Fake Article About Belief in God Being a Mental Illness Sparks Scathing Critique on Religion

By Alison Lesley --
09 Aug 2015 --

Fake News site News Nerd published a story linking belief in God to mental illness, Salon.com writer uses it to slam religion.

The American Psychological Association (APA) is set to declare belief in God a mental illness, Jeffrey Tayler of Salon.com is “reporting” (via the News Nerd).

The satirical article says this is what the APA has concluded:

“…a strong a passionate belief in a deity or higher power, to the point
where it impairs one’s ability to make conscious decisions about
common sense matters, will now be classified as a mental illness.”

Evidence provided includes the notion that religion has caused “…chaos, destruction, death, and wars for centuries.”

Here is some more pertinent information: The News Nerd is a satirical online newspaper, which Tayler fully recognizes, but continues as if the story were true.

Tayler offers his own take on the wrecking power of organized religion, citing The Jehovah’s Witness’ refusal to accept life-saving blood transfusions because the Bible prohibits drinking blood.

ISIS and al-Qaida are also provided as evidence of how a passionate belief in a higher power can have negative consequences on society.

On a more individual level, Tayler says the effects religion has on “women’s reproductive rights to same-sex marriage to teaching science in schools” and even the reduction in tax revenue are detrimental to the mental health of Americans.

His evidence that religion makes people act in a “childish” way: The belief that an undetectable “father” provides parental care and protection. Further, if people behave in ways prescribed by “various magic books” they can live forever in a world after death.

Tayler continues to say that religion has promoted child abuse and homeschooling is nothing more than a method of brainwashing children for the church.

He also claims that the Founding Fathers knew of the harmful potential of religion and so induced a separation of church and state. It is certainly, at the very least, up for debate whether Jefferson et al were trying to protect the government from religion or religion from the government.

It's alright you six and a half billion believers in God, you can come out now -you are not officially mad. For now. http://t.co/HgluLaWFg7
— Screwed by State (@ScrewedbyState) July 29, 2015

Tayler’s editorial comes at a time when studies show American’s interest in organized religion is waning, which could open up discussions as to the role of belief in a higher power in a modern, progressive society.