At what point do we determine religious notions go from harmless beliefs to harmful problems even when no one is actually harmed? How do we make a distinction between "crazy talk" and mere faithful devotion? Abraham would, I should hope, be locked away if he pulled his stunt nowadays. Yet, here we have millions of people that laud him for it, many claiming it to be the beacon of devotion and faith. Something to strive for, even.
I ask this based on a recent story about a college football player that left the NFL combine because god told him to. He returned 3 days later and it was discovered that he spent those 3 days in the airport because he claims god told him to just sit there.
Prospect leaves Scouting Combine, says God told him to
Combine departure has people close to Adam Muema concerned
Missing running back Adam Muema resurfaces
The consensus (fan opinions on message boards) is that this is crazy behavior. Behavior of someone needing help. But sports culture is rife with religious belief. Tim tebow is a very recent example of where a players relgiocity is praised. Hell, he had an anti abortion commercial during the Super Bowl last year. No one thinks anything wrong with him other than being kinda strange. Reggie White made it no secret that god told him to play football. Again, not crazy.
(note: I use fan perspective because it is not clinical diagnosis I am looking for, but public perception and how we as society should want to view this subject)
I don't want this to focus on sports, it just seemed like a good catalyst because it is a culture where heavy religiosity is expected and praised and "god told me X" or "god gave me this gift" is brushed off most of the time. It is far too easy as an atheist to say it is all crazy talk. But that doesn't do much good as far as the bigger picture goes and as far as advancing any discussion with non like-minded people.
Social Issues and Creation/Evolution seems like the obvious choice.
Edited by hooah212002, : No reason given.
"Science is interesting, and if you don't agree you can fuck off." -Dawkins
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