Everyone has something that drives them, that keeps the blood pumping through their veins, and gives them that warm fuzzy feeling in their belly. For some people it can be their family, for others their job and for quite a few people: religion.
I went to an Evangelical church service last Sunday, and far from being full of over zealous types attempting to convert me, I discovered the meaning of an equilibrium between fanaticism and open-mindedness. Even as a non-believer I was welcomed with open arms into this group, who are bound together through their love of Jesus.
Take away the bouncy songs, clapping and swaying in praise of their Lord, and you're left with people who are looking to do good. With their songs, emotive words and literature they declare that they're not interested in what other people do or say. They encourage their followers to do good by giving to the community to enrich the lives of people around them, proactively and not just with cash. My friend who took me to the service, showed me a derelict building that the church had bought. He insisted that there wasn't going to be any material advertising the church - not even subliminal messages, he joked! He said the only people who would know of the church's involvement in this scheme would be those curious enough to ask who their benefactor is.
My friend said that his interest in this church in particular stemmed from the pastors having lead "real" lives and converting much later in life, rather than having been born into religion. For example, one of the pastors had been part of a gang. He wanted a sense of belonging to a family and when he finally "found Jesus" he realised he could get it within a group that didn't need to use knives to gain respect from fellow members.
Now, don't get me wrong; the service wasn't all sweetness and light. On my way in I was given a "Welcome pack" which contained information on what the church does and how they can help you to see the light. It's a white bag, so highlights to everyone else that you're new - and because they're all such a friendly bunch everyone comes up to you to say “hi” and ask what your motivations for being at the church are. At the end of the service the pastor asks "Is there anyone amongst us who would like to receive Jesus?" - it's a chance for those that are looking to convert to evangelicalism to have their doubts put to rest so they can become part of this family.
Of course, let's not forget that fanaticism doesn't just manifest itself within the religious, but also the non-religious.
Richard Dawkins is one the most famous atheists around. He also leads services open to the general public under the guise of “lectures”. His welcome pack comes in the form of his many books full of powerful words in an attempt to convert the readers.
On the Richard Dawkins Foundation website (http://richarddawkins.net/), it lays out its purpose (akin to the Ten Commandments, perhaps?):
“The mission of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science is to support scientific education, critical thinking and evidence-based understanding of the natural world in the quest to overcome religious fundamentalism, superstition, intolerance and human suffering”.
I don’t believe that religious fervour is the same as fanaticism. What I saw at the Evangelical service was pure fervour, whereas the antagonistic feel of the Richard Dawkins’ website is fanaticism.
I believe religion to be a human instinct to create a bond between people in order to encourage cohesion. Religion manifests itself in a variety of forms. It is this OBSESSION that unites people but also creates dissention.
Everyone has a religion, everyone has an agenda; be it God, football, or a boyband. Each side is looking to increase their numbers – either subliminally or by force - and do you know which side I'm going to take? NONE! When the collection tin comes round to me, I'd rather give my hard earned cash to my local pub than the pious or Mr Dawkins!
