The Misguided Extreme Faithful: Just Like You Only Holier

About a month ago I published a piece entitled, “11 Mistakes That Parents Make.” In this article I gave my opinion that a faith-system is important in raising a child. I saw no offense in that comment, as I was raised with a faith that has helped me throughout my life. I was not preaching a particular brand of religion, but I received many angry comments from atheists and agnostics claiming that I was wrong. Several atheists and agnostics quickly put me in the “extreme religion” category simply because I am a believer in giving children a faith. I then wrote another article entitled, “Wicked Faith” to address my personal faith views and to question those non-believers.

However this piece addresses the problem of too much religion in our society. I expect to receive unkind comments from this article. But I believe in the importance of moderation

in all things especially religion.

1. The extreme misguided faithful are preachy.

   They preach their religious views as bumper stickers plastered all over their cars. They wave religious signs and words of scriptures at sporting events in front of the cameras. They try to convert every new person to their faith. They introduce themselves with a first name and a religion. They mean well but they end up turning off most people through their sermons and quotations of their religion. They may solicit their religious views door-to-door. When they are on your doorstep they greet you with a phrase such as, “Do you want to be happy or burn in hell?” Then they proceed to sell you their particular brand of religion.

2. The extreme misguided faithful are intolerant.

   They preach tolerance, but they don’t live by their words. They have no patience for anyone who shares a differing viewpoint. They might listen to your moderate ideas for five minutes and then they begin the rant about where “you sinners” will end up going. They have a quote for every idea that is different from their own that will prove any opposing ideas as being wrong. They see the problems of the world stemming from too many viewpoints and religions. They believe all problems would be solved if everyone was of the same faith. They do not value diversity and differing opinions. Differing opinions get in the way of their message and muddy their clear waters.

3. The extreme misguided faithful are literalists.

   They interpret their books of religion. LIERALLY. They feel they must act in the literal sense of their holy books. These actions are often extreme and frightening to others who do not share their intense viewpoints. While their intentions may be honest, their literal interpretations are archaic and do irreparable damage to good relations.

4. The extreme misguided faithful are judgmental.

   They are quick to judge with their extreme views. Whoever does not share their viewpoints on religion are viewed as failures. They are right and everyone else is wrong. They see the world in two opposite colors with no mixed hue in the middle. You either agree with them or you are surely doomed.

5. The extreme misguided faithful stick to their own groups and do not mingle with society.

   They huddle together as they condemn the world that surrounds them. Instead of merging into mainstream society and allowing others to see how their faith guides their life and fuel understanding they remain segregated by choice. They do not wish to be a part of the melting pot of civilization

6. The extreme misguided faithful only wish to convert the masses.

    They will give you food as long as you listen to their sermons. They will take care of you as long as you support their faith. They are interested in your time contributions and your financial support. They are not looking for new friends unless they can persuade you to think exactly as they think. The religious faithful are searching for followers to help spread and support their extreme views.

Who are these misguided faithful? They are the groups of religious extremists. Their

followers are of all faiths who seek to dominate the world in the name of their God. Whatever way that they win world domination is justified.

No wonder organized religion has such a negative connotation. Religion for thousands of years has fueled wars and the suffering of humanity. It is no surprise then that so many people in this world claim no religion or belief at all.

The misguided extreme faithful have become their own greatest obstacle as the rest of the world intentionally veers in the opposite direction in fear of claiming even the simplest faith and being lumped among them.