Rabid Paranoia

Paranoia is a “mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system.  It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, or drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality.”  Paranoia manifests itself  in persecution complexes and delusions. 

Paranoia is a thought process influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality.  It manifests itself in “conspiracy theories” and “perceived threats” towards oneself or a nation.  It leads to making false accusations and is generally distrustful of others who are different, whether in thinking, race, or culture, etc.  It is often expressed with a religious fervor.

Yesterday a post appeared on my Facebook page that expresses the rabid paranoia rampant in our society today.  The post was about Franklin Graham, son of the world-renown evangelist, Billy Graham, who is urging Christians to vote for Donald J. Trump.  Graham feels that Trump has “been chosen by God,” saying, “the reality TV star was the only thing standing between Christians and death camps.”  “The liberal Democrats are openly hostile to Christians,” said Graham.  “We won’t survive four more years of Democrat-led government.  I can see them rounding Christians up and putting us in death camps unless we follow their laws that want to grant special rights to gays and transgender people.”  “Christians need to vote for Trump,” Graham goes on to say, “he embodies our values.”

Solar Eclipse, Wales, March 20, 2015

This is absolutely ludicrous.  It is pathetic. It is a classic example of rabid paranoia. It is delusional. It is a distortion of reality and of the Christian message.   It would seem to me that Graham’s statements would be repugnant to both Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, and most of all to Christians (regardless of their political leanings).   Graham seems to be saying that all Christians are, by virtue of being Christian, Republican, or at least supporters of Donald J. Trump.  That too, is delusional.