How far do you agree that religion is a mental illness?

I agree 100% that religion is a mental illness. I also think that belief in a god/gods/supernatural higher power is a sign of mental illness.

When someone hears voices, believes in someone or something that isn't there that isn't god, that person is considered mentally ill. As soon as you say, I hear "god" or I believe in god (who can neither be heard nor seen), then it's okay? No, not from my point of view. Hearing things, seeing things, or believing in things that are not there are all signs of mental illness, regardless of what the person claims them to be.

According to Psychological Bulletin 2003, Vol. 129, No. 4, 614-636 of the American Psychological Association, Inc. (1):

“In the present meta-analysis, we found evidence that religiousness is modestly but reliably associated with depressive symptoms at the bivariate level.”

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology (2):

“There were 551 suicides in Utah for males aged 15–34 years from 1991 to 1995. Of these 551 suicides, 273 were linked to an LDS membership record by using the probabilistic linking program, and 56 were linked to an LDS record by church personnel; therefore, 329 (59.7 percent) linked to an LDS membership record.”

There seems to be a negative correlation between religious beliefs and mental health, but the data are not accurate enough to make any kind of definitive statements. In some cases, religious commitment has shown to be beneficial to mental health, while in others it is detrimental. Until we, as a society, start collecting more accurate and consistent data, the role, if any, that religion has on mental health will remain unknown.

I don't agree at all. If we look to a relatively simple definition of mental illness:

"A mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern associated with distress or disability that occurs in an individual and is not a part of normal development or culture". See the wikipedia entry for "mental disorder".

Religion does not fit that description because:

1. It is not a "psychological or behavioral pattern" anymore than participating in a bowling league is

2. It is not "associated with distress or disability"

3. It is a part of "normal development or culture"

I think that believing in anything which has no evidence to support it, and which would violate the laws of nature if true, is a mental illness. Certainly many religious beliefs fall into those categories.

Some mental illness can manifest as extreme religiosity. That is not to say, of course, that there is a causal relationship.

0 %. It's actually the exact opposite of what you say and if you get a hold of an old dictionary it defines atheism as just that, A mental illness. God bless.

edit: Sorry. I mean it's the exact opposite of your question. Not of what you say. I apologize.

How would it be considered a mental illness? Just as ancient astronomers believed there had to be more to the sky than just twinkling lights, we as individuals believe there is more to life than just occupying space. Is it wrong to search for purpose?

As a long term sufferer of schizophrenia, I would say that your claim is both ignorant and obtuse.

Not all religions want you in their midst. I know damn well I wouldn't want someone as close minded as you following my beliefs.

No. It's more of an unwillingness to look deeply into the history of Christianity and other religions.

It's an unwillingness to accept reality.

99% of people that are fully aware of it end up atheists.

Not at all.

Intolerance of religion is a mental illness.