Does being born and raised into your “religious” faith make you a deluded person? Absolutely, according to atheist John Loftus. His fascinating essay is called “The Top Ten Marks of a Deluded Person” and I’m happy to engage John on all his points.
1. John says being born and raised into a faith makes you delusional for this reason: “Just taking the odds at face value, this is non-controversial and undeniable given the number of religions propagated around the globe and adhered to with utter and complete confidence as the one true faith.”
Do you understand that? Me neither. And I’ve read a lot of “religious” books and engaged in many debates with atheists. Maybe someone can explain it for me.
2. As an adult, never adopts nor cultivates the adult attitude of doubt. John says “All adults must revisit the religious faith taught to them by their parents,” and I absolutely agree.
God agrees, too. In a letter written by one of the earliest followers of Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus followers are encouraged to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”. Did you know that, John?
3. Never reads widely or is exposed to other points of view in the media.
We agree on this one, too. I’m always saddened when I encounter Jesus followers who know nothing about other faiths or about the burning issues of the day. It’s embarrassing.
4. Does not travel widely, including travel into different cultures.
Not so fast, John. Maybe you have the resources to wander all over this glorious planet. But many, many people (some of them atheists), don’t. So that hardly makes anybody deluded.
5. Never studies deeply into the nature of his or her adopted faith.
Yes! I’m also embarrassed when I chat with fellow Jesus followers and get a blank stare when I mention a well-known Jesus follower or event in history. So now I can ask you, John: have you studied deeply into the nature of your atheistic faith?
6. Lies in order to defend one’s faith. “If you have to lie to defend your faith, then you need help,” John writes.
And I nod my head in vigorous agreement.
7. Preaches to people who think differently, rather than rationally engaging them.
Once again, John and I see the same way. That’s why Frank’s Cottage is focused on starting conversations with readers. I end every essay with that invitation.
8. Claims he or she does not need evidence to believe.
Ya, that’s a silly claim. Do I have all the evidence I want? Nope. If I did, it wouldn’t be called “faith”. But do I have enough? Absolutely. Just as I imagine John has enough to believe in his faith.
9. Must be convinced that his or her faith is impossible before seeing it as improbable.
John seems to think that if he can show that someone’s faith is improbable, that should be enough. OK, John. What if someone demonstrated that atheism is an improbable faith. Would you be willing to change your mind?
10. Must denigrate the sciences in order to have faith. “Faith demands it,” John added.
I disagree. As far as I’m concerned, science shows us more about God. And I’ve written about just a few of the Jesus followers currently starring in the science world here: http://wp.me/p2wzRb-3o.
So, am I deluded because I follow Jesus? Or are you surprised at how often John and I agreed? Post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
As Christians, we are called to be in the world, but not of it. We should take the time to understand different religions and cultural beliefs, and keep ourselves informed about what’s going on in the world.
And, I totally agree with you about the science stuff – it’s just another way for God to reveal His great glory to us. We should embrace knowledge that He gives us just as we embrace our faith.
Quite the thought-provoking post today, Frank. I look forward to reading you every Saturday!
Blessings to you!
Thanks, Martha. I always enjoy reading blogs by atheists. They often provide wonderful inspiration. 🙂
Typically I am able to truthfully say “I don’t believe in the God you don’t believe in either.”
Excellent! Well put. 🙂
Spot on. There is nothing more pitiful than an ignorant believer. I do love apologetic, church history & history generally. I think we as Christians must arm ourselves with knowledge & God’s wisdom as much as we can, but not to expect those factors to change anyone’s heart. Only the Lord opens the heart… Well written – atheists have far greater faith than any Christian ever required to.
Great points, Angela. Thanks for weighing in. 🙂
[…] post is a response to a blog post on Frank’s Cottage Blog addressing John Loftus’ essay “The Top Ten Marks of a Deluded Person”. The gist of Mr. […]
Great find and an excellent blog post Frank. I reblogged and added my own comments to those of your and Loftus’. I was in a dry spell there for a sec’, so thanks for ‘leading the horse’ 🙂
Here’s my take…
…you’re only deluded if you know deep down in your heart that you have unsettling questions about why you believe what you believe and continue to believe it–OR–if you never question what you believe and why you believe it and continue to believe it. Then, and only then, are you delusional.
Excellent thoughts! Thanks for reblogging and continuing the conversation. I’m honoured and humbled to have an atheistic person following Frank’s Cottage! 🙂
Ditto my friend–and as promised in my re-blog of your post, I read Philippians 2-12 re: your point #2 and I think we we’re both on point. Though, as I’m one not to stir unnecessary ‘psychological reaction’ in others, I think the use of the word “fear” does just that to me.
To me “respect for God’s plan” is probably a better turn of phrase–as I would prefer my kids respect me rather than fear me–I’m also not one for euphemistic softened language, but when the object is to convince a perhaps inherently fallible soul regarding his salvation earthly or otherwise–well…you get more bees with honey.
But I guess that’s just the communications major in me.