'I didn't kill her. I killed the demon inside her' - Religious delusion kills again.

[Brettongarcia]

126. Freud and many psychologists ... said religion is a delusion (Dr. Pierre, Jour. Psych. Prac. 2001?)

Last edited Thu Mar 27, 2014, 11:28 AM - Edit history (1)

Often Psychologists and others do not want to make their positions too well known. But follow the logic: 1) if religion itself is a serious "delusion," 2) then it is itself likely, in effect, a form or part of mental illness. 3) So when we are taught religion, then what we were taught was a major element in mental illness; i.e., delusions.

4) Dr. Pierre and/or others then referenced large numbers - "many" - psychologists holding this position.

5) Aside from the logical deductions here, if it was necessary, I suppose we could find literature positing even more explicit causal links.

Psychologists to be sure are human beings working in touchy situations; often they do not want to make things too, too explicit to their patients. But it's all there, just under the surface. For those who know how to read complex language. And who know a little simple logic.

It's almost as if much of literature on religion - even in the Bible itself - is deliberately talking over the heads of many people. To those persons without much independent judgment, the only message that is accessible encourages them to simply, faithfully obey their leaders. But those who are educated or intelligent enough to read the subtext are allowed to hear the more critical message.

With that in mind, re-read the following article abstracts, say. In which the authors rather clearly suggest that religion is related to religious delusions; which contribute to/precipitate mental illness. To the point that they amount to what Bacon might have called the "efficient cause" I would say:

1) Here is first, the APA article:

"Harking back to Sigmund Freud, some psychologists have characterized religious beliefs as pathological, seeing religion as a malignant social force that encourages irrational thoughts and ritualistic behaviors. " http://www.apa.org/monitor/2010/12/believe.aspx

The rest of the article goes on to say some positive things about religion. However? This scholarly article does acknowledge that many psychologists "see religion as a malignant social force that encouraged irrational thoughts and ritualistic behaviors" (e.g.; Religion).

2) Next, here's the article by Dr. Pierre in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2001:

Faith or delusion? At the crossroads of religion and psychosis.
Pierre JM.
Author information
Abstract
In clinical practice, no clear guidelines exist to distinguish between "normal" religious beliefs and "pathological" religious delusions. Historically, psychiatrists such as Freud have suggested that all religious beliefs are delusional, while the current DSM-IV definition of delusion exempts religious doctrine from pathology altogether. From an individual standpoint, a dimensional approach to delusional thinking (emphasizing conviction, preoccupation, and extension rather than content) may be useful in examining what is and is not pathological. When beliefs are shared by others, the idiosyncratic can become normalized. Therefore, recognition of social dynamics and the possibility of entire delusional subcultures is necessary in the assessment of group beliefs. Religious beliefs and delusions alike can arise from neurologic lesions and anomalous experiences, suggesting that at least some religious beliefs can be pathological. Religious beliefs exist outside of the scientific domain; therefore they can be easily labeled delusional from a rational perspective. However, a religious belief's dimensional characteristics, its cultural influences, and its impact on functioning may be more important considerations in clinical practice.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15990520

Here it is noted that it is hard to distinguish between good and bad religion; functional or pathological.
But it is noted that "psychiatrists such have Freud have suggested that all religious beliefs are delusional." If religion is delusional, and religion is taught, then delusions are taught to people by Religion.
And? Religion is said to have - note causal - "impact on functioning"

3) Here's another professional article cited there. In which it is suggested that religious ideas, specifically "delusions," "contribute to_ - or in other words, partially cause - filicide. Or the murdering of one's own children:

"Conclusion
"In this article, we argue that mental illness, psychological functioning, and the psychology
of religion all contribute to acts of filicide. Specifically, chronic mental illness, coupled
with childhood narcissistic injuries and religious delusions that provide meaning to
confusing psychotic experiences, may increase the likelihood that this dreadful act will take
place. In the end, we hope that our psychodynamic model encourages further discussions
on the many contributing variables to this form of child murder, with a particular return to
the family-of-origin experiences and psychological processes that may contribute to such
acts. After all, understanding its many layers can only strengthen preventative efforts in
order to reduce its prevalence in contemporary societies."

"Religious Delusions and Filicide: A Psychodynamic Model
Academic Journal
By: Knabb, Joshua J.; Welsh, Robert K.; Graham-Howard, Marjorie L. Mental Health, Religion & Culture. Jun2012, Vol. 15 Issue 5, p529-549. 21p. 1 Diagram. DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2011.594998. , Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/results?sid=0787b9b2-c3c2-4b48-9535-2cf26434af66%40sessionmgr4003&vid=3&hid=4206&bquery=Religious+AND+Delusions+AND+Filicide&bdata=JmRiPWY1aCZkYj1hOWgmZGI9Y21lZG0mZGI9YXdoJmRiPXN5aCZkYj1sZ2gmZGI9cGJoJmRiPXNlciZkYj10ZmgmdHlwZT0wJnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d