Does hinduism, budhism, or any other 'isms breed extremism?

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I’m just curious because I’m really only familiar with Christianity and vaguely familiar with Judaism and Islam.
 
There has been some violent extremism in India from hindus who attack Christians. There has also been a war between Hindus and Buddhists based on extremism in Sri Lanka.
 
I’ve been trying to formulate a good answer for this since the thread was started. To an extent, yes, any faith can breed extremism. That said, it is difficult to see where it is from teh radical form of the faith and where it is a by-product of another cause. Let’s say that we have an island nation. There are two distinct tribes on this nation. One is from the more prosperous low land area, the other in the more poverty stricken mountains. Now, the mountain folk all convert to a new faith that is not idiginous to the island. Some time after that, they begin to rebel against the other tribe, who because of finances are the political force on the island. Will discussion of the rebellion make mention of the conversion to the new faith? What if there had been very few insurrections before this? More than likely, it will be said that religious extremists lead a revolt.

Sometimes, when we see violence from a religious group, there may be major ethinic or socio-economic issues that we do not see. This does not mean that there are not radical religious groups that are at play. They may be using these other issues to help fire up the local populace.
 
mark_a said:
I’m just curious because I’m really only familiar with Christianity and vaguely familiar with Judaism and Islam.
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Hi

Not necessarily, basically all human beings are peaceful, loving and moderates, only some of them go to extremes. The best human being of any religion are moderates , that is why those found in extremes are called extremists and definitely in minority.

Thanks
 
mark_a said:
I’m just curious because I’m really only familiar with Christianity and vaguely familiar with Judaism and Islam.
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Its not called extremism. Its called fundamentalism. Just look around you. Those who follows their followers turn out exactly like their founder/leader.

The fundamentalist christian is one who follows the self-sacrificing and altruistic christ. Such a person has compassion and love.

The fundamental islamist is one who follows the murderous and pedophilic liar, muhammad. Suicide bombing, multiple wives, lying etc etc.

The fundamentalist buddhist is one who follows buddha and who believes in cultivating the self towards ‘oblivion’ that is, nirvana. Such a person is usually indifferent to things happening around.

Which of these you follow really depends on what you want to be. A man living a life of goodness or a man living in evil & darkness or a man living a life of ambivalence?

Oh, and one other thing. A christian who remains silent while injustices are being committed around him is not a christian. Nobody lights a lamp and puts it under the bed. Such is not a lamp.
 
ralphinal said:
I’ve been trying to formulate a good answer for this since the thread was started. To an extent, yes, any faith can breed extremism. That said, it is difficult to see where it is from teh radical form of the faith and where it is a by-product of another cause. Let’s say that we have an island nation. There are two distinct tribes on this nation. One is from the more prosperous low land area, the other in the more poverty stricken mountains. Now, the mountain folk all convert to a new faith that is not idiginous to the island. Some time after that, they begin to rebel against the other tribe, who because of finances are the political force on the island. Will discussion of the rebellion make mention of the conversion to the new faith? What if there had been very few insurrections before this? More than likely, it will be said that religious extremists lead a revolt.

Sometimes, when we see violence from a religious group, there may be major ethinic or socio-economic issues that we do not see. This does not mean that there are not radical religious groups that are at play. They may be using these other issues to help fire up the local populace.
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I get your point. Thank you for the thoughtful, thought provoking reply.
 
religious extremism/fundamentalism is bred by self-righteous arrogance, of any flavor.
 
Ravyn_Guiliani said:
religious extremism/fundamentalism is bred by self-righteous arrogance, of any flavor.
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Hi

You are right, it is not the difference in religion which creates extremism; it is bred by self-righteous arrogance whatever the religion or whatever the denominations. No revealed religion in the entire world does teach extremism.Religions teach humility and humbleness and only produce meek, pious and peaceful persons.

[49:11] Surely, all believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers, and fear Allah that mercy may be shown to you. **
[49:12] O ye who believe! let not one people deride another people, haply they may be better than they, nor let one group of women deride other women, haply they may be better than they. And do not defame your people nor call one another by nick-names. It is an evil thing to be called by bad name after having believed; and those who repent not, such are the wrongdoers. **
[49:13] O ye who believe! avoid much suspicion; for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not on one another, neither back-bite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Certainly, you would loath it. And fear Allah, surely, Allah is oft-Returning with compassion and is Merciful.
[49:14] O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; And We have made you tribes and sub-tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
www3.alislam.org/showChapter.jsp?ch=49&verse=10

Thanks
 
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