Religious fanaticism
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Within the spectrum of adherence to a particular belief system, religious fanaticism is the most extreme form of religious fundamentalism.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] 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[citation needed].
[edit] 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[citation needed]) 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[citation needed]) when it causes damage (and a loss of utility) to members of a society. Some examples of this are corporal mortification (including use of [[{Cilice|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.
[edit] List of accused
[edit] Christians
Many consider the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials to have been similar expressions of Christian fanaticism. More recent examples of Christian fanaticism include violence associated with anti-abortion , homosexuality, and white power extremists in USA. Members of the religious mainstream may disapprove of fanaticism, but some may feel it to be necessary to maintain cultural identity and spread the perceived word of God that they believe in.
[edit] Muslims
In recent times, Muslim jihadi groups have been the publicly noted for their adherence to ultra-orthodox interpretations of Islamic religious laws and support for terrorist activities.
[edit] 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[citation needed], by driving or working. Other examples from the Jewish faith include Yigal Amir, the perpetrator behind the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, and Baruch Goldstein, who killed many Muslim worshippers while they were praying in a mosque.
[edit] Muslims and Christians
Because of a certain level of tension between the two religions, Muslims and Christians are often met with hostility in communities dominated by the other[citation needed].
