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"A fanatic is one
who can't change his mind and
won't change the subject."
(Winston Churchill)

Loss of balance and moderation in religious expression is a condition that any person of any conviction can acquire.

Religious zealots, each with unshakeable conviction, have been present in all ages of history. Only the names have been changed. Our 21st century religious zealots have acquired the new titles of "religious fanatics", "fundamentalists", or "extremists".

What do we picture when we hear the words "fanatic", "fundamentalist", or "extremist"? Our minds review the images of a 9/11 terrorist, a Klansman, a Nazi, the violent participants in an anti-abortion rally, and the list goes on and on.

A religious fanatic has become unbalanced in the practice of their faith. When anyone concentrates their total efforts and emphasis in espousing one truth they venture into a dangerous realm of zealousness and fanaticism.

In practice of religion, as in all commitments in life, the key words are balance and moderation. All religions may include fanatic fringes, where factions exercise the extreme interpretation and practice of tenets within their faith. No body of the faithful believers is immune from prideful practice.

As each participant strives to "be all that they can be", to follow the teachings and outward exhibitions of their faith, the enticing call of extreme adherence looms ever present.

Since the days of Cain and Able, mankind has been susceptible to the violent results of succumbing to pride in personal convictions. Without balancing inherent pride with conscious practice of self-control and humility, extremism is quite possible in our own spiritual and religious life.

"In other words, a person who is fanatic in matters of religion,
and clings to certain ideas about the nature of God and the universe,
becomes a person who has no faith at all."
(Alan Watts)

Learn more about this author, Sharon Cohen.
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