"The Three Messiahs of Ypsilanti" is a major psychological study examining the lives of three men who each claimed to be Jesus Christ.

In the late 1950s, psychologist Dr. Milton Rokeach encountered three patients who believed they were Jesus Christ. The patients were Joseph Cassel, Clyde Benson and Leon Gabor.

Impressed by this unique situation, Dr. Rokeach decided to conduct an experiment that involved bringing these three people together to confront their delusions. He believed that if they were confronted with the reality of others claiming the title of "Messiah" it might lead to a change in their beliefs.

Interactions between the three "Messiahs" were often tense and challenging. They argued, argued, and even got into fights over their claims. Dr. Rokeach observed how each individual deals with the dissonance between their own beliefs and the existence of others making the same claim.

Dr. Rokeach's experiment raised ethical questions regarding the treatment of individuals with delusions. Although it hoped to alleviate suffering, some critics claimed the experiment could cause more distress for the participants.

Dr. Rokeach, fascinated by this uncommon situation, orchestrated an experiment bringing the three "Messiahs" together to confront their shared delusions. The interactions, marked by tension and disputes, aimed to explore how individuals grapple with the dissonance between their beliefs and the existence of others making similar claims.

While the experiment raised ethical concerns about treating individuals with delusions, it provided insights into the complexities of identity and faith. Despite promises made to participants, two of them persisted in their claims to be the Messiah.

Notably, the patients, once in constant conflict, began to communicate and even defend each other on non-messianic issues. Dr. Rokeach's experiment challenges our understanding of the human mind and the intricate nature of delusions.

The subsequent book, "The Three Christs of Ypsilanti," penned by Dr. Rokeach in 1964, further ignited debates on identity, faith, and mental illness treatment. In 2017, the experiment inspired the movie "3 Christs."

Dr. Rokeach's reflection on the experiment underscores its profound impact: "While I failed to cure the delusions of the three Jesuses, they succeeded in curing my delusions that I could change my omnipotent and omniscient state by manipulating them."

The case remains a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities inherent in mental health and the ethical dimensions of psychological research. (desc)

Although the patients were promised some things they wanted in return for changing their behavior or claims in the later stages of the experiment, two of the patients did not give up their claim to be the Messiah.

Patients who used to constantly quarrel with each other began to communicate and even defend each other on issues other than the messianic claim.

The study "The Three Messiahs of Ypsilanti" remains a unique example in the history of psychology. It challenges our understanding of the human mind and the complex nature of delusions.

The story then goes back to Dr. It was adapted into a book by Rokeach and further fueled debates about identity, faith, and the treatment of mental illness.

In 1964, Dr. Milton Rokeach compiled this experiment into a book. In 2017, a movie called 3 Christs was shot.

Dr. In his book about the Rokeach experiment, "While I failed to cure the delusions of the three Jesuses, they succeeded in curing my delusions that I could change my omnipotent and omniscient state by manipulating them." he said.

The case of the Three Jesuses of Ypsilanti is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of identity, faith, and the human psyche. It serves as a lasting reminder of the complex nature of mental health and ethical considerations in the field of psychology.