I think that the vast majority of religious people are brainwashed into belief at a very young age by their parents/guardians. This brainwashing is a product of constant indoctrination and of a community that reinforces those beliefs. Combine this with threats of hell for questioning and doubting, and if the individual remains in that community, they will never truly question their beliefs. These beliefs make up a large part of their worldview, so anyone who questions those beliefs will be seen as a threat.
I would have to agree with m.h. that most of these individuals function quite well in society. I live in the "Bible Belt" USA. Most of the people at work are religious (christian) and my job would be at risk if I declared my atheism. In fact, I lost a job because I was on this forum during work hours, so I had better make this short and log out.
Have I known delusional religious people? Oh definitely. I was raised holy-roller Pentecostal. My Mother was pretty much certifiably crazy. The stories I could tell.
Would I like to see religious belief become listed as a psychosis? Fundamentalism, sure. I don't think that's going to happen in my lifetime.
Atheism is growing. The antidote to religious fundamentalism is education - particularly science and logic education.
I would have to agree with m.h. that most of these individuals function quite well in society. I live in the "Bible Belt" USA. Most of the people at work are religious (christian) and my job would be at risk if I declared my atheism. In fact, I lost a job because I was on this forum during work hours, so I had better make this short and log out.
Have I known delusional religious people? Oh definitely. I was raised holy-roller Pentecostal. My Mother was pretty much certifiably crazy. The stories I could tell.
Would I like to see religious belief become listed as a psychosis? Fundamentalism, sure. I don't think that's going to happen in my lifetime.
Atheism is growing. The antidote to religious fundamentalism is education - particularly science and logic education.
"The family that prays together...is brainwashing their children."- Albert Einstein
