Anonymous asked this question on 4/7/2000:

Christianity is a severe mental disorder that is cripilling the USA and preventing it from reaching its full potentional. What can be done about this serious disorder? What do you do when presented with a patient who exhibits the Christianity disorder?

Imhere2listen_help gave this response on 4/20/2000:

I have given some thought on how to answer you about this. I know that some Christians are told that it is their actions and not their words, that matter. If you believe so strongly that Christianity is destroying the world, then I would say the same to you as I would to a Christian that says you're insane for thinking the way you do. Emotion has no place here. I would give you the same advise I would give a Christian. We live in a free country, and we all have free will, however, if you believe something to be wrong, it won't do a bit of good to shout it from the rooftops. Go about your beliefs, and let others see what you believe through your actions. I've seen some very prominant Christian ministers do the very opposite of what the Bible speaks of. Example. There was a movie by Martin Scorsese called "The Last Temptation of Christ", and the fanatics came out in droves. All they did with their picketing and yelling was draw more attention to the film, which was not one of his best, in my opinion, but I do know that had they picketed it in silence, in other words, use their free will and not pay money to see it, the movie would not have got the publicity it did. So, All the people did was have screaming "Blasphemy" just gave people more of a desire to go see it. If you truly believe that Christianity is ruining this world, then you have the choice to believe that. However, if people can see by your actions, that you don't believe in Christianity, it will suit you in your pursuits to be a man of actions and not words, otherwise, you end up sounding like the fanatical fundamentalists who, in my opinion, make it embarresing to be considered a Christian. Anything that is blatently announced, and controversial is going to bring more attention, and in my opinion, if you behave the way, the Reverand Jerry Falwell does, well you are just two sides of the same coin. Actions speak louder than words. Always have. Always Will. I do have a question for you that I'd like for you to give some thought to, please think about it before you respond, Let's say the Bible is completly false, and that Jesus Christ never existed. He is purely a fictional Character. (a note here, we know Ghandi, and Mother Theresa were on this earth, so there is no way to dispute those people) If you look at the life of Christ, I mean what made him angry, sad, what made him laugh, look at the whole character, and what he taught, can you truly tell me that you can find a better example to pattern your life after, A loving, caring, friend who was honest, non-judgemental, who protected his Father by people who were desecrating him, who was afraid, but strong, calm, but not weak, truly I would like to know, (leaving all emotion out of this) can you truly think of anyone better fictional, or real, to pattern your life after? I would love to hear back from you, if you feel like rationally explaining your thoughts on this matter.

Anonymous asked this follow-up question on 4/22/2000:

Can you think of a worse example than Jesus to pattern your life after? The way he cursed people, destroyed a fig tree that was out of season, decieved people with his fables about God, refused to use his power to remove disease and suffering for all time. Jesus loved only himself, and he lied all the time. He mocked people who did normal things. He used people and insisted on stupid rituals. He talked in parables so that people would not understand what he meant. It's no wonder that not even Christians try to emulate Christ.

Imhere2listen_help gave this response on 4/23/2000:

I guess you and I aren't talking about the same person. The Jesus Christ, I have read about, and researched, healed others, but didn't want it announced, hung out with people that the upper crust of society of that time thought was wrong, yet he did not cave in because of their judgements. He was a calm and gentle man, but he was never a weak person. There was a time when he got angry, and that was when people were doing something to desecrate His Father, however he did not get angry when people desecrated him. Just the People He loved. When People tried to trick him, by tossing the half clothed adultress at him, his reply " He who is without sin, cast the first stone." Yes I will agree he used parables at different times, yet they were analogy's to living life. He spoke in such a simple manner, in my opinion, that could be understood by anyone who used the brain that they were given, , however, even if they did not understand, Jesus didn't find fault with them, he showed unconditional love, and He practiced what he Preached, which is a very rare thing at any time since the world began.He died a death with torture, pain, blood, and people spat on him, and called him names, yet he never attacked back. I think that at times he didn't spell things out, or "draw someone a picture," so to speak, because he had enough respect for human beings, to let them receive the message they were meant to be given. The same message was not to be the same for every man. Had he spelled it out, In my opinion, He would have been insulting my intelligence. We are given free will, and we have our choices to make. He wasn't Santa Clause, people didn't always get what they wanted, but they were always loved. Even those who betrayed him. Where did Jesus insist on stupid rituals? I would be very interested in hearing what they were and also to hear what you consider to be the "lies" that he told people.What people did he mock for doing "normal" (by the way, what is normal?") things. It's a sad commentary that a lot of the people that say they believe in Him, don't don't make an effort to be like Him. I can not think of one time that he used someone. I have to wonder, where you get your information, and why post it under a section of mental health.Your feelings about Jesus are, in my opinion, feelings filled with anger and hatred towards him, and so I wonder why you waste your time on talking about him? Why don't you find something that you do feel good about and focus on that? I am, I guess, missing yout point. Christianity may be, in your opinion, extremely harmful, but it is a set of beliefs, not a personality disorder. I can see, a personality disoder, but it comes from a person that in my opinion, needs to come to terms and deal with themselves today, instead or ranting about someone that they think so little of, who lived so many years ago. Hopefully, you will realize and accept that all people are entitled to their beliefs and opinions. I truly believe with acceptance comes understanding, and in turn, by understanding will come knowledge and wisdom. The wisdom to be thankful we live somewhere where we are allowed to say what we think. I would really find it interesting to hear your answers, but, I need to add here, I'm not going to just accept your opinions, you need to have the ability to back up your words, with something of substance. Your word alone is not good enough for me, especially one whose opinion is so highly emotional. If you can tell me examples of what you say is true, and if you can tell me where he lied, or where you found that Jesus mocked, or made fun of others, anything mean or out of anger, except when defending people he loved. You say these things are true. I want to see the scriptures, I won't just take Your word on it.

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