Why does it seem that many, if not most, Christians are fanatics?

Question

fa·nat·ic
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin fanaticus inspired by a deity, frenzied, from fanum temple -- more at FEAST
: marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=fanatic

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=religious+fanatic

Answer 1

I don't know. Being a zealot isn't always a bad thing, but some of them (and some people in other religions as well) take it waaaaay too far. As if their Gods all died and left them in charge and it's up to them personally to clean up everyone else. I've noticed that most of the Fanatics, no matter what religion or concept they are fanatical about, are the biggest hypocrites and the one's least likely to take responsibility for their own actions, while telling everyone else the consequences of theirs.

It's a shame really... I'm sure some of them do feel some kind of love and compassion, but normally it's for themselves and for those who agree with them. They are missing out on learning other things when they cut off the entire world thinking they are the only one's who are correct. Stagnant... it's not a good way to live, in my opinion.

Answer 2

Because those are the ones you hear from. I think the majority of Christians are OK, pretty rational folk. It's the outspoken minority that make the rest look bad.

We have our share of those in the Neopagan movement, too, trust me on this. Every religion does. But in most religions there are also sane and rational people who happen to find meaning in that particular path.

As I like to say, there are more choices out there than just Fundamentalist Christian or Absolute Atheist.

Answer 3

i can only speak for me, i live as a Seventh Day Adventist Christian and as A Christ Centered person i understand that we live in a world that has a total death rate, no one lives so i know that Jesus The Second member of The Godhead [see Hebrews 13:8, John 8:58, John 1, for Jesus being God] is our ONLY Way out so if i am fanatic its because NO ONE need perish, for God [The Father] "SO" loved YOU that HE GAVE [Jesus gave Himself] that WHOSOEVER should BE-LIVE in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, find out more free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com email me also [e-mail] God bless

Answer 4

Because the fanatics are the ones who deliberately try to get your attention. Us moderate Christians just quietly get up on Sundays and go to church, and try to live as good people according to God's will.

Answer 5

Most people whom I know that call themselves Christians are genuinely embarrassed to speak about their faith in public or to their friends because of fear of being linked to the fanatics that are always in the public eye.

Answer 6

I think you answered your own question. I have the LOVE of Christ in my heart (uncritical devotion) and am a absolute JESUS FREAK (excessive enthusiasm).

Answer 7

I don't think that all christians are fanatics. The more insecure they are in their religion, the more fanatical they are, and the more secure they are the less weird they tend to be.

Answer 8

I don't know one fanatical Christian.

And I know a LOT of Christians.

I think your assumption is off.

Peace!

Answer 9

Because they draw the most attention to themselves. From my aspect of a Christian it seems like most atheists are hateful losers; but I think it is just because they draw the most attention to themselves.