Religious fanaticism
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Within the spectrum of adherence to a particular belief system, religious fanaticism is the most extreme form of religious fundamentalism.
Overview
When adherance to a religion get involved in a patern of violently and potentially deadly opposition to anyone they do not agree with, they are sometimes branded as Religious fanatics by their detractors, although they may object that their actions are completly sound. All religions may include fanatic fringes.
Definition
Determining who are religious fanatics is naturally a very controversial issue. It is notable that followers of a religioun, and not the religioun itself are the target of accusations of religious fanaticism. The whole issue is controversial due to the very nature of the allegation.
Frequently the norms of the society are greatly diluted versions from those of the religion in the area. Therefore an individual who is obedient to his religion, is often seen as a fanatic. Of course it is also possible that the individual is going beyond the norms of the religion [citation needed].
Religious Fanaticism and Utilitarism
According to philosophical doctrine known as Utilitarism, is ethically acceptable (something like the religious concept of morality) any action, behaviour, law or object that could increase the happiness of any given person or of the whole society or the biggest part of the community.
List of accused
Christians
Many consider the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials to have been similar expressions of Christian fanaticism. Some consider more recent examples of Christian fanaticism to include violence associated with anti-abortion extremists in USA, but this is an extremely controversial and emotionally-charged debated issue. Members of the religious mainstream usually disapprove of fanaticism, but some also feel it to be necessary to maintain cultural identity and spread the perceived word of God.
Muslims
In recent times, Muslim jihadi groups have been the publicly noted for their adherence to strict interpretation of Islamic religious laws and support for terrorist activities, although many others would call them servants of god.
Jews
Some also consider the some among the Haredi Jews in Israel to be extremists, as they have been known to curse and throw stones at those who breach the Jewish Sabbath[citation needed], by driving or working. Other examples from the Jewish faith include the perpetrator behind the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, and Baruch Goldstein, who killed many Muslim worshippers while they were praying in a mosque.
Muslims and Christians
Because of a certain level of tension between the two religions, Muslims and Christians are often met with hostility in communities dominated by the other [citation needed].