14 Sep 23
@ghost-of-a-duke saidAs I have already said: "I don't think anyone is deluded for believing in Jesus."
@FMF
This question was point blank:
You have shared that, at one time, you were a theist. Were you delusional at that particular point in time, believing in things that you now know were false and outside of science?
Can such beliefs play a part in delusions? Yes.
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14 Sep 23
@fmf saidWhat if people believe in Jesus and angels? (Both supported by the same book). Are they deluded then?
As for me, I don't think anyone is deluded for believing in Jesus.
If not, why is someone deluded for believing they have encountered an angel? (When such things are already within their framework of reality).
14 Sep 23
@ghost-of-a-duke saidI don't believe so, no.
What if people believe in Jesus and angels? (Both supported by the same book). Are they deluded then?
14 Sep 23
@ghost-of-a-duke saidPerhaps because of "high stress" or chronic heroin use.
If not, why is someone deluded for believing they have encountered an angel? (When such things are already within their framework of reality).
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@FMF
A Christian believing they have encountered an angel can not fairly be described as delusional when a belief in angels is already inherent in their beliefs. (So more likely to misconstrue events). - In contrast, a man believing he has encountered a flying elephant probably could be described as being delusional, especially if they appeared in his living room.
Edit:
You see the difference?
14 Sep 23
@ghost-of-a-duke saidBut you concede that there was "high stress" - and that this can cause delusions - and the terrible story comes at the end of prolonged forced use of heroin.
@FMF
A Christian believing they have encountered an angel can not fairly be described as delusional when a belief in angels is already inherent in their beliefs. (So more likely to misconstrue events). - In contrast, a man believing he has encountered a flying elephant probably could be described as being delusional, especially if they appeared in his living room.
Edit:
You see the difference?
@ghost-of-a-duke saidI think the "difference" is being manufactured because you are trying to be "helpful".
You see the difference?
14 Sep 23
@ghost-of-a-duke said"Misconstrue" is an operative word here. Honesty and an earnest desire to believe something, because it fits with pre-existing beliefs, do not mitigate the fact that there was a hallucination.
A Christian believing they have encountered an angel can not fairly be described as delusional when a belief in angels is already inherent in their beliefs. (So more likely to misconstrue events).
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15 Sep 23
@fmf saidSure, but high stress can also lead to panic, not thinking clearly and the misconstruing of events. - This is why phone scams etc are often successful, the receiver being told there has been an unknown transaction on their account and the need to act quickly.
But you concede that there was "high stress" - and that this can cause delusions
I have in my time met 'angelical' people, who are kind and proactive in times of crisis. I can understand how a Christian (already believing in angels) could encountered such a person in a time of personal crisis and come away believing they had an encounter with an actual angel (without any lying or delusions being involved). - I wasn't there of course in Suzianne's case, but that would be my initial guess at what transpired.
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15 Sep 23
@fmf saidWhy have you introduced hallucinations into the scenario? Did I miss a post where she spoke of a flying angel with wings?
"Misconstrue" is an operative word here. Honesty and an earnest desire to believe something, because it fits with pre-existing beliefs, do not mitigate the fact that there was a hallucination.
A misconstruing of a kindly person/persons wouldn't necessitate hallucinations (or delusions).