Why are there so many religious extremists these days?

Answer 1

It's a pendulum swing. There are religious extremists when there is economic disparity and social uncertainty. Religious extremism also corresponded with the plague.

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Answer 2

There are a variety of mechanisms that promote the development of extremists in religion, politics... etc.

One good mechanism is a perceived threat.
And little serves better for this purpose than extremists seen in an opposing camp.
As "the enemy" is so extreme, moderation is seen as dangerous and compromising. And propaganda to this effect multiplies.
Some moderates will be drawn to this or some, at least in the politically context, will find them selves repelled by exaggeration and laies and move towards the opposite camp: polarisation. Moderates will in some circumstances also tend to take on the language and behaviour of the extremists not out of conviction, but to avoid being attacked by such as traitorous compromisers.
Again the moderate middle tends to empty.

(the classic case on this might be the Spanish civil war in the1930's)

Moderation doesn't come with a great battle-flag or slogan, as a rule.
"What do we want?" "Gradual change"
"When do we want it?" "In due course."

Answer 3

Because in times of uncertainty, there is comfort in religion. The more uncertain the times, the more likely the extremists are to come out or the woodwork.

There will always be extremists though -- otherwise the members of the sect led by Fred Phelps would not have STARTED their campaign of protests over 12 years ago in Topeka (when there was relatively little unrest in the US)

Answer 4

The freaking media encourages people to make a big deal out of everything in order to claim their fifteen minutes of fame. The idea that the media might be there and help spread the word of some extreme doctrine or campaign whips religious zealots into a frothing frenzy. Wacko.

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Answer 5

Many folks are going to a literal view of texts. In the case of Muslims, this means violence. In the case of Christianity, it means showing the truth that Jesus is a Rock of Offence and one must fall and be broken, to be a true christian. In the case of paganism it means the disruption of traditional morales, including forbidding arts, and forbidden sexual pratices.

These views are being pushed by certain powers to cause division, as well as prepare for a plan to bring about unity thru a series of events and a certain political leader.

Answer 6

Because the Evangelical Christians are CONVINCED that Jesus is coming back to earth this century.

They are obsessed with the idea. They are addicted to that idea to the point that they believe they can force God's hand by destroying the world for Him (as if He needs their help!).

They are basically religion addicts, as are many of the Muslims, and many of the orthodox Jews.

What happens when you get a bunch of addicts in the same room? They fight. They fight and fight and fight and fight and fight. They don't listen to each other. They are so threatened by the idea that they have to learn to agree to disagree in order to coexist that they go to the "easy" answer in all this conflict----"let's wipe out whoever disagrees with us".

Plus, I think the I.Q. power in many religious leaders is lacking. They are often not the smartest people in the world. They aren't "dumb", but they aren't Harvard, Yale, or Oxford educated either. It is very hard for them to hold two opposing viewpoints in their heads and so they can't imagine that the way to peace among these three groups is to minimize the messages of the religious addicts.

In each religion, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, there are scriptures that tell their followers that everyone outside of their group is damned.

The extremists in each of these religions holds onto primarily to those scriptures and ignores all the other scriptures.

They get press coverage because they are violent and, in the case of Al Qaeda, truly sinister.

The truth is, we who believe in God believe what we believe but NONE OF US really knows what happens after we die. We don't know for sure who's going to a good place after death and who isn't, or if there even is such a place.

My goodness---maybe the atheists are right and all religious people are fools!

But that, in my opinion, is why there are so many extremists.
Religious people who are religion addicts go to extremes and recruit others to go along with them.

That extreme even involves killing others for their "god".

Answer 7

These days? You ask as though they Just popped up out of nowhere. There is and always was extremists. We just have the media everywhere and the ability to get information in a second from anywhere.

Answer 8

Christianity and Judaism evolved from their violent past into more civilized religions, but, instead, Islam is evolving backwards, not only going back to their violent beginnings, but going to the point of self destruction.

Answer 9

Perhaps because religion is on the defensive more than ever before, and some believers feel the need to hit back like a cornered animal.

Answer 10

America traditionally has been populated by Christians. It is the anti-Christians who are the extremists. We are just trying to keep you from turning our nation into a godless socialist state. If you want a godless country, move to China or North Korea, IF you have the courage to put your money where your mouth is