@josephw saidBelief based on speculation about the mysteries of the universe and the origin of our human consciousness is not something that I would describe as "delusional" unless it results in some kind of self-harm. I think theological ideas and aspirations are an integral part of human nature and in most ways quite rational.
Belief in what doesn't exist is delusional.
@josephw saidI prefer misguided.
That's true. If they know it's a lie, but act otherwise, they are "pretending".
But if God doesn't exist, and they think he does, then they are deluded.
@ghost-of-a-duke saidWell, you are after all "guided" by psychological predispositions. 😉
I prefer misguided.
I think one can be misguided and not be delusional, but I don't think one can be delusional and not be misguided.
And I don't think I'm using the term delusional in the sense that the one who is delusional is a walking talking zombie out of his mind devoid of reason and understanding.
The context in which I'm using the term is relative to the spiritual/supernatural aspect of ones existence in a world full of illusions.
@josephw saidWhen I think of delusional I tend to think of people who are weak-minded, in the sense that they have been overly gullible and willingly embraced the irrational.
Well, you are after all "guided" by psychological predispositions. 😉
I think one can be misguided and not be delusional, but I don't think one can be delusional and not be misguided.
And I don't think I'm using the term delusional in the sense that the one who is delusional is a walking talking zombie out of his mind devoid of reason and understanding.
The context in ...[text shortened]... erm is relative to the spiritual/supernatural aspect of ones existence in a world full of illusions.
Many, if not most, of the smartest people I know are theists, of one kind or another. I can't, therefore, put their belief in God (or gods) down simply to delusional thinking. I consider it more a case of misguided souls who have been understandably misled by their desire to 'want' to believe in such a deity that has had them absorb things they wouldn't have absorbed or accepted in any other part of their knowledge or understanding.
An educated person believing in the literal narratives found in Genesis is a good example of this. It is easier to believe in things we want to believe are true. Heck, that's why I believed in Santa as a kid and didn't properly scrutinize his exisistence.
-Removed-The first time I read the OP I didn't get it. Then as I read through the thread I realized it was about you and your Christianity.
The OP is meaningless, subjective and ad hominem. Boring for me. So I changed the subject entirely without you in mind.
My assertion/suggestion that believing in something that doesn't exist is delusional was meant to be understood as an idea that stands alone.
I hope you didn't think it was directed toward you.
Goodbye Chaney.
@josephw saidAnd yet, your assertion that "believing in something that doesn't exist is delusional" ~ in the realm of theism etc. ~ appears to be an idea you are steadfastly refusing to simply make assertions about and not discuss.
My assertion/suggestion that believing in something that doesn't exist is delusional was meant to be understood as an idea that stands alone.