Definition of "delusion" in DSM-5

[bennyboy]

I borrowed a copy of the DSM-5 from my university library today. In the glossary of technical terms, "delusion" is defined as

A false belief based on incorrect inference about external reality that is firmly held despite what almost everyone else believes and despite what constitutes incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary.

So far, so good. It then adds:

The belief is not ordinarily accepted by other members of the person's culture or subculture (i.e., it is not an article of religious faith).

Why do religious beliefs get a free pass? So if you're convinced Elvis Presley is still alive, you're delusional but if you think Jesus of Nazareth is still alive and can hear/answer your prayers, you're just a Christian. Why the double standard?

Religious beliefs get a free pass because they are a cultural institution, not a sign of poor psychological health in the individual being examined/tested.  Remember what the book is for-- diagnosing mental dysfunction, not assessing the validity of people's world views in general.

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I feel like the answer lies squarely in the definition. (bold mine)

I think that part of the definition is unnecessary. Galileo believed the earth revolved around the sun despite what almost everyone else believed. Was he delusional?

Clearly not, but they almost certainly believed so.

The problem is that everyone has an asshole and an opinion, and one often comes from the other.