Religious extremists - subjective?

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   Baileybearposted 13 years ago

   ALL religions have their extremists, that hopefully, most of society identify as being violent nutters.
   
   But when does "harmless" religion move along the continuum and become dangerous extremism?  When people get killed? 
   
   One person's terrorist is another person's hero.
   
   Surely religious extremism originates from beliefs about what their superbeing requires?  What about extremists that don't kill but abuse (like the ones I've written about with my experiences of christianity). 
   
   Is pscyhological abuse just as damaging?

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      aka-djposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think this kind of extremism you talk about can easily come about when people stray from the truth of the Word of God. (Jim Jones stands head and shoulders above the rest, in my mind here).
      
      But as for psychological abuse, that's not limited to religion. Kids cop that at home. Wives cop it from husbands. Employees from bosses, etc.
      
      There needs to be a bit more vigilance by individuals. Look out for themselves, etc.
      
      I too could have fallen into the trap of following blindly, what the pastor said, taught, or what the denomination agreed with. At the end of the day, I walked away, because I knew it to be wrong. (at least for me). Others can, and should do the same.
      
      No-one is compelled/forced to believe anything in Christianity.
      
      The original martyrs gave up their lives for what they believed to be right.
      (NOT like the so called martyrs of radical Islam, where they kill indiscriminantly. They simply refused to recant or compromise.)
      
      Maybe we should learn a lesson from them.

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         Baileybearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         with Jim Jones - I imagine he would have been a very charasmatic person and attracted people to him.  Then isolating people from the outside world was the next step.  So he had trust, then abused it.  Just like in other forms of abuse.
         
         Agree extremism isn't just religion - but religion sticks out because people are willing to die on behalf of their invisible entity.  Many people of faith seem like very reasonable, balanced people. 
         
         So maybe extremism is more about holding an extreme worldview, and being unwilling/unable to see any other points of view?

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         Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That isn't extremism? LOL!
         
         
         
         The lesson is quite clear, something along the lines of throwing rocks and living in glass houses.

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         getitriteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         However, that was not always the case.

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      Baileybearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      here's some "christian" religious extremists
      
      http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-most … n-america/

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         stilljustwonderinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, these people are attacking others verbally when they are most vernerable.  I would call them a "religious" extremest, not Christian.  They are just as guilty of sin as the people they are pointing the finger at.  They could be numbered with the scribes and pharrasses of Jesus day. They are a good example as to why we are to study the Bible on our own and not just follow what the preacher or congregation says.
         If I attended that church it would just be one time.  Then I would get as far away from them as possible.

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            Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Kinda like fabricating stories to support a belief system?

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               stilljustwonderinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I don't know any one who fabricates stories.

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                  Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Just look in the mirror.

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                     stilljustwonderinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     I have heard children say that. 
                     
                     If you can't recognize the truth......................theres nothing I can do about that.

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                        Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        If only you could recognize reality, you might have something to say.

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                        brotheryochananposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        absolutely right.. and the mission is to NEVER see the truth even if they have to sound like children. They don't care.. so long as the guilt they feel keeps repressed and they never have to admit they are wrong. This is purpose behind bashing their non belief more than we bash our belief.
                        
                        i can be emailed

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                           stilljustwonderinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                           The Bible tells us we will be mocked and ridiculed.  Some day they will see the truth.  How will they feel then?

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                              Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                              Of course, many books of fantasy and fiction have disclaimers contained within.

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               Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Fabricating stories....hmmmm. When one believes an opposing concept which can be placed squarely in the same category as the concept which they argue against, isn't that definitive of a dog chasing it's own tail? Dogma: Defined as: Same as BS, but with a D. Beel's dogma, religious dogma. same thing. Oh that your eyes were truly opened. Then you would see that the rocks which you peg at others, are really being thrown at your own reflection.

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                  Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  You mean, religious fantasy as opposed to stark reality? If you say so...
                  
                  
                  
                  Oh yes, I can see how rocks will go right through an invisible super being but will bounce back from reality. LOL!

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      Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It makes me nervous, in this day and age, when what we really need is extremism of the Ghandhi type. All I hear from all sides concerned, is violence and mayhem. The Great Soul was correct, when he said "An eye for an eye, and a tooth, for a tooth, will only serve to make the whole world blind and toothless." The concepts of Coup D'etat. Peaceful revolution. Peace.

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      pennyofheavenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Any abuse is damaging. It takes a discerning mind to stay away from extremes.

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   insearchof truthposted 13 years ago

   I agree aka, good on you for following your own path.  Others are not so lucky though and fall into abuse.
   
   If you define religion as following a set of rules or idealisms in order to reach a higher connection with a lifeforce or particular deity, then it becomes dangerous at it's core.  The danger is that it is man made. 
   
   I don't think it is subjective, as the person who might be following a religious course might have feelings of meeting a higher calling and contentment in satisfying the qualifications for holiness.
   
   Psycological abuse is worse.  Hit me, kick me shoot me even, but don't twist up my head.
   
   Baileybear,I too have encountered spiritual abuse within the confounds of Christianity.

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      Baileybearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I see on your profile you love Jesus.  Your spiritual abuse didn't put you off like it did with me?

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         insearchof truthposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         It put me off all right.  It put me off churches and religion,  but then I met Jesus. Made plenty of mistakes since this, and had Christians hurt me many times but my love for Him won't change. This poem might help.

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            getitriteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            
            
            If the bible is being misinterpreted by the church, what makes you think that YOU are the one who absolutely got it right?

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               insearchof truthposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Anyone who thinks they have it absolutely right is probably wrong. I am sorry if you got that impression.

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                  Baileybearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I agree with you there

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            pennyofheavenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Awesome poem! Thanks

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   aka-djposted 13 years ago

   I was just reminded of the scripture that says " the son's of God shall be led by the SPRIT of God".
   
   People forget that, (or don't know that) and allow themselves to be led by (mere)men.
   
   Paul said "be ye followers of me EVEN AS I AM a follower of Christ". That suggests we follow other so far as they follow Christ. Once they leave the "straight & narrow" path, we are no longer obliged to do the same.
   
   Q. Do you know the "way" of the straight & narrow? If not, you better find it, so you won't be led astray. No matter what the leader's name, fame or title is. I believe that's called RELIGION. (IE following rules, laws and expectations of men!!)

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   Jeramiposted 13 years ago

   get it right said...
   If the bible is being misinterpreted by the church, what makes you think that YOU are the one who absolutely got it right?
   
   - - - - - - - -
   
     For one thing! If there are a hundard counterfitts of somenthing!  That means that that there IS   SOMETHING to be counterfitted.    @ Get it right,   think about it before ya respond!   OK?  ..    Do yourself a favor?

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      getitriteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      This logic is absurd.  You are the one saying that there is SOMETHING to be counterfeited, only because of wishful thinking.  There is nothing to be counterfeited in the first place--Because the bible is BS. I stand by my statement.
      
      Now go do yourself a favor, and THINK, period!

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