Is Theism A Functional Delusion?

[Sunstone]

Let's assume purely for the sake of debate that theists are deluded about the existence of deity. If so, that would seem to raise the question, "Is it a functional delusion or a dysfunctional delusion?"

That is, is the "theist delusion" life-enhancing or life-negating? Does it serve to affirm life or deny life?

Assuming theists are deluded, what, if anything, makes it an undesireable delusion? Again, what, if anything, makes it a desireable delusion?

 

[Feathers in Hair]

For me, the (assumed for the sake of debate) delusion is life-enhancing. It is a way of telling myself a story of why I am in this world, to better understand my interconnectedness with other lifeforms and to acknowledge that I deserve respect. Someday, I might not need the story, or someday I might wish to choose another tale, but it suits me nicely at the moment, and gives me some nice myths to study in the meantime.

 

[Mister Emu]

Presuming delusion...

I would have to say it is a two-edged sword. On one hand, religion has given us some of our greatest artistic pieces, some of our greatest philanthropic(sp) achievements, etc.

On the other hand, many dark and evil deeds lay at the feet of this presumed religious delusion. Murder, torture, rape, genocide, etc.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Would we still have both things if it weren't for theism, though? I imagine that the human animal is capable of both tremendous acts of grace and those of viciousness without the 'inspiration' or 'excuse' of theism. If it weren't being done in the name of god, would such things still be carried out in the same numbers, but under the name of patriotism, of clan loyalty, or other reasons? Knowing mankind, I'm given to wonder if they'd find the same results without theism, but just give a different reason.

 

[Comprehend]

Let's assume purely for the sake of debate that theists are deluded about the existence of deity. If so, that would seem to raise the question, "Is it a functional delusion or a dysfunctional delusion?"

That is, is the "theist delusion" life-enhancing or life-negating? Does it serve to affirm life or deny life?

Assuming theists are deluded, what, if anything, makes it an undesireable delusion? Again, what, if anything, makes it a desireable delusion?

I think it depends upon the particular god we happen to be deluded about and what he/she/it teaches. If we are to accept (for the argument) that there is no god, then we are left to examine what the deluded theists believe and how those beliefs are put into action.

This would essentially be no different than had you asked (without assuming delusion) whether belief in god was positive or negative and of course the answer may vary with as many differing belief systems you may come across, but for me, I would say generally that a theistic delusion is functional - it has functioned for quite some time now in almost every society, age and condition. Typically it is life enhancing although there are notable exceptions and entire periods of time where this was not the case. Today I would say yes more confidently.

I think it is desireable because (again generally) theistic beliefs tend IMO to lead one to value human life, care for others, love your neighbor and essentially to be more empathetic with the world around you. It leads one to consider the needs of others or at least one's impact upon others. This I think is positive.

 

[Comprehend]

Would we still have both things if it weren't for theism, though? I imagine that the human animal is capable of both tremendous acts of grace and those of viciousness without the 'inspiration' or 'excuse' of theism. If it weren't being done in the name of god, would such things still be carried out in the same numbers, but under the name of patriotism, of clan loyalty, or other reasons? Knowing mankind, I'm given to wonder if they'd find the same results without theism, but just give a different reason.

Excellent point. I agree. It seems that those who wish to do such dastardly deeds will use the most compelling cover available. Religion just may be the most unassailable for many situations. If no religion, I am sure those bright minds could think of something else as you suggest.

 

[Quiddity]

Isn't functional and delusion an oxymoron?

Maybe it is in delusion that you find what we all seek. Fulfillment! Maybe it is only when you open yourself completely that you find self-fulfilling meaning unmatched outside of it. Try formulating that...

 

[Comprehend]

Isn't functional and delusion an oxymoron?

Maybe it is in delusion that you find what we all seek. Fulfillment! Maybe it is only when you open yourself completely that you find self-fulfilling meaning unmatched outside of it. Try formulating that...

wouldn't the belief in Santa Claus be an example of a functional delusion?

 

[Quiddity]

wouldn't the belief in Santa Claus be an example of a functional delusion?

Yes it would.

 

[Mathematician]

I would think for most it is functional. Hopefully. :sarcastic

 

[s2a]

Let's assume purely for the sake of debate that theists are deluded about the existence of deity. If so, that would seem to raise the question, "Is it a functional delusion or a dysfunctional delusion?"

That is, is the "theist delusion" life-enhancing or life-negating? Does it serve to affirm life or deny life?

Assuming theists are deluded, what, if anything, makes it an undesireable delusion? Again, what, if anything, makes it a desireable delusion?

Purely for the sake of discussion/debate...in answer...
1) A functional delusion.
2) For the most part, "life-affirming" (though murdering unbelieving others may serve in that cause). Beethoven's Ninth Symphony may be the most "life-affirming" expression of our specie's existence...ever.
3) The most "desirable" outcomes derived from theistic delusions are encapsulated by the sentiment "love thy neighbor (as thou might love thyself).

"Undesirable" outcomes borne of theistic delusions innundate and overwhelm our written accounts of history, and are too numerous to succinctly enumerate within the entirety of available bandwidth of this site's server loads.

 

[Ozzie]

Let's assume purely for the sake of debate that theists are deluded about the existence of deity. If so, that would seem to raise the question, "Is it a functional delusion or a dysfunctional delusion?"

That is, is the "theist delusion" life-enhancing or life-negating? Does it serve to affirm life or deny life?

Assuming theists are deluded, what, if anything, makes it an undesireable delusion? Again, what, if anything, makes it a desireable delusion?

I think "functional delusion" is a contradiction in terms, while dysfunctional delusion is a double negative. Delusion carries a negative connotation by itself. If you were to redescribe functional delusion of deity as functional illusion, I would say it serves a useful purpose in promoting virtuous living etc. Mind you, IMO consciousness itself may be the functional illusion, whilst belief in deity is just one of many possible flavours consciousness may take up in cultural contexts.

 

[MilkyJoe]

For the most part for me it comes down to how it affects others. I believe we all live in delusion as we create our owm 'map' of reality and the map is not the territory.

If the delusion helps you to have a happy life then there is something to be said for it assuming that you subscribe to the view that a happy life is better than an unhappy one.

However if you have a curious and questioning mind I struggle to see how such a delusion can survive. How can and intelligent questioning mind which by definition can distinguish between 'good' and 'poor' evidence continue to believe in an unsubstantiated belief system just to keep alive the 'warm and fuzzies' that deluded belief undoubtedly brings?

What worries me is when mass delusion starts to impinge upon the greater society such as Muslims who have the avowed aim of making a world controlled bu Sharia law, or when the fundamentalist Christian Right gets political power greater than it's mere numbers suggest it should.