Are Religious Fanatics Mentally Ill? (hell, Christians, Christ, religions)

w00t · #1 10-20-2007, 05:54 AM

I am not talking about mainstream Christians, Muslims, Jews etc, I am talking about the fanatical representatives of these religions. I can only talk from the Christian perspective as I know it best. In my life I have met many fanatical Christians who seem to take a great pleasure in damning people to the most painful vision of hell they can come up with! A few were clinically insane, others were probably suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Do you think religious fanatics are mentally ill?

vandervalley · #2 10-20-2007, 05:56 AM

Quote:

I am not talking about mainstream Christians, Muslims, Jews etc, I am talking about the fanatical representatives of these religions. I can only talk from the Christian perspective as I know it best. In my life I have met many fanatical Christians who seem to take a great pleasure in damning people to the most painful vision of hell they can come up with! A few were clinically insane, others were probably suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Do you think religious fantatics are mentally ill?

Some of them might be mentally ill but some might just be taking the religious believes more seriously than other people.

Aasimar · #3 10-20-2007, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tangnefedd

I am not talking about mainstream Christians, Muslims, Jews etc, I am talking about the fanatical representatives of these religions. I can only talk from the Christian perspective as I know it best. In my life I have met many fanatical Christians who seem to take a great pleasure in damning people to the most painful vision of hell they can come up with! A few were clinically insane, others were probably suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Do you think religious fanatics are mentally ill?

No, I believe that many people just enjoy a feeling of superiority above others. I'm certainly guilty of it quite often.

w00t · #4 10-20-2007, 06:47 AM

But when you see them ranting on street corners they certainly appear to have a few screws lose!

Melissa G · #5 10-20-2007, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tangnefedd

But when you see them ranting on street corners they certainly appear to have a few screws lose!

Definatley delusional paranoid types.

melissa g

Sunstone · #6 10-20-2007, 10:49 AM

I don't think there's any doubt that some religious fanatics are emotionally or mentally ill. Perhaps a more interesting question is whether religion in any way contributes to their illness? Or, perhaps religion ameliorates their illness?

Buttercup · #7 10-20-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tangnefedd

But when you see them ranting on street corners they certainly appear to have a few screws lose!

I've seen my share of people ranting on street corners in downtown sections of major cities. And, they certainly weren't raving on about religion.

You'll find a kaleidescope of human behavior in any corner you look.

w00t · #8 10-20-2007, 11:01 AM

In the UK the ranters are more likely as not to be religious!

Scott1 · #9 10-20-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tangnefedd

In my life I have met many fanatical Christians who seem to take a great pleasure in damning people to the most painful vision of hell they can come up with! A few were clinically insane, others were probably suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Do you think religious fanatics are mentally ill?

Some are I suppose... but most rant this garbage based upon pride.... that first sin still moves people to attack others to make themselves feel better. All we can do is pray for them and hope one day they learn to love more than attack.