Can Christians cling to delusional ideas?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#1
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)

When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was not restricting this revelation to just the two of them when using the word “us”. This teaching is for all Christians for all time. What God says here is that because He has given us His Holy Spirit, we are to have a sound mind, be fearless, and exert spiritual power, while practicing agape love.

A sound mind is the opposite of a deluded mind, so one would normally expect that no Christians should be under any delusions. Delusions are primarily for atheists and Left-Liberals, who delude themselves daily. Joy Behar is a good example of a deluded Left-liberal who recently attacked Mike Pence for his Christian beliefs, then had to apologize for her foolishness.

Yet as you look around you and also examine some of the weird ideas presented on Christian forums (including CC) it becomes evident that some Christians are carrying around delusions. And one would think that after being exposed to the Scriptures which demolish those delusions, they would simply give them up with a sigh of relief. But what we see is the exact opposite. The more truth some receive, the more tenaciously do they cling to their delusions.

One of the most damaging delusions is that Christ has ALREADY established His Kingdom on earth, but it is not really His Kingdom. It is a delusional “spiritual” kingdom in which Satan and his evil spirits wreak havoc worldwide -- through their evil minions -- while Christ looks on indulgently.

I could list many more of such weird ideas, since there are many more such delusional ideas floating around Christendom. Instead other posters are encouraged to post what they see as delusions among Christians today. It will make for a very disturbing picture. But hopefully it may help one or two to give up their delusions and stick to the truth.
 
Last edited:

valiant

Senior Member
Mar 22, 2015
8,025
124
63
#2
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)

When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was not restricting this revelation to just the two of them when using the word “us”. This teaching is for all Christians for all time. What God says here is that because He has given us His Holy Spirit, we are to have a sound mind, be fearless, and exert spiritual power, while practicing agape love.

A sound mind is the opposite of a deluded mind, so one would normally expect that no Christians should be under any delusions. Delusions are primarily for atheists and Left-Liberals, who delude themselves daily. Joy Behar is a good example of a deluded Left-liberal who recently attacked Mike Pence for his Christian beliefs, then had to apologize for her foolishness.

Yet as you look around you and also examine some of the weird ideas presented on Christian forums (including CC) it becomes evident that some Christians are carrying around delusions. And one would think that after being exposed to the Scriptures which demolish those delusions, they would simply give them up with a sigh of relief. But what we see is the exact opposite. The more truth some receive, the more tenaciously do they cling to their delusions.

One of the most damaging delusions is that Christ has ALREADY established His Kingdom on earth, but it is not really His Kingdom. It is a delusional “spiritual” kingdom in which Satan and his evil spirits wreak havoc worldwide -- through their evil minions -- while Christ looks on indulgently.

I could list many more of such weird ideas, since there are many more such delusional ideas floating around Christendom. Instead other posters are encouraged to post what they see as delusions among Christians today. It will make for a very disturbing picture. But hopefully it may help one or two to give up their delusions and stick to the truth.
Paul said, 'Who has transferred us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.' It seems that You are the one who is deluded.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#3
Paul said, 'Who has transferred us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.' It seems that You are the one who is deluded.
Once we understand that between the first and second comings of Christ "the Kingdom of God is within you" (speaking of born-again believers) then we can also understand how God has transferred us into Christ's Kingdom. But it is only AFTER the second coming of Christ that His real, literal, visible, tangible Kingdom will be established on earth (with Satan and his evil spirits totally incapacitated).
 

Joseppi

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2018
887
7
18
#4
Strongholds of the mind are prevalent among Christians.

When the truth of God is not rightly laid down in our hearts, line upon line, and precept upon precept, then a false edifice has been built in one’s mind.
It becomes a difficult to remove stronghold of the mind when pride hardens one’s heart against correction by God’s written word.
The solution is repentance, humility and the willingness to letting Christ tear down the stronghold so as to rebuild us up in an edifying and God honoring manner.
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
8,879
4,334
113
#5
If they do then maybe it's not delusional to them.

What is delusional anyway?
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
8,879
4,334
113
#6
Strongholds of the mind are prevalent among Christians.

When the truth of God is not rightly laid down in our hearts, line upon line, and precept upon precept, then a false edifice has been built in one’s mind.
It becomes a difficult to remove stronghold of the mind when pride hardens one’s heart against correction by God’s written word.
The solution is repentance, humility and the willingness to letting Christ tear down the stronghold so as to rebuild us up in an edifying and God honoring manner.

Paradigms.

They need dealt with.
 

Chester

Senior Member
May 23, 2016
4,274
1,410
113
#7
Delusional ideas?

A very detrimental one is that any doctrinal position or that any written doctrine is the starting point rather than what Scripture says.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,706
3,650
113
#8
What is delusional anyway?
While we are at it, maybe we should also ask what is a Christian concerning 'truth'?

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. (1Jn 2:20)
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. (1Jn 2:21)
...
No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. (1Jn 2:23)
Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. (1Jn 2:24)
...
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. (1Jn 2:26)
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. (1Jn 2:27)
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#9
What is delusional anyway?
Anything that is not rooted in reality, and in this context, Bible truth. For example we know from Revelation 20 that in order for Christ to literally establish His Kingdom on earth, Satan must be bound -- not merely in a spiritual sense but in a real sense so that he simply cannot exert any influence on people living on earth, and is not free to operate on earth.

Since Satan is more than influential today, and indeed controls the nations of the world and large segments of humanity, it is delusional to think that Christ has ALREADY established His literal Kingdom on earth. But He does reign in the hearts of those who are in Christ and submitted to Him.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,682
13,368
113
#10
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)

When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was not restricting this revelation to just the two of them when using the word “us”. This teaching is for all Christians for all time. What God says here is that because He has given us His Holy Spirit, we are to have a sound mind, be fearless, and exert spiritual power, while practicing agape love.

A sound mind is the opposite of a deluded mind, so one would normally expect that no Christians should be under any delusions.
From Merriam-Webster... https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delusion

Definition of delusion 1 a: something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated
  • under the delusion that they will finish on schedule

  • delusions of grandeur

b psychology: a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary
  • the delusion that someone was out to hurt him;
  • also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs


I don't see how a "deluded" mind is the "opposite" of a "sound" mind. In one sense, yes, but not completely. Christians are at various stages of growth and learning. We all hold incorrect ideas to some degree; that's one reason why we need Christ.

Because what makes a Christian isn't the extent of their knowledge and understanding, but rather key portions of it, it is safe to say that all Christians could be under delusions about something.



The danger with listing delusions is that one could be deluded about what constitutes a delusion, and thereby be casting judgment, shame, and confusion upon fellow Christians. We don't need another venue to bash each others' differing views.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#11
We don't need another venue to bash each others' differing views.
Differing views clearly exist. But Scripture reveals what is delusional and what is not. Furthermore, the primary weapon of Satan is deception. So it is up to Christians to PROVE ALL THINGS, and hold fast that which is good.

Let's take the example of salvation by good works. There are probably hundreds of thousands who hold to this delusion. All they have to do is open the Bible and see why this is false.
 
Sep 4, 2012
14,424
689
113
#12
Anything that is not rooted in reality, and in this context, Bible truth. For example we know from Revelation 20 that in order for Christ to literally establish His Kingdom on earth, Satan must be bound -- not merely in a spiritual sense but in a real sense so that he simply cannot exert any influence on people living on earth, and is not free to operate on earth.

Since Satan is more than influential today, and indeed controls the nations of the world and large segments of humanity, it is delusional to think that Christ has ALREADY established His literal Kingdom on earth. But He does reign in the hearts of those who are in Christ and submitted to Him.


What part of "all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" don't you understand? He rules the earth now. Nothing happens without his say so. Satan is loose until the temple is built. Then he will return and put satan under our feet.
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
#13
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)

When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was not restricting this revelation to just the two of them when using the word “us”. This teaching is for all Christians for all time. What God says here is that because He has given us His Holy Spirit, we are to have a sound mind, be fearless, and exert spiritual power, while practicing agape love.

A sound mind is the opposite of a deluded mind, so one would normally expect that no Christians should be under any delusions. Delusions are primarily for atheists and Left-Liberals, who delude themselves daily. Joy Behar is a good example of a deluded Left-liberal who recently attacked Mike Pence for his Christian beliefs, then had to apologize for her foolishness.

Yet as you look around you and also examine some of the weird ideas presented on Christian forums (including CC) it becomes evident that some Christians are carrying around delusions. And one would think that after being exposed to the Scriptures which demolish those delusions, they would simply give them up with a sigh of relief. But what we see is the exact opposite. The more truth some receive, the more tenaciously do they cling to their delusions.

One of the most damaging delusions is that Christ has ALREADY established His Kingdom on earth, but it is not really His Kingdom. It is a delusional “spiritual” kingdom in which Satan and his evil spirits wreak havoc worldwide -- through their evil minions -- while Christ looks on indulgently.

I could list many more of such weird ideas, since there are many more such delusional ideas floating around Christendom. Instead other posters are encouraged to post what they see as delusions among Christians today. It will make for a very disturbing picture. But hopefully it may help one or two to give up their delusions and stick to the truth.


Jesus said some there would not taste death before they see the kingdom. The kingdom is Christ’s Church- which He purchased with His blood- and which Peter used the keys (repent and be baptized) to let people in (we are baptized into Christ’s body which is His church- Romans 6:3, Col 1:18).

The BIBLE says Satan roams through the earth like a lion seeking whom he may devour.

These are SCRIPTURES. If believing God’s Word is delusional in your book, maybe you should start reading Thee Book. (As advise- no disrespect intended).
 
Last edited:

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#14
Jesus said some there would not taste death before they see the kingdom.
Why don't you (a) quote the full verse and then (b) explain what it means properly. And then tell us how Satan fits into that. And asking me to read the Bible is indeed disrespectful.
 
S

SpoonJuly

Guest
#15
Delusional ideas-----------
Jesus can come at any moment
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,357
12,875
113
#16
What part of "all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" don't you understand?
And what part of a literal Kingdom of God on earth with SATAN BOUND don't you understand?

Christ will exercise His Divine authority only after His second coming -- when all His enemies have been destroyed -- and Satan and all evil spirits are locked up in the bottomless pit, and after that in the Lake of Fire.
 

Lewiz

Senior Member
Mar 11, 2018
346
22
18
#17
It's one thing to be a young christian & believe things due to ignorance because they are babies.

It's another thing entirely when a "30 year spiritual baby" believes things ignorantly.

One's ignorance is because knowledge hasn't been attained yet, while the other is because they refuse to learn.

Delusion comes to the spiritual sloth as judgment for their rebellion & disobedience.
 

lightbearer

Senior Member
Jun 17, 2017
2,375
504
113
58
HBG. Pa. USA
#18
[h=2]Can Christians cling to delusional ideas?[/h]
No for God has placed HIS word; HIS law; His Christ in out hearts, minds and mouths. It is HE that works in us both to will and do HIS good pleasure. For HE has given all things that pertain to life and godliness. We partake of HIS divine nature. For In HIM we move and have our being.
 
Sep 4, 2012
14,424
689
113
#19
And what part of a literal Kingdom of God on earth with SATAN BOUND don't you understand?

Christ will exercise His Divine authority only after His second coming -- when all His enemies have been destroyed -- and Satan and all evil spirits are locked up in the bottomless pit, and after that in the Lake of Fire.
Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth right now. What do you think he's doing? Playing tiddlywinks with the angels?
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
#20
Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth right now. What do you think he's doing? Playing tiddlywinks with the angels?
Jesus is interceding for us day and night, like a lawyer pleads your case before the judge. And day and night Satan is accusing the brothern. (Hebrews 7:25, Revelation 12:10).
 
Last edited: