I feel like too often Christians get a bad rap from the left, much the same way that every other religion under the sun gets a bad rap from the right. This is not to say that there isn't a substantial overlap between Christians and the left. It's just that I've spoken to many jaded atheists who see religion as a problem and a cause of much of the terrorism and murder and suffering that we see in the world, and Christianity being the closest to home, is often their target.
I recently saw a diary on the rec list that implied that since we associate Islam with terrorism, we should also associate cases like the murder of Dr. George Tiller with Christianity. I see a fundamental flaw here. In my mind, terrorism is the work of extremists, and I get very upset when people talk about Islam as a "religion of violence." Terrorism is the work of fanaticism, which while often tied to religion, it often appears other places as well. People have murdered for political ideology and ethnic divisions.
Therefore, I think that me need to reconsider our casting of fanaticism in religions domain and look at the two tings separately. Religion is not bad in and of itself. Fanaticism is bad.
Before we go any further, let me give you a little background of my interest in the area of religion, fanaticism, and atheism. I am a religion major, who has recently decided that there is no God. At the same time though, I have been developing a broader view of the veracity of all religions. I also have been reading the works of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, two militant atheists who strike me as really hateful people.
Religion is Good: Religion--Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, everything else--provides followers with two important things: Community and an ethical code. While these can certainly be derived from other places as well, it is perfectly fine for people to get them from religion. Think about this: Have you ever been to a megachurch? I took violin lessons at one (my instructor needed a place to teach) for several years. After getting past some inherent creepiness, I came to see that these people are some of the friendliest, kindest people I have met. This is just one example, but I would press you to find an example of a time when religion without fanaticism is bad. If you can think of one, let me know in the comments.
Fanaticism is Bad: Fanatacism, unlike religion, doesn't have many positives. When people raise their beliefs up as being more important than the very lives of others, it tends to pose problems. The position of self proclaimed moral righteousness is dangerous.
I would like to ask you to all bear in mind the difference between religion and fanaticism next time an issue like the murder of Dr. Tiller or an act of "Islamic Terrorism" comes up.