Theists, are you immune to being decieved?

[Zazzy]

Many forum members use the term 'delusion' as a hyperbolic description of people they believe are deceiving themselves about something. Usually because the alternative is, to their mind, unthinkable. So, I would distinguish between delusion and self-deception. A person who is delusional cannot distinguish fantasy from reality. As such, that defect would play out in multiple areas of their life. On the other hand, a self-deceived person can distinguish fantasy from reality, but chooses to not do so.

You have just perfectly described my discomfort with the language used often on this forum. I don't think any theist currently here is delusional, and I have winced at the use of that term. I'm sure most theists would not be exactly flattered to be called self-deceivers, but even in the most negative view of theism, it's certainly a more rational term than "delusional."