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Is atheism a mental illness or linked to one?

Updated: 8/18/2019
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11y ago

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It would appear that simple tests for mental illness do not point towards Atheism.

Consider:

  • People with mental illnesses often have hallucinations (visions) and invisible friends who talk to them. Nobody else can see these beings but the sufferer believes in them nevertheless.
  • Insane people have delusions that their world is controlled for good or evil by invisible forces that are interested in them. They further believe these powers can be influenced by special chants or offerings.
  • Insane people are delusional and explain away their delusions. If the invisible friends don't help or harm according to their requests they can explain away the problem. Carl Sagan talked about this in his discussion of the invisible dragon that his riend had in the garage.(See Link)
  • Insane people live in a fantasy world where facts and science are ignored.
  • Insane people often suffer from some degree of paranoia. If they don't do things just right then something bad will happen to them. This may be running their lives "right" or following the instruction f their invisible friends, or being aware of a conspiracy that is out to harm them.
  • People can develop deep seated mental problems by being repeatedly told they are evil, can't save themselves, have to let others control their lives. This is further exacerbated by being told that they will be punished for failure to follow the rules.
  • People with mental illness can resort to violence to resolve their problems. If others won't see things their way something has to be done, that may include stalking, abuse, physical threats or actual violence.

In short, these characteristics are generally not exhibited by atheists but have been noted in some theists and theistic groups.

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