Register | Sign In


Understanding through Discussion


EvC Forum active members: 65 (9162 total)
5 online now:
Newest Member: popoi
Post Volume: Total: 915,815 Year: 3,072/9,624 Month: 917/1,588 Week: 100/223 Day: 11/17 Hour: 0/0


Thread  Details

Email This Thread
Newer Topic | Older Topic
  
Author Topic:   How does one distinguish faith from delusion?
themasterdebator
Inactive Member


Message 1 of 2 (519140)
08-11-2009 11:32 PM


This is a question for all those who claim to have "faith" in something.
First definitions:
quote:
Faith - belief that is not based on proof. (dictionary.com)
quote:
Delusion - in psychology, a rigid system of beliefs with which a person is preoccupied and to which the person firmly holds, despite the logical absurdity of the beliefs and a lack of supporting evidence. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008)
As we can see, both terms involve a lack of evidence and reasoning to support them. A schizophrenic may believe they have voices in their held telling them to do things. The consensus among almost everyone other than the schizophrenic is that the guy is delusion. Yet when someone claims God is speaking to them, it is considered faith.
So then, my question to you is this. How do you distinguish between a delusional experience you have had and a religious faithful experience you have had? What criteria do you use?
I would prefer no circular arguments if possible (IE I have faith that my faith is not a delusion).
Edited by Adminnemooseus, : Tweaked the formatting, including adding the quote boxes.

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 2 of 2 (519146)
08-12-2009 1:20 AM


Thread Copied to Faith and Belief Forum
Thread copied to the How does one distinguish faith from delusion? thread in the Faith and Belief forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.

Newer Topic | Older Topic
Jump to:


Copyright 2001-2023 by EvC Forum, All Rights Reserved

™ Version 4.2
Innovative software from Qwixotic © 2024