God's Warriors

Christiana Amanpur just had a 3-part series on CNN about religious fanatics from the three main religions, and it was VERY IMPRESSIVE. She is a gifted journalist with wonderful diction who gives an even-handed report of the current state of affairs. She focused on fanatics who use God's word or message as a justification for their actions. People who radiate a sense of entitlement and virtuosity that is indisputable and will not be influenced by other opinions, and that are willing to go to all extremes in order to enhance their beliefs. People who are not deterred by the injury or death that they commit in the name of their God. The common denominator is, of course, religion and what it can do to us, and what we can do to others, using it's name. It makes you wonder about us, and about our needs as humans. We must have a very basic need for spirituality, but some of us get carried away. Those that do, are not satisfied with the benefits of spirituality that they incur for themselves, they have a need to shove it down our throats, as well. In all three major Western religions, there are extremists that will not take no for an answer. They view themselves as the messengers of God, and will not abate until his "message" is delivered. Others, on the other hand, can distance themselves from this involvement, and continue with their rational every day life. What makes a fanatic become one, or has he/she always been like that? Or maybe some people under certain circumstances, "slide over the top". I don't think we know. Human beings are very complex, to say the least, so it is most likely some combination of the above possibilities. I presume there is some research in this fascinating area of human behavior. Can we tell who will become a fanatic? Can we diagnose it early and possibly avert it? Imagine if we had a test that could predict or warn that a certain personality is likely to develop fanatic features. And imagine that we could possibly develop some antidote that would avert such behavior. The world would certainly be a better place for it. The world has no need for fanatics! They are responsible for pain and suffering throughout history, and should be excommunicated. Human progress has been achieved by dedicated talented and modest individuals. By those who see themselves as being an integral part of the human web. Individuals who work towards unity and not towards divisiveness. Fanatics usually hold extreme views which demand extreme actions. They are not concerned about the means, but rather regard the ends as most important. I'd like to propose that the opposite should actually be regarded as important. In medicine we learn that first and foremost we should :"do no harm". That same rule, I think, should apply to all human action. It's OK to have ideals and ambitions, but we should all abide by that important dictum. It seems though, that the social pendulum is swinging towards fanaticism, and it's taking all of us for a ride. Hold on to your seats.