Russ, I would contend that the Roman Catholic Church is not as monolithic as it might seem. Yes, it has a structure of doctrine and operation, but that structure is in a constant state of change and reinterpretation. Disagreement and discussion among Catholics is nothing new - many of the Catholic saints are people who disagreed with those who were in power in Rome.

But let's get back to the original subject.
I think there is a common thread among religious extremists. Most systems of belief are based on lofty, abstract ideals, on visions of a better existence that is just beyond us. The founders of religions may have seen their visions with crystal clarity, but visions are very difficult to put into words. Nonetheless we have a need to put our beliefs into writing, and the major reliegions have produced remarkable pieces of literature. The language in these writings in often highly symbolic, and heavily nuanced and dependent upon context. If they are to be understood, they must be read with an open mind, a mind that is capable of abstract thinking.

Many, many people have neither the capacity nor the desire for abstract thinking. They want quick, easy answers - so they gloss over all the nuances and develop a very simplistic, concrete interpretation of something that was once complex and abstract. They see what they believe very clearly - but the scope of their vision is narrow. The platform that supports their beliefs is narrow and weak, so they must suppress all who doubt or challenge them. They respond to opposition with blind self-righteousness, and can even resort to violence in their response. They are very vocal in defense of their simplistic beliefs, to the point where they overshadow the mainstream members of their religions. From the outside, the extremists appear to be the spokespersons for a belief system, and outsiders often get a very cloudy view of what may well be something very good and positive.

So, that's Joe's theory of religious extremists/fundamentalists. Every religion has 'em.

-Joe Offer-