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Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. Think of how youd like to be treated if the situation was reversed. Approaching religious loved ones adversarially is that part. That shit will get under anyones skin. The Effects of Religious Fanaticism on Mental Health Say something like I am thankful for the people who grew this food, those who provided it, and those who prepared it. Im lucky to have a supportive family. A popular chorus: go cornerback. 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. But I never felt like I made much progress until one memorable phone conversation towards the end of his life. Whether theyre the leaders or the followers, fanatics are people who indulge in a heady, intoxicating, and toxic concoction of self-affirming, know-it-all confidence that they have unique access to absolute truths, truths so perfect that they have to impose them on everyone. Dr. Church holds a BS in Psychology from Eckerd College and an MS and PhD in Experimental Psychology from The University of Memphis. The Effects of Religious Fanaticism on Mental Health Some of us are facing relatives who are heartbroken about our lack of faith incredulous, fearful, maybe even angry. In a situation like that I sometimes say that I am a Pantheist. I was confused how to handle it, as in my country it's dangerous to speak about it publicly. Take this seriously. Ongoing thats how science practices reason. We admitted we were powerless over fanaticismthat our lives had become unmanageable. That happens a lot with me too. Instead, quickly provide them with some basic information about atheism. Steffen[who?] Dont blame the person for all the evils you believe have been done in the name of that religion. Should Christians desire to become martyrs? Be thoughtful and respectful. Counsel Together. "What part of Fuck You! Let them say what they came to say, take any materials they offer you and thank them for their time. If they did maybe they would be a bit smarter than they actually are. Magic phrase: "That's not my belief system". Theres nothing wrong with sitting quietly sometimes, and it never hurts to listen to others talk about what they believe. Religious fanaticism, or religious extremism, is a pejorative designation used to indicate uncritical zeal or obsessive enthusiasm which is related to one's own, or one's group's, devotion to a religion - a form of human fanaticism which could otherwise be expressed in one's other involvements and participation, including employment, role, and partisan affinities. For example, refrain from asking, Why are Christians so crazy? Youre not only generalizing, but youre backing the person into a corner, as they couldnt possibly begin to answer your question. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Far more dysfunctional families than your own have been saved simply by identifying a common enemy. CWOTUS ( 26102) "Great Answer" ( 3 ) Flag as . How to deal with Religious Fanatics : by Outer_Real: Mon Oct 13 2003 at 9:39:44: A Cut-Out-and-Keep Ministry of Information Guide . More to follow. This is my go-to response when people ask me incredibly invasive and personal questions. Two hundred adults from both genders between the ages of 21-86 years old from five religious denominations: Catholics, Protestants (i.e. Making our society less materialistic, reducing poverty and the commercialisation of sex, would give fanatics less of a reason to hate the West, as well as being very desirable policies for their own sake. For example, if your religious friends start to discuss their church activities try saying, Thats great youre so involved in your church. 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. I shall be focusing only on those with a religious or quasi-religious motivation. Atheists Could Learn a Lot from Religious People About How to Win Debates, read every sophisticated theologian in the history of Christianity, God in the Age of Science: A Critique of Religious Reason, Faith vs. You in turn can invite them to a gathering of others like you. The majority of religious people are not fundamentalist; the majority of fundamentalists are not fanatics; the majority of fanatics are not terrorists. PDF The Many Faces of Fanaticism Dont bother trying to reason with them. From her parents Maria Theresa inherited not only their noble blood, but also a heart sensitive for the needy. Its 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 again. You could just say your beliefs are personal, you don't feel comfortable talking about them, and change this subject back to whatever you were there for. It must be pointed out that fanaticism is not related to religion; it is related t6 human psychological type. 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. Your views are equally right and important. Fanatics drive through life like alcoholics driving under the influence. It is the normal-functioning man that builds and constructs. If God works in mysterious ways, every single supernatural and incongruous event in religious history can be justified. Okay, so youve been disrespected, condescended to, verbally attacked or even threatened. [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". You must understand the cause, and expose the effect.". 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. ", "Another battle with Islam's 'true believers', "The Balance of Islam in Challenging Extremism", "Sayyid Qutb: Founder of Radical Islamic Political Ideology", "The Philosopher of the Muslim Revolt, Sayyid Qutb", "Conspiratorial Narratives in Violent Political Actors' Language", Journal of Language and Social Psychology, "Imam's Path From Condemning Terror to Preaching Jihad", Robert Irwin, "Is this the man who inspired Bin Laden? Reviewed by Ekua Hagan. Even politics may be a less contentious topic to bring up. Remember, everyone, regardless of their beliefs, assumes they are right. How To Respond To A Religious Fanatic? Update New Understand that rational has nothing to do with it. We all have different sensory capabilities and process information differently. Whilst religions offer advice and encouragement to help people to improve themselves, associations like Subud offer actual experience of the reality. In the meantime, the governments of the world are absolutely right to respond to fanatics who turn to terrorism with all necessary force. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? Most of all, they blame the United States of America. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. No matter what I said to him, he would warmly smile with that twinkle in his eye and say, Youre a good boy, Josh-ah.. I am thankful that we can all be together now to enjoy it, and each others company.. ", How to Deal with Religious People if You Are an Atheist, https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/jesus-is-ruining-my-love-life-is-religion-a-deal-breaker/252268/, http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/05/7-facts-about-atheists/, http://americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Local_Groups, http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cui-bono/201211/are-i-statements-better-you-statements, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/between-you-and-me/201406/5-tips-avoiding-conflict-in-your-relationship, https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/how-talk-about-your-religious-beliefs-without-being-jerk/, https://newrepublic.com/article/117474/arguing-religious-people-turn-their-techniques-around, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mr-personality/201312/why-are-religious-people-generally-less-intelligent, Confrontarsi con Persone Religiose da Ateo. [10] The driving force of the Inquisition was the Inquisitors, who were responsible for spreading the truth of Christianity. Something happened to me the other day that made me feel pretty uncomfortable and I felt like I had no idea how to respond. Fanatical Christian activity continued into the Middle Ages with the Crusades. 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]. When we pick up the Bible or the Quran or the Book of Mormon, for example, and actually read some of whats in there? If someone happens to complain that you arent bowing your head during the prayer or showing the proper reverence in some other setting, calmly offer to discuss the topic privately later. 'Fanatic' is derived from a Latin word that described possession by a god or demon. Although the Christian Bible quite plainly repeatedly encourages followers to help the needy and poor, many fanatical Christians seemed to have overlooked their book's message on this subject and have instead chosen to label . [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.) My relaxed attitude made all the difference, and the trips always exceeded by expectations. They kill innocent bystanders, sometimes by the thousands or millions. Jerry A. Coyne is a professor of Ecology and Evolution at The University of Chicago. So stop worrying so much. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Good point. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! How can we protect ourselves from these lost souls? was it you did not understand asshole?" 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. These works must include the books of the Four Horsemen: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens (one would think the faithful would already have read these, but their misunderstandings aboutThe God Delusionlead me to believe otherwise); the complete works of Robert G. Ingersoll; selected readings from Mencken and Bertrand Russell; Christopher Hitchenss The Portable Atheist, selected writings of Hume; Walter Kaufmanns The Faith of a Heretic and Critique of Religion and Philosophy; George Smiths Atheism: The Case Against God, and Herman Philipses superb God in the Age of Science: A Critique of Religious Reason. It is more widely appreciated in religions today that an actual contact with God's power is the true source of good behaviour. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. Try to open your mind, without judgment, to the variability of human perception. No one wants to expose kids to the family tension, or say something that will make the the tension even worse. Heres a rough draft for the 12 Steps of Fanatics Anonymous: Of course, the peculiar move here is replacing god with Reason, and more peculiar perhaps to repurpose the AA model for fanatics anonymous, what with AAs surrender to gods will, the most notorious excuse for fanaticism in fanaticisms long and sordid history. NFL DRAFT. How Religion Affects Everyday Life | Pew Research Center "There were a lot of gods. Byrne, worried . What's needed is an AA-style safe haven for recovering political and religious fanatics, ideologues and absolutists. Lon- The minimum score of the scale is 14 points and the maximum score is 56 points. All rights reserved. Artists respond to 'Phanatik' renouncing his faith - The Christian Post See that big chip on your shoulder? If youve been going back and forth, put an end to the conversation, at least for the time being. If you find it fun to discuss or debate religious beliefs, and can do so respectfully, then have at it. How to Handle a Religious Fanatic At age 19, I was a proud, Bible-thumping holy-roller who was on a one-man mission to save the world from sin. Weve learned though, that treating alcoholics as criminals doesnt help us or them. A Heart for the Missions. I don't feel like he would have let up even if I had said that. "Thanks for your concern, but I'm good.". I Grew Up Surrounded By Religious Fanatics. Here's What I - HuffPost Being a know-it-all provides such powerful pain relief. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Because religion is often irrational, arguing about religion is usually pretty pointless. First of all, dont panic! If people were free to blow themselves up all over the place, society just . Dont Panic! And if all else fails, do what most families do and find a third-party to vilify. Remember that there's potential for acceptance, and celebration of these differences, because they're all important. Avoid debate (especially when liquor is involved). I rest my case. 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. [.] This is a breaking news story. They may have local get-togethers or events. Ive been trying to find some new activities to do. This is likely to shift the conversation to jet-skiing, stamp collecting, volunteering at an animal shelter, etc. That was dispositive evidence for the supernaturaluntil Darwin explained it away in 1859 as the result of the purely naturalistic processes of evolution and natural selection. How to handle being pressured by religious fanatics? : atheism - reddit Naw, Josh-ah. Its kind of like were a football were just an old, dead pigskin thats useless without a quarterback. For example, I am feeling attacked right now. gives several features which are associated with religious fanaticism or extremism: Ever since Christianity was established, some of those in authority have sought to expand and control the church, often through the fanatical use of force. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Youre not going to convince someone otherwise in one conversation. For example, respond to the question, What religion are you? with I watch football every Sunday, but my mom says thats not a religion. Selengut, Charles. 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. 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. Inform the Police, Home Office, and Secret Services that a bearded weirdo is preaching hatred and intolerance at the local Mosque/Church/Synagogue/Temple/Cultist Coven! Like so many of us, you became host to a powerful parasite that mutates quickly and has taken over minds throughout human history. You may want to say, It seems like weve been going back and forth on this issue for awhile. I once told someone I was a Cathode Follower. If they havent steeped themselves extensively in the honorable tradition of secularism, then they have no credibility as believers. According to them, true Muslims will pursue it by any means necessary, including dissimulation, civil coercion, and the killing of innocents". When everyone is safe, secure, fed, and content. You need to understand why they have chosen to radicalize their parishioners. 7 Tips for Dealing with Religious Relatives. At the end of the day, we all look at the same moon. You are not alone. 6 yr. ago You could just say your beliefs are personal, you don't feel comfortable talking about them, and change this subject back to whatever you were there for. Rather than maintaining a balanced approach to Scripture and discipleship, he has gone off on a mental tangent and it has caused him to become restless in his heart and mind. Christian rappers responded to Brady Goodwin renouncing his faith in January 2022. I just wanted to continue about my business for the day). Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. People love to talk about themselves. If you think of another point youd like to make, dont put yourself back into a bad situation. But if youre going to end up feeling frustrated or angry or thinking less of the person youre debating, then leave it. Since Osama bin Laden's fatwa in 1998, jihad has increasingly become an internationally recognized term. They were cleansing this world, God's temple". According to Steffen, there are portions of the Quran where military jihad is used. How to Handle a Religious Fanatic - Joshua Rogers