Are Religious Fanatics Mentally Ill? (hell, Christians, Christ, religions)

[Booko]

Originally Posted by Tangnefedd

I am not talking about mainstream Christians, Muslims, Jews etc, I am talking about the fanatical representatives of these religions. I can only talk from the Christian perspective as I know it best. In my life I have met many fanatical Christians who seem to take a great pleasure in damning people to the most painful vision of hell they can come up with! A few were clinically insane, others were probably suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Do you think religious fanatics are mentally ill?

Has anyone looked for a link between religious fanaticism (of the most extreme sort) and childhood abuse?

[Booko]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I've seen my share of people ranting on street corners in downtown sections of major cities. And, they certainly weren't raving on about religion.

You'll find a kaleidescope of human behavior in any corner you look.

Very true. I've seen them rant about politics, aliens, and conspiracy theories as well.

[Aasimar]

Originally Posted by Booko

Very true. I've seen them rant about politics, aliens, and conspiracy theories as well.

Sometimes religion, politics, aliens, and conspiracy theories all at once! Fun fun fun <.< >.>

[Aasimar]

Originally Posted by *Paul*

It is a sure sign of spiritual sickness. God gives His reasons in scripture.

I'll take spiritual sickness over spiritual slavery, thanks.

[Wandered Off]

Writer Martha Beck made a point about this I found interesting: Fanaticism and fear are two sides of the same coin. People aren't fanatical about things in which they have complete confidence. Nobody goes around shouting and trying to convince us that the sun will appear in the morning. The more you feel you must try to convince others, likely the more you aren't convinced yourself.

[w00t]

Originally Posted by Wandered Off

Writer Martha Beck made a point about this I found interesting: Fanaticism and fear are two sides of the same coin. People aren't fanatical about things in which they have complete confidence. Nobody goes around shouting and trying to convince us that the sun will appear in the morning. The more you feel you must try to convince others, likely the more you aren't convinced yourself.

That is a good point!

[Abdullah al Hanafi]

Are Religious Fanatics Mentally Ill? << interesting question,

personally i think Extremists havent understand their religion correctly ,

for example Prophet Mohammed warned us against Extremism ,

[ChristineES]

I have noticed that people new in their faith can be a bit fanatical. Once they get settled into their faith and it is strengthened a bit they calm down a bit. I wouldn't call that a mental illness, just immaturity. Even immature people grow up eventually.