Why are religious zealots the world's worst people?

Question

I worked in security for a major theme park. On a day specifically geared towards Baptists, we had more fight calls, harassment calls, and various other mischief than on any other day of the year, by a HUGE margin.

I also had to investigate a specific case where a religious person was harassing a Satan worshipper. When I arrived, guess who was polite and respectful? And on the contrary, guess who was uncooperative, rude and disrespectful.

There are always good people and bad people. But with religion, good people use God to do the worst things imaginable.

I tend to think, and that seems to be a problem with people who are trying to "save" me.... What are your thoughts?

First, I have nothing against Baptists and this example wasn't meant to single them out. The chosen subject just happened to be Baptist and therefore qualified for my religious zealot question.

Second, I am a religious person myself, although non-denominational, and I know that stereotyping is a horrible practice. I don't, however, know of any atheists that would fly a plane into a building to make a point.

And third and finally, I never said I was a security guard. I was actually a Managerial Supervisor (a corporal) for the entrance, keeping people like you safe from religious zealots with weapons. I don't think I was ever accused of bullying people, but I do appreciate your candor.

Oh yeah, and this was back when I was 18.

Answer 1

No doubt and you are so right.....thanks for sharing your example with us....I have noticed that some people try the "rape" their "faith message" into others. It is very abusive, and they think that they represent God....Sickening.

Answer 2

I disagree, kind of.

Zealots are zealots the world over - atheistic and religious alike. I know plenty of my fellow atheists who really need sectioning because they can be a real menace to religious people.

It isn't what people believe that is the problem, it's a human tendency toward fanaticism that is the problem.

I'm not comfortable with singling out any one group as being more inclined to fanaticism than another.

Answer 3

all zealots are scary , whatever their belief, because it implies an intransigent mindset---that cannot be swayed ,no matter how rational the counter argument...

when the name of God , even in a misguided interpretation, is evoked by a fanatical and uncompromising follower of a religion or policy...they hurt the name of all those involved in the religion because they are easily identified

I am sorry you had such a negative experience with Baptists (or anyone for that matter) ...I am not Baptist but have worked with a few and have always found them to be fine , kind and more importantly rational people.

Answer 4

Well im Baptist but i don't agree with what some others do to people who are believers. At my church we learn to not force the person when they say they don't want to hear it. Some others do do that but i know that i don't. When im trying to help someone realize that they need to change their faith to Baptist, i do it nicely or i give htem so many evidence or reasons why my religion is right and there's is wrong. Cuz they always are gonna come out asking all these questions. But i don't force them cuz that makes you look bad. God doesn't wants us to spread his Gospel by being Violent or forcy. But yeha i do hear or those stories of some ppl who force it upon others. I don't know why they do it.

Answer 5

while i develop right into a Christian human beings from different church homes could harass me continually attempting to transform me to their style of Christianity, yet no longer now. Now I merely tell them i'm Wiccan, and that they get a humorous look an their face and merely walk away. BB

Answer 6

I think sometimes security guards act as if they're frustrated because they can't make it as real cops. You give them a uniform, and they think they have the right to push people around.

A lot of people who go into security were bullies who used to push people around. Now they are bullies who think they have a right to push.

I knew one store guard who used to go to the store on his day off so he could follow people he suspected of stealing while he was "Plain Cloths".

There are always good and bad people. But with security guards, they imagine grandeur of power.

I tend to think, but that tends to be a problem. Sometimes I don't think, and I just generalize about things, like how stupid security guards are.

Answer 7

Take a long look at the russian communist who had no religion, they were very very very bad people. Were there any good communist none spring to mind, there are and have been many excellent religios zeolots and they more than make up these low life types you are talking about.

Answer 8

Religious nuts are the cause of most of the world's problems.

Answer 9

Because the Baptists are not allowed to drink?

Answer 10

Because they knock on your door .