Religious fanaticism

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Cite This Source

Within the spectrum of adherence to a particular belief system, religious fanaticism is a usually pejorative term to describe a perceived extreme form of religious fundamentalism.

Overview

When adherents to a religion get involved in a pattern of violently and potentially deadly opposition to anyone they do not agree with, they are sometimes branded as religious fanatics by their detractors, although they may object that their actions are completely sound. All religions may include fanatic fringes to varying degrees.

Definition

Determining who are religious fanatics is naturally a very controversial issue. It is notable that followers of a religion, and not the religion itself are the target of accusations of religious fanaticism. The whole issue is controversial due to the very nature of the allegation.

Frequently the norms of the society are greatly diluted versions from those of the religion in the area. Therefore an individual who is obedient to his religion is often seen as a fanatic. Of course it is also possible that the individual is going beyond the norms of the religion .

Religious fanaticism and utilitarianism

According to the philosophical doctrine known as utilitarianism, any action, behaviour, law or object is morally acceptable if it increases the happiness (or utility) of relevant persons.

According to utilitarianism, religion is beneficial (and does not become fanatical) when it increases the average happiness of a society. This can be accomplished by several means. For example, by following religious law a person may experience an increase in physical health (by the abstention of alcohol, fatty foods or other unhealthy behavior) or psychological wellbeing (a person's faith may help them to accept a situation such as disease, disability or death). Alternatively, religious belief could help an individual to find their place in society or give to the whole society a philosophical ethos, as religious belief can sometimes help persons find meaning in their lives. If these effects serve to maximise happiness then according to utilitarian theories the religious belief is beneficial.

According to utilitarianism, religion is detrimental (and becomes fanatical ) when it causes damage (and a loss of utility) to members of a society. Some examples of this are corporal mortification (including use of cilicium and flagellation) and religious-oriented punishment such as crucifixion. Religious practices can also be harmful when they cause pathological psychological states such as anxiety, fear or unnecessary guilt. Arguably the biggest problems can occur when religious beliefs cause individuals or groups to perpetuate violence or genocide against others. Examples of this can be found from the earliest written records right up to the present day, and include The Crusades and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon in the United States of America.

List of accused

Christians

Some consider the [Catholic [Spanish Inquisition and Crusades]] and the [Protestant [Salem witch trials]] to have been similar expressions of Christian fanaticism. More recent examples of Christian fanaticism include protesting against abortion and homosexualityin USA. Members of the religious mainstream usually strongly denounce and disown fanaticism, although others who don't practice a particular religion at all may stereotype all members of a religion by that religion's fanatics. Some mainstream religious believers may feel a type of fanaticism is necessary since faith without works is dead. Sincere Christians measure all fanaticism by the Bible as confirmed by thousands of martyrs that gladly sacrificed their lives rather than denounce their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Muslims

In recent times, Muslim jihadi groups have been publicly noted for their adherence to ultra-orthodox interpretations of Islamic religious laws and support for terrorist activities, such as suicide bombings, murders, and mass killings.

Jews

Some also consider the some among the Haredi Jews in Israel to be extremists, as they have been known to curse and throw stones at those who breach the Jewish Sabbath, by driving or working. Other examples from the Jewish faith include Yigal Amir, the perpetrator behind the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin.

References

A Psychiatric Case Study on Religious Fanaticism

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 Wikipedia contributors (Disclaimer)
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Friday March 07, 2008 at 18:02:45 PST (GMT -0800)
View this article at Wikipedia.org - Edit this article at Wikipedia.org - Donate to the Wikimedia Foundation