What could possibly go wrong?

[LoveLife&Laughter]

Neuroscientist Says Religious Fundamentalism Could Be Treated As A Mental Illness

Kathleen Taylor made the suggestion during a presentation on brain research at the Hay Literary Festival.

“Someone who has for example become radicalized to a cult ideology -- we might stop seeing that as a personal choice that they have chosen as a result of pure free will and may start treating it as some kind of mental disturbance," Taylor said. “In many ways it could be a very positive thing because there are no doubt beliefs in our society that do a heck of a lot of damage."

The author went on to say she wasn't just referring to the "obvious candidates like radical Islam," but also meant such beliefs as the idea that beating children is acceptable.

[Lifesighs]

It makes total sense to me.

[JoeMama69]

Couldn't we expand that thing to include ANY religion or belief system that asks us to base our beliefs on "faith"? Isn't "faith" the ultimate insanity?

[LoveLife&Laughter]

I wouldn't go that far... a lot of people need faith in order to cope with the trials and tribulations of just living day to day.  It may be an escape, or crutch, for some, but whats wrong with that?  Many just want to believe that something is better somewhere then what they see, reality.  It keeps one going.

It's politicized religion, the religious right, that is frustrating.  These people will lie through their teeth, and stab you in the back, to get their own way -- for whatever reason that is.  But their reason is certainly not Christian Faith, or Muslim Faith, or whatever.  And those are the a-holes that troll these political pages. 

[Ioruach]

Definition of faith: The irrational belief in the improbable.

[LoveLife&Laughter]

Yes, but it's an escape that some of us need.  Not including me... but I do know how one can get there; been there.

[Ioruach]

I agree with you, LLL.  I have no problem with people of faith.  My family is pretty much a religious group to one degree or another, and I am fine with that. I might be the only “infidel” in the group.  I guess I just read too much Bertrand Russell when I was younger.  But I have little patience with those who bring their religion into their politics, or those who believe theirs is the only “true” religion and denigrate others, or those who wear their religion on their sleeve.   Treat your religion like sex; practice it privately and don’t flaunt it.

[LoveLife&Laughter]

Are you saying Born-Again Evangelicals have the same morality as Swingers?

[redhand]

Sometimes, exactly the same morality.

[ProblemAgain]

kind of an aside but i watched a nightline the other night about polygamy. this one group says the women pray over the matter and god reveals which man should be their hubby...now my question is...what if god says: "take two, they're small"....does that possibility exist? or is that just part of my heathen blasphemous nature to question irrational stuff?

[LoveLife&Laughter]

I'm no expert, but I don't think the girl woman gets to vote.