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Apolyton has periodic threads about gay rights, and those on the Christian right who would deny them any kind of legal protection against discrimination, and villify them for who they are/lifestyle. We've also had discussion about radical Islam ad infinitum, just look at the recent thread about the execution of juveniles in Iran. The real problem, though, is that there is this tendency in people, very pronounced among the deeply religious, to engage in these behaviors. However, even among the deeply religious, there are many who do not approve of what they see as intolerance.
So how do you define Fanatic, especially versus Devout? Both have a deep and abiding belief in God. However, there is a difference. Most simply put, at least from my perspective, the Fanatic is exterior focused, the Devout interior focused. The Fanatic wishes to impose their beliefs, the Devout is more concerned with their own dialogue with God, and what they can do to help others.
If you look at this definition, I believe it is a very practical litmus test. Thus, for example, those who state that "Gay marraige is a threat to the sanctity of marraige." is exterior focused, that is, focuses on those people as a threat. They pass the fanatic text, with flying colors. If instead they focus on living a Christian marraige, they are interior focused, and devout.
This also applies to other areas. The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) type who want to ban everyone from eating meat is a fanatic, i.e. exterior focused. The Vegan who is careful about all the products they purchase, who recycles, and who works at the Animal Rescue Shelter is dedicated (versus devout - same concept, slightly different application), or however you would apply the term(s) here. I think this is a useful working definition.
So how do you define Fanatic, especially versus Devout? Both have a deep and abiding belief in God. However, there is a difference. Most simply put, at least from my perspective, the Fanatic is exterior focused, the Devout interior focused. The Fanatic wishes to impose their beliefs, the Devout is more concerned with their own dialogue with God, and what they can do to help others.
If you look at this definition, I believe it is a very practical litmus test. Thus, for example, those who state that "Gay marraige is a threat to the sanctity of marraige." is exterior focused, that is, focuses on those people as a threat. They pass the fanatic text, with flying colors. If instead they focus on living a Christian marraige, they are interior focused, and devout.
This also applies to other areas. The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) type who want to ban everyone from eating meat is a fanatic, i.e. exterior focused. The Vegan who is careful about all the products they purchase, who recycles, and who works at the Animal Rescue Shelter is dedicated (versus devout - same concept, slightly different application), or however you would apply the term(s) here. I think this is a useful working definition.
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