimester, may increase the risk for her child. It is not known, whether the virus itself or the immune response to it increases the risk.

Some studies have shown that winter birth may be assoicated with schizophrenia, especially during immune response and illness. Furthermore, viruses in the womb are more common during the winter months. This has led some researchers to consider intrauterine viral infection during the winter as a risk factor. The same link, however, is found for major mood disorders, like bipolar disorder.

Mental illnesses are some of the most misunderstood afflictions in today's society. Too many people think of mental illness as a "weakness." Nothing could be further from the truth. These are true illnesses and brain diseases. Relationships, work, school and home life can suffer as a result of mental illnesses. Thousands of people live with mental illnesses every day, and some are not even aware, themselves, of the problem. However, unlike the images we often see in books, on television and at the movies, most people with mental illnesses can lead productive, fulfilling lives with proper treatment and support.

Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.

Contrary to public perception, schizophrenia is not split personality or multiple personality. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others. Schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, poor parenting or lack of willpower, nor are the symptoms identical for each person.

The cause of schizophrenia is still unclear. Some theories about the cause of this disease include: genetics (heredity), biology (the imbalance in the brain's chemistry); and/or possible viral infections and immune disorders.

Genetics (Heredity). Scientists recognize that the disorder tends to run in families and that a person inherits a tendency to develop the disease. Schizophrenia may also be triggered by environmental events, such as viral infections or highly stressful situations or a combination of both.
Similar to some other genetically-related illnesses, schizophrenia appears when the body undergoes hormonal and physical changes, like those that occur during puberty in the teen and young adult years.
Chemistry. Genetics help to determine how the brain uses certain chemicals. People with schizophrenia have a chemical imbalance of brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) which are neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters allow nerve cells in the brain to send messages to each other. The imbalance of these chemicals affects the way a person's brain reacts to stimuli--which explains why a person with schizophrenia may be overwhelmed by sensory information (loud music or bright lights) which other people can easily handle. This problem in processing different sounds, sights, smells and tastes can also lead to hallucinations or delusions.

The fact that you would equate the two shows your total disregard or ignorance of science and reason.

Answer 5

Ever spent time around a schizophrenic person? It's not as simple as "they see and hear things that are not there." Most religious people are just looking for a little bit of security and hope in their life. Yes, some are a little bit emotional and lack a rational thought of science, but they are nothing like a true schizophrenic person.

Answer 6

Interesting indeed. I think theists are misguided people. Schizophrenics have biochemical imbalances. Theists don't. But they have been brainwashed and indoctrinated when they were little children. Once the adults around them had brainwashed them, it is difficult for them to grow up and think independently. They have become slaves of their beliefs. That is why we must not indoctrinate our children with silly ideas that come from religious books.

Answer 7

God came to earth. He is Jesus. He was a real physical person. This is different from a hallucination.

Answer 8

LOCK THEISTS UP! Thats so supid do you know how much it would cost each year?! I say we should kill all theists! (Give me a thumbs up if you think I gave a good answer for this question, give me a thumbs down if you agree with me that we should kill all theists).

Answer 9

I'll settle for compulsory education in critical thinking, basic biology, and logic & debate.

Answer 10

Sounds like you're using the Chubacca defense!