Sure. That's why I ask them to explain. I am genuinely interested in the way that someone reaches an opinion different from mine. I have had many weird experiences, dreams, memories that are extremely real yet can be dismissed because I was on psychotropic drugs or under psychological stress (we contain many weird-making chemicals ourselves). What bothers me about most believers is that they take extreme positions in thought on what appear to me to be unexamined premises. I think it is emerging that most people form beliefs by suggestion or repetition (rather than rational processes) before their innervation is complete. There is no possibility physiologically that an infant can form a reasonable philosophy, but if you yell at him and beat enough he can grow up hating other human beings (Hitler and Stalin may be examples).
I would have loved to examine Paul after his attack. This man had a serious history of violence and facilitation and cowardice and bigotry. He was obviously very intelligent and well educated (in a way). He was also obsessed by his sinfulness, particularly after his conversion. But there were no good drugs available, nor electro shock and he was hardly suitable for a talking cure. I think modern medicine could have done wonders for him. I can't help but believe that people who believe in him need treatment too.
As for Jesus, a wonderful guy, but progressive megalomania -- schizophrenia with delusions of grandeur. I simple cannot believe his self-expressed ideas as having anything more than purely subjective mania. Modern medicine could have helped lead a useful life as long as he kept on his medication. He would have made an excellent rabbi if he could find a congregation. A medical workers, psychologist, faith healer, even a carpenter perhaps. A pity he was killed. He could have had a useful life. People who worship madmen in my opinion need to be examined themselves. That's why I ask them about their delusions and their foundations of belief.
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