Do You Believe in Religious Fanaticism......are You A Fanatic?

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According to utilitarianism, religion is beneficial when it increases the average happiness of a society. This can be accomplished by several means. For example, by following religious law a person may experience an increase in physical health (by the abstention of alcohol, fatty foods or other unhealthy behavior) or psychological wellbeing (a person's faith may help them to accept a situation such as disease, disability or death). Alternatively, religious belief could help an individual to find their place in society or give to the whole society a philosophical ethos, as religious belief can sometimes help persons find meaning in their lives. If these effects serve to maximise happiness then according to utilitarian theories the religious belief is beneficial. According to utilitarianism, religion is detrimental (and becomes fanatical) when it causes damage (and a loss of utility) to members of a society. Some examples of this are corporal mortification (including use of cilicium and flagellation) and religious-oriented punishment such as crucifixion, stoning. Religious practices can also be harmful when they cause pathological psychological states such as anxiety, fear or unnecessary guilt. Arguably the biggest problems can occur when religious beliefs cause individuals or groups to perpetuate violence or genocide against others. All the religions in this world have fanatics in them.....its is not the religion but the followers who turn Fanatical....... Determining who are religious fanatics is naturally a very controversial issue. It is notable that followers of a religion, and not the religion itself are the target of accusations of religious fanaticism. The whole issue is controversial due to the very nature of the allegation. Frequently the norms of the society are greatly diluted versions from those of the religion in the area. Therefore an individual who is obedient to his religion is often seen as a fanatic. Of course it is also possible that the individual is going beyond the norms of the religion When adherents to a religion get involved in a pattern of violently and potentially deadly opposition to anyone they do not agree with, they are sometimes branded as Religious fanatics by their detractors, although they may object that their actions are completely sound. All religions may include fanatic fringes. So are you a fanatic or a tolerant.........do you believe in religious fanaticism?