suddenly it is a spiritual experience rather then a mental illness?Personally, I don't see the difference.
2007-08-29 08:45:48 · 8 answers · asked by Demopublican 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because there is no difference. Hearing voices is delusional, mental illness (schizophrenia) or religious hysteria.
atheist
2007-08-29 08:52:53 · answer #1 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hearing voices is not a mental illness...all of us hear voices in our head...the ones that make us doubt our decisions ("I shouldn't have bought that car"), the ones that tell us when we do something that's wrong, the ones that warn us of danger that we don't consciously perceive yet. What distinguishes the normal voices from those associated with mental illness is the way we respond to those voices. If hearing voices causes impaired mental function, for example, if it causes us to behave in inappropriate ways (son of sam), if it causes us to harm ourselves, or if it makes us unable to make decisions, then we have a mental illness.
Hearing the voice of God isn't, by definition, a mental illness. However, if that voice causes you to harm yourself or others or makes it impossible for you to function in life, then it is a mental illness (and I'd suggest that the person is mistaken in thinking the voice is really God's!).
2007-08-29 09:00:39 · answer #2 · answered by KAL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not like the movie Harvey?
God spoke to many in their dreams - to Joseph about taking his family to Egypt to escape Herod. Moses and the burning bush, Adam & Eve had direct conversations, Christ had direct conversations..
It all depends on perspective. Faith is personal.
As a Catholic, I just don't know when this relates to Joan of Arc, others.. I just don't know.
2007-08-29 09:11:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no difference.
A note to everybody who reads this, If you hear voices in your head seek professional help.
2007-08-29 08:51:52 · answer #4 · answered by The Return Of Sexy Thor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same question as haveing a convulsive seizure and speaking abnormanlly being confused for the so called "holy ghost"
2007-08-29 08:54:10 · answer #5 · answered by midnitepoets 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no difference it is just an excuse for the believer. No matter what you say. You will still be Mad as a Hatter.
2007-08-29 09:01:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The line between illumination and madness is razor-thin.
2007-08-29 08:51:50 · answer #7 · answered by H.P. Crowley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
... Depends what the voices tell you to do.
If they tell you to burn stuff... it's a mental illness.
2007-08-29 08:52:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋