Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Religious fanaticism is defined by blind faith, the persecution of dissents and the absence of reality We probably all know a few fanatical fansof sports teams, pop stars or film and TV actors. It may seem trite to discuss sports or the weather at Thanksgiving dinner, but its probably preferable to a knock-down, drag-out fight over deeply-held religious beliefs. I sat there quietly without bowing my head or closing my eyes. Lutheran, Baptist), and . Where fanatics say I reasoned once, came to the absolute truth and dont have to reason again, science, a practical practice we can learn to apply well beyond the lab, admits that theres no last word, just todays best guesses, to be improved upon through ongoing inquiry. According to Dr. Winell, RTS is a combination of 'toxic theology' and . The best way to deal with religious people as an atheist is to avoid the subject of religion, so try not to bring it up whenever possible. When was the last time you changed someones religion by arguing a point really well? It is not Us whom they fear, or at least not to start with. About Mother Foundress. [6] An example of Christians who didn't line up with Orthodox ideology is the Donatists, who "refused to accept repentant clergy who had formerly given way to apostasy when persecuted". Walk away and give yourself some time to cool down. I was confused how to handle it, as in my country it's dangerous to speak about it publicly. I do polite first, nice second, then blunt, then I go to asshat mode. If people were free to blow themselves up all over the place, society just would not be able to function. Synonyms include extremist, radical, chauvinist, militant, bigot, sectarian, diehard, and dogmatist. First, let the person know that his/her words or actions are hurtful, and that your beliefs are very personal and important to you. Dont ask questions that are purposely leading and antagonistic. [9] Contrary to what Shafer alleges, however, no eyewitness source refers to Crusaders killing native Christians in Jerusalem, and early Eastern Christian sources (Matthew of Edessa, Anna Comnena, Michael the Syrian, etc.) Perhaps some day well know the answers. For that is precisely the answer they wont accept about the scientific puzzles, like the oft-touted mystery of consciousness that they use as evidence for God. Fanatics drive through life like alcoholics driving under the influence. How Religious Ideologies Spread Similar to how organisms and their genes compete for survival in the environment and gene pool, ideas compete for survival inside brains, and in the pool of ideas . The Intolerance of Tolerance by D.A. How do any believers know for sure that their faith is the right one, especially given the presumed penalty for guessing wrong. The greatest gap that ever adduced God was our inability to explain the presence of all the Earths species, and why they seemed so marvelously adapted to their environments. And if people can fault us for not reading Aquinas, Augustine, Origen, Tertullian, and modern theologians like Hart and Alvin Plantinga, well, then, why not ask something similar of them? How Religion Affects Everyday Life | Pew Research Center Tell him you won't discuss it and you're atheist. So I propose that, when debating the religious, nonbelievers start using two tu quoque arguments. No one is exempt from the risk. If necessary, provide some source recommendations for the other person to consult and request that you resume the conversation at another time. Even if you're an atheist, it doesn't mean that you can't have good discussions with a religious person. Even if you started taking about religion, you can at any time say you're not comfortable talking any more about it, change the subject, and, if necessary, leave. Give them an opportunity to speak. How should a Christian respond to persecution? Don't blame yourself. It must be pointed out that fanaticism is not related to religion; it is related t6 human psychological type. But don't beat yourself up over it. A one on one is pointless since they're not going to regain their senses no matter what transpires. For example, respond to the question, What religion are you? with I watch football every Sunday, but my mom says thats not a religion. 7 Tips for Dealing with Religious Relatives | Wendy Thomas Russell | No amount of polite declining is going to make them stop, no rebuttal will make them change their mind and give up religion. "You see our questioner came to us already sure of his cause. If, on the other hand, we wish to tackle the causes of terrorism, the only conventional means to do this would be to reduce the fear and insecurity resulting from the process of modernity. According to the Syriac Chronicle, all the Christians had already been expelled from Jerusalem before the Crusaders arrived. 5. Why would the Abrahamic God, all-lovingand all-powerful, allow natural evils to tormentand kill people? [17] When he was executed by the Egyptian government under the regime of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ayman al-Zawahiri formed the organization Egyptian Islamic Jihad to replace the government with an Islamic state that would reflect Qutb's ideas for the Islamic revival that he yearned for. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Lon- Reason is a much harder master than god. If people were free to blow themselves up all over the place, society just . Admitted to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Be sure to encourage your children to engage in these discussions, too. If you're asked about your religious beliefs, be honest. Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. I respect your opinion and I hope you can respect mine, but I think we should agree to disagree. Dont bring up the subject again unless there is new information to cover. You in turn can invite them to a gathering of others like you. Youll also encounter religious people who are ignorant about atheism, eager to convert you to their truth, and/or hostile to your very presence. Islamic extremism dates back to the early history of Islam with the emergence of the Kharijites in the 7th century CE. And our own tacticis far superior to God-of-the-gaps arguments, since the gaps in science grow smaller as we learn more (neuroscience is one example). 1 Don't bring up the subject unnecessarily. Be honest, especially since it is a relative. The minimum score of the scale is 14 points and the maximum score is 56 points. More probably, you will make them more suspicious that you are in league with the Great Satan. The best single way I can think of would be to end injustice. The argument-from-gaps depends, of course, on the claim that science will never be able to explain these things, but that makes the argument vulnerable to unforeseen advances. Good point. How to Handle a Religious Fanatic - Joshua Rogers But we can play the Gap Game, too. It is the normal-functioning man that builds and constructs. Learn More. If the UN can't define a terrorist, then I will not even try. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You dont have to convert to their religion or share their beliefs, but you will certainly learn something new. In the race for Alabama governor, an advertisement bankrolled by the state teachers' union attacked candidate Bradley Byrne because he supposedly supported teaching evolution. Its not your fault, but it is your responsibility to kick it. What should you do if your friend insults you simply because you are an atheist? M. Hughes, G. Johnson (eds.). If you no longer feel you get anything good or positive from a certain relationship, then you are within your right to limit visits or stop them altogether. Not only does 'jihad' not endorse acts of military aggression, but 'jihad' is invoked in Qur'anic passages to indicate how uses of force are always subject to restraint and qualification". And as I listened, I gradually learned that Uncle John was a man of many sorrows, one with a broken life history, a man who was afraid God could never forgive him for all the ways he had failed. Im lucky to have a supportive family. Explain to your kids that people have all sorts of religious beliefs, and encourage them to explore and ask lots of questions. Avoid the person and focus on those who accept you for who you are. Christian rappers responded to Brady Goodwin renouncing his faith in January 2022. How To Respond To A Religious Fanatic You may want to say, Im looking forward to talking with you about atheism. A believer in religion may be open and liberal and an,other Why is God in the Old Testament such a narcissistic bully, toying with people for his amusement, ordering genocides in which innocent women and children are killed. If someone is clearly very intolerant of atheism and will not stop criticizing your beliefs, then a rational discussion with them is probably not worth pursuing. His eyes sparkled, he flashed a wide grin, and when I finished, he broke into a wheezy smokers laugh and said, Youre a good boy, Josh-ah., In the following years, I managed to alienate a handful of my coworkers I told one guy that his main problem was that he was evil; I strongly insinuated to a couple of others that they were going to hell; and I often yammered on about my faith with little regard for whether my coworkers were even listening. If 3 or 4 nice ways of saying no don't work, then pull out all the stops. Steffen[who?] Why cant he keep kids from getting cancer, or stay the waves of tsunamis? Fanaticism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Keep your children indoors and out of harms way! Let loose on society it's like crack cocaine or alcohol only worse. Your views are equally right and important. I tell him I'm an atheist. Essentially, I was terrified that I really wasnt a good boy and that He really wasnt a good God. Atheists make up about 3% of the U.S. population; however, within your community, it may seem as if youre alone, particularly if you live in a small town. The absolute truths that fanatics latch onto might be religious or political, right-wing or left-wing, Christian or Islamic, libertarian or communist, new age spiritual or old-time religious. Jerry A. Coyne is a professor of Ecology and Evolution at The University of Chicago. If he/she started an argument about that, just pull yourself out and say you won't argue about faith choices. Take this seriously. Try finding support online. If they havent steeped themselves extensively in the honorable tradition of secularism, then they have no credibility as believers. Psychiatry professor Dr. Harold Koenig, from the Medical Center in Dukes University, North Carolina, studies the . And, as always, love and levity go along way. Giving family members a chance to right their wrongs and correct their offensive behavior is a must if you are to feel good about your decision down the road. Be self-effacing. Christian martyrdom - what does the Bible say? Aw, thats no fun, he said. For example, if your religious friends start to discuss their church activities try saying, Thats great youre so involved in your church. Should Christians desire to become martyrs? In addition, Dr. Church is a member of the American Evaluation Association and Hawaii-Pacific Evaluation Association. Now I never thought of it like that, he said. Dr. Mary Church is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Consider the audience, and bring up topics that are likely to be of general interest. People like that owe you nothing. Its easier to kick it if you declare that youve become host to a virulent disease that can attack any of us. How Christians Can Avoid Tangents and Fanaticism (Freedom 24), According to certain observers this disregard for others and rampant use of violence is markedly different from the peaceful message that jihad is meant to employ. Two hundred adults from both genders between the ages of 21-86 years old from five religious denominations: Catholics, Protestants (i.e. NFL DRAFT. They may have local get-togethers or events. If they keep trying to convert you, you may need to reconsider the friendship. Thats why its called faith. That happens a lot with me too. And when they cant (or shouldnt be) avoided, a thoughtful and respectful approach can help prevent a contentious situation. This post originally appeared in February 2012. Try promising yourself you wont get annoyed until you hear X number of religious remarks or stories. Reason is also related to logos, a word with diverse implications over the millennia but related to language, and logic, uniquely human gifts for our ongoing effort to understand the true ways of the world. Offer to recommend some key atheist works that speak to your point of view, and ask the person to consult them to facilitate your discussion. Use I statements. Religious Fanaticism: Asset or Debit? - RCNi Company Limited Ergo, there remains good evidence for atheism in the yawning gaps of religious understanding. As Steffen says, though, "Jihad in these uses is always defensive. Religious sadists just want to see women suffer - Raw Story Religious Fanaticism | SpringerLink This book doesnt make any sense, and it contradicts itself all over the place! Right, sure. But before you start stacking up emergency supplies in your bio-shelters, realise that terrorists, the hated enemies of the world, are driven by the same instinct as those who hide from them, namely fear. Fanaticism and Conflict in the Modern Age. From her parents Maria Theresa inherited not only their noble blood, but also a heart sensitive for the needy. Because religion is often irrational, arguing about religion is usually pretty pointless. 15 Colas 1997, p. xix. However many Catholics see the crusades as a just war. Evangelical Fanatics and the Damage They are Doing Before we start, why dont you tell me what you know about it., If they dont know anything about atheism, or assume that it means you believe in nothing or are satanic in some way, dont criticize them for it. As always, there is a balance to be struck. Its hard to kick a drug if sobriety means admitting that youre a vile person through and through. The start of Christian fanatic rule came with the Roman Emperor Constantine I. Ellens says, "When Christianity came to power in the empire of Constantine, it proceeded to almost viciously repress all non-Christians and all Christians who did not line up with official Orthodox ideology, policy, and practice". (For semantic precision by "fundamentalist" I mean a person favouring strict observance of their own religious doctrine to the exclusion of all other sources of moral guidance. Can they be justified through rational thought? 1. We all have to sometimes listen to people talk about subjects we dont care for or dont understand hockey, poetry, auto repair, or whatever it may be. Nearly all people who are highly religious say believing in God is essential to their religious identity (96% . If You're Devoted to Religion, Are You a Religious Fanatic? was it you did not understand asshole?" These are not rules for the religious fanatic to follow, because he/she won't follow them, even if you got him to agree ahead of time to follow them, he/she would still not follow them. Picture for yourself an ugly, scarred, bearded face. However, you also don't need to be a walking advertisement for atheism at all times either. The Kharijites broke away from both the Shas and the Sunns during the First Fitna (the first Islamic Civil War);[11] they were particularly noted for adopting a radical approach to takfr (excommunication), whereby they declared both Sunn and Sha Muslims to be either infidels (kuffr) or false Muslims (munfin), and therefore deemed them worthy of death for their perceived apostasy (ridda). What should I do if something like this happens to me again? Adopt a loving posture, instead of a defensive one. People cant possible believe this stuff, we nonreligious types say. On their way to conquering the Holy Land from the Muslims by force of arms, the crusaders destroyed dozens of Jewish communities and killed thousands because the Jews would not accept the Christian faith. Send an email or ask if you can discuss the topic with the person at a later time. Give a measured, calm response, or none at all if you so choose. [18] The Qutbist ideology has been influential on jihadist movements and Islamic terrorists that seek to overthrow secular governments, most notably Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri of al-Qaeda,[14][15][16] as well as the Salafi-jihadi terrorist group ISIL/ISIS/IS/Daesh. [29] In modern-day India, incidents of anti-Muslim violence are politically motivated and a part of the electoral strategy of mainstream political parties who are associated with Hindu nationalism like the Bharatiya Janata Party (political wing of RSS).[30]. In a situation like that I sometimes say that I am a Pantheist. Only Jesus can do that. How Religious Fundamentalism Hijacks the Brain How can we deal with people whose unkempt facial hair drives them to acts of such murderous brutality that, except on Sunday mornings, most normal people can scarcely imagine? He is the author ofWhy Evolution is TrueandFaith vs. Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver of North America If, for instance, you are at Thanksgiving dinner and are asked to give some sort of blessing or say what you are thankful for, you can do so without invoking any god or religion. Why didnt Jesus return during his followers lifetime, as he promised? We want so much to encourage our children to have open, meaningful relationships with our loved ones, but we worry our kids will be pressured to believe things that arent true, or may even be harmful. Instead, quickly provide them with some basic information about atheism. You can always delay and resume the conversation at another time. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 457,250 times. A Heart for the Missions. Give your child a preview of what they might hear from relatives or friends at school. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Thanks for respecting that." Add a rough, torn, camouflage jacket with no insignia. If they insist on continuing, tell them you didn't realize that they were going to insist on talking about religion, excuse yourself, and walk out. It's not what they believe that makes them fanatics but how they believe it that they have the final word, no need to consider further evidence, and no need to ever wonder or doubt themselves. "Thanks for your concern, but I'm good.". We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 7 Ticking Time Bombs That Destroy Loving Relationships, The Single Best (and Hardest) Thing to Give Up, 3 Ways to Reclaim Your Hope and Happiness. Magic phrase: "That's not my belief system". A lot of my fanaticism was fueled by a fear that God didnt like me, that He was an angry, cosmic king who delighted in sending failing subjects into eternal torment. You need to understand why they have chosen to radicalize their parishioners. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? Answer Fanaticism is typically defined as "excessive, irrational zeal." Fanaticism can develop within a variety of different traditions, but this does not mean these traditions are in their very nature fanatical. People love to talk about themselves. But bad things arent going to keep us out of Heaven, and good things wont get us in. Fact: Why Science and Religion are Incompatible. We all have different sensory capabilities and process information differently. He had no idea how badly I needed to hear that. How to respond to an irrational argument of a religious fanatic - Quora Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I paused for quite a while to be sure of my words. Why, if God so ardently wants us to know and accept him, does he hide himself from humanity? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [26] The word jihad in Arabic means 'struggle'. I have no idea why that didn't even cross my mind. Like so many of us, you became host to a powerful parasite that mutates quickly and has taken over minds throughout human history. Completely devoted to the people or organizations they idolize, these super-fans live their lives with a slavish sense of adoration and allegiance. This is not to say they are acting in self-defence. If you are an atheist, youll come across your share of religious people who are genuinely curious about and respectful of your perspective, even if they completely disagree with it. By fanatic, I refer to those fundamentalists who cast aside the moral constraints of their own doctrines for the betterment of their cause. Religionists often float God-of-the-gaps arguments, saying that evidence for God lies in the intersticesof our scientific understanding. Alcoholics Anonymous has been so successful in part because it gives the addict a graceful way out of the corner he or she is painted into. If youve been going back and forth, put an end to the conversation, at least for the time being. This will help you better understand where the other person is coming from, and will help you to generate questions about their faith. "What part of Fuck You! If they experienced a contact with God, they would not need Holy Books or any teacher to know the difference between right and wrong. A Cut-Out-and-Keep Ministry of Information Guide. I was at this guy's house buying car parts from him and somehow he gets to talking about being a Christian and asks me what I believe in. Here are a few religiousgaps: Now its no use for believers to respond, God is mysterious. Think of how youd like to be treated if the situation was reversed. You can ask, however, how their religion reconciles evil acts done under the guise of the faith. These 14 items were selected after the evaluation of items [6]. Let them know youre ending the conversation. And would a loving Godreally let someone burn foreverbecause they were Jews, or didnt get baptized? "I recently spent a number of meal times with my wife's (religious) family. How can we end religious fanaticism around the world? - Fluther Especially if you are very unfamiliar with the persons religion, search online, read articles, consult books, and consider taking a look at the faiths sacred text(s). Approaching religious loved ones adversarially is that part. Thats unconscionable. My relaxed attitude made all the difference, and the trips always exceeded by expectations. what everybody else said, and if that doesn't work you can use my line next. (6,000,000,000 Humans /2 = 3,000,000,000 religious persons /2 = 1,500,000,000 fundamentalists /2 = 750,000,000 fanatics /2 = 375,000,000 terrorists. Unless you can deliver to them the contact with the Holy Spirit/Great Life Force/Power of Almighty God that they so desire, against their will (for they will deny their isolation from it), you will not be able to convince them. She completed a Post-Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The University of Hawaii at Manoa. Second, offer to have a conversation about your beliefs in an attempt to improve mutual understanding. Historically, the term was applied in Christian antiquity to denigrate non-Christian religions, and subsequently acquired its current usage with the Age of Enlightenment.[1]. Okay, so youve been disrespected, condescended to, verbally attacked or even threatened. 10 Common Ways Christian Fanaticism is Obstructing American Progress Like good debaters, they aim to put us on the defensive, insisting that we deal with this or that Deep Theological Book (the latest must-read is David Bentley Harts The Experience of God: Being, Consciousness, Bliss), or we answer this or that argument, or we read every sophisticated theologian in the history of Christianity. Deeper Division of the classes. Or, if youre sufficiently sophisticated to see God not as a bearded spirit but as The Ground of All Being, why isnt that Ground obvious to everyone? Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? Make jokes. But these are all long-term strategies. Then set the X number kind of high. [citation needed]. Artists respond to 'Phanatik' renouncing his faith - The Christian Post All topics related to atheism, agnosticism and secular living are welcome here. I mean, people didnt know what to do with a guy who was always trying to convert everyone including Christians to Christianity. Avoid debate (especially when liquor is involved). I used to do this when I travelled long distances with my toddler. Approaching religious loved ones adversarially is that part. I once told someone I was a Cathode Follower. The eldest of seven children, Mary Theresa Ledochowska was born in Austria on April 29, 1863, to a Polish noble, Count Anthony, and his wife, Josephine. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. [28], Violence based on communalistic-ideologies are quite predominant in the Indian subcontinent, especially since the British Raj, even resulting in the partition of British India based on religious lines. Let's keep this to the business at hand.". You are not alone. And all the while, Uncle John, as I came to call him, took my preaching in stride. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of Reason. After all, if youre attacking atheism, you must attack it in its strongest forms. I would appreciate it if I could have a moment to collect my thoughts.. Rather, they fear God, and not in a "good" way. Be thoughtful and respectful. First of all, dont panic! The most frequently cited gaps are the sciencess failure to provide complete explanations of consciousness, morality, our sense of beauty, and why there is something in the universe instead of nothing.

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