Is a "belief in God is a dangerous delusion"

[Infinite Grey]

Susan Blackmore Debates Alister McGrath (12 parts)


http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1F903194FDAC36B8

[Louisvillian]

I think it depends on the religion in which a given theology is employed.
It can go either way. If a certain religion has an inherent advocacy of violent tendencies, then in that case, a belief in it and its god(s) can become dangerous.
At the same time, if a certain religion has an inherent quality that discourages violent tendencies, then whatever beliefs that go along with it would rarely become dangerous.

In addition, certain persons can twist a religion, and its belief in deity or lack thereof, into an advocacy of violent intent, irrespective of that religion's original meaning.
So, it's very much on a case-by-case basis.

[Infinite Grey]

I think it depends on the religion in which a given theology is employed.
It can go either way. If a certain religion has an inherent advocacy of violent tendencies, then in that case, a belief in it and its god(s) can become dangerous.
At the same time, if a certain religion has an inherent quality that discourages violent tendencies, then whatever beliefs that go along with it would rarely become dangerous.

In addition, certain persons can twist a religion, and its belief in deity or lack thereof, into an advocacy of violent intent, irrespective of that religion's original meaning.
So, it's very much on a case-by-case basis.

Actually if you listen to Susan Blackmore's opening statement, she clarifies this. She is mainly going after Monotheism in this debate.