The birth of divinity or religion took place eons ago to guide mankind and create a moral way of life. It was not much later that the death of divinity gradually began with the birth of fanaticism. The base of religious fanaticism is men and women who are exceedingly devoted to their religion and feel the need to enforce their beliefs on others in a violent or socially unacceptable way. The negative repercussions of religious fanaticism have paralyzed all corners of the world and continue to proliferate.
At the radical end of the religious spectrum lie those with an all-consuming desire to convert others — a characteristic which is indicative of familial or cultural pressure. Those with this mindset possess a great deal of passion, and indeed delusion — entities which are doled out disproportionately across the human race. Fanatics are sometimes referred to as terrorists — an avaricious congregation of rabid beings, darting from one unsuspecting and impartial being to another with the goal of both justifying their viewpoint and coercing others to join them.
These radicals embody the segregation of cultures, consciously shunning the actual basis of religion. Something which was formed to unite people with similar ideologies in a safe haven of worship has been grossly masticated, regurgitated and reborn into the fanatic elites of other religious sects. In the book detailing the debate between Hitchens and Blair, "Hitchens vs. Blair: Is Religion a Force for Good in the World?" Hitchens states that religion is “actually an expression of exclusivism. ‘This is our God. This is a God who has made a covenant with our tribe.’” This mindset has given rise to groups who pride themselves on their esoteric customs. Through the obsession with which these views are held, the individuals separate themselves from others. Blinded by the force of their beliefs, a duty to spread them becomes too powerful to control.
Religion is often used by fanatics to justify their actions. The world has turned a blind eye to this far too many times. People are more afraid of failing to show “respect” for a certain viewpoint or of appearing “intolerant” than they are of the atrocities committed in the name of these extreme beliefs.
Religion has given birth to fanatics. The door to open-mindedness has been slammed shut, leaving the frame rattling and shuddering. How can evolution possibly continue its path when it is being smothered and thwarted by crazy sensations stemming from malice and truculence? Worship should not be rooted in a personal vendetta or social crusade, but rather in the tranquility and determination to lead a path of self-improvement.
Indeed, if that were the case, we may be rid of the persevering obstacle of religious fanaticism and probably revive divinity in its true sense.
