Liars and delusionals

[A_Nony_Mouse]

Are they one and the same?

Consider the following.

There is a god.
I believe/think there is a god.

The latter may or may not be a true statement but it cannot be called a lie per se.

The former statement without physical evidence is always a lie as it is a statement without evidence. It does not differ from claiming an innocent person robbed a bank. We deal with such claims rather harshly. We do not punish, I believe he robbed a bank.

These are very clear distinctions which there is no reason to excuse simply because they are uttered by believers and they get the benefit of the doubt solely from tradition.

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If I say I'm not delusional am I lying to myself?

Depends upon whether or not you are delusional.

Considering to many people are suggesting you are perhaps you should reconsider what you are telling yourself.

[frz]

So how do we know when it's one or the other and or both? Is it not possible for a person to lie enough, frequently and intentionally, that they later on lose track of what's actually true?

[Shell B]

So how do we know when it's one or the other and or both?

We don't. That is the point of lying.

Is it not possible for a person to lie enough, frequently and intentionally, that they later on lose track of what's actually true?

Losing track of what is true is not the same as being delusional. Furthermore, lying is lying, whether you fuck it up later or not.