Agree

Posted by Xavier on October 08, 1998 at 09:37:56:

In Reply to: Skepticism posted by Preston Bissell on October 07, 1998 at 09:36:40:

: This was an excellent program. I've been a subscriber to "The Skeptical Inquirer" for a number of years, and was on the mailing list of the Amazing Randi for several years. I love the way he debunks a lot of these bogus ideas.
: The one that *really* pisses me off is "Therapeutic Touch." It is amazing how many people buy into this BS. As was shown on the program, an eleven-year old girl debunked TT. But, people still claim that it works. None of them will take up Randi's offer of $1 million if they can demonstrate the efficacy of TT under controlled conditions.
: I couldn't help but think that religion in general would fail most logical tests. I now consider most religious beliefs as being nothing more than self-delusion. People *want* to believe in something, so they are willing to suspend common sense, logic and good judgment in order to make themselves accept some of the most ridiculous religious claims.
: Oh, well. If it makes them happy.
:

They also want to believe in something simple as opposed to science. Science, many times, raises additional questions and these tend to lead to fear and distrust in those unschooled. Logic and reason is simply out of the question for these individuals and a religious leader telling them that their problems are solved by sending them money and receiving "holy" (tap) water will solve all. Also, I don't believe that it is always "self" delusion...many times it becomes "mass" delusion, or, to put it bluntly, stupidity.