Religion is a Delusion/Mental Illness

[robvalue]

I've heard a fair number of theists who state they do regularly see and hear things which I would class as delusions, ie. things I wouldn't also see if I was next to them.

There's three options as far as I can see:

1- They really are seeing/hearing these things
2- They have convinced themselves they are seeing/hearing them, even though part of them knows they're really not
3- They are making it up

In the case of 1, unless they really are experiencing some paranormal phenomena, would people agree their religious experiences are bordering on delusion? If so, how would it compare with actual hallucinations through mental illness?

I try hard to understand the theist point of view. It's difficult for me, having never been one, and having virtually none to talk to in real life. (I know many would gladly swap positions!) I'm always open to insight. (Not so much to plain insults.)