Religious Faith: Good, Evil, and the Journey from Enlightenment to Fanaticism

Religious faith is one of humanity’s most enduring phenomena. It predates many civilizations, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires, and continues to shape cultures across the world. People believe in religion because they seek meaning in life, spiritual protection, answers to suffering, and moral guidance. Yet even in the most sacred realms, darkness sometimes appears. The same faith that builds peace can also ignite destruction when misused or misunderstood.

Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam—three of the world’s major religions—have all played essential roles in shaping societies. But history also records tragedies, conflicts, and atrocities committed in the name of these faiths. The deeper question is: why do some followers embody compassion and wisdom, while others fall into extremism? Why are religions that teach goodness so easily manipulated, and why do many people believe fabricated claims rather than the true origins of their own religion?

These questions are not merely historical—they reflect modern spiritual life, where misinformation, conspiracy, and religious fanaticism still influence millions.

The Positive Side of Religious Faith: Moral Foundations and Spiritual Strength

Since ancient times, humans have looked to the sky and wondered about their purpose. Religion became a response to this existential longing—providing ethics, social cohesion, and meaningful ways to live.

In Buddhism, the Buddha’s teachings emphasize liberation through wisdom and compassion. He neither imposed obedience nor threatened punishment; he simply pointed to the path of self-enlightenment. Emperor Ashoka of India (3rd century BCE) famously embraced Buddhist principles after witnessing the horrific Kalinga War. His edicts carved on stone pillars reveal a transformation from violence to peace, demonstrating how religion can inspire moral governance.

In Christianity, the teaching “love your neighbor as yourself” has influenced Western ethics for nearly two millennia. Medieval charitable movements, hospitals, and later human rights ideals all bear the imprint of Christian compassion. Figures such as Saint Francis of Assisi dedicated themselves to the poor, embodying selfless love.

In Islam, the concept of tawhid—the belief in one God—carries the message of equality among believers. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th–13th centuries), cities like Baghdad and Cordoba became global centers of science, medicine, philosophy, and mathematics. Early Islamic hospitals and libraries greatly influenced medieval Europe, proving that religious faith can encourage intellectual progress.

Thus, when properly understood, religion is a powerful force for good.

The Negative Side of Religious Faith: When Belief Becomes a Tool of Power

The tragedy of religion does not come from its teachings but from how people use it. Religion becomes dangerous when manipulated for political, territorial, or ideological gain.

The Crusades (1096–1291)

Although proclaimed as missions to “liberate the Holy Land,” the Crusades were driven by political and economic motives. Crusaders massacred Muslims, Jews, and even Eastern Christians. Faith had been weaponized into a justification for conquest.

Partition of India and Pakistan (1947)

Millions of Hindus and Muslims were incited by extremist rhetoric. Over a million died in the resulting violence, and 14 million were displaced. Religion became a fuel for mass fear and hatred.

Buddhist Nationalism in Sri Lanka

Despite Buddhism’s nonviolent teachings, some militant Buddhist groups supported violence against Tamil minorities. This contradicts the principles of Buddhism but reveals how religious identity can be exploited for nationalism.

Religion is not at fault—people are.

Why Is Religion Easily Exploited?

Humans desire certainty. In times of fear or instability, they cling to absolute truths. When belief is treated as unquestionable, leaders can manipulate followers by claiming divine authority. Group psychology also plays a role—religion binds communities, but strong group identity can turn into hostility toward outsiders.

Another key issue is misinterpretation of religious texts.
Islamic jihad originally meant internal spiritual struggle, but extremists redefined it as warfare.
Medieval Christian leaders used “heresy” to eliminate political opponents.
Even in Buddhism, concepts like selflessness can be distorted to justify blind obedience.

Thus, it is not scripture but interpretation that determines whether religion becomes benevolent or destructive.

Why Do People Become Fanatics and Believe Fabrications?

Three factors explain this: psychology, education, and socio-economic conditions.

People gravitate toward simple explanations for complex realities. Fabricated doctrines spread easily when they evoke fear or promise salvation. Fanatics rarely understand their religion’s origins—they follow charismatic figures rather than scriptures.

Lack of historical knowledge leaves people vulnerable. Many believe Islam promotes violence without knowing its scholarly legacy. Others assume Buddhism has never been connected to war, ignoring cases like certain Japanese monks during World War II. Ignorance opens the door for manipulation.

Finally, unstable societies produce fertile ground for doomsday prophecies and misinformation. Just as medieval Europe suffered from plagues and wars, the modern internet accelerates the spread of false spiritual claims.

Historical Examples Showing the Divide Between True Faith and Fanaticism

The Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attack (Tokyo, 1995) used distorted Buddhist-esoteric elements to justify terrorism—contradicting all authentic Buddhist teachings.

The Spanish Inquisition executed thousands labeled “heretics,” many for political, not religious, reasons.

The Sunni-Shia split in Islam originated from political leadership disputes, later infused with religious identity and conflict.

These events confirm that religion does not create violence; people using religion for worldly goals do.

Returning to the Roots of Faith

Most extremists lack knowledge of their religion’s foundations.
The Buddha taught free inquiry, yet fanatics force belief.
Jesus taught love, yet wars were fought in His name.
The Qur’an explicitly says “there is no compulsion in religion,” yet extremists impose their ideology.

Understanding the true teachings is essential. Religion becomes a weapon only when its origins are forgotten.

How Can Religion Regain Its Goodness?

Education and wisdom are the antidotes to fanaticism.
Reformers across cultures—from Tagore in India to modern Islamic scholars—have tried to reinterpret scriptures through lenses of peace and reason. These movements show that religion is at its best when placed in service of humanity, not domination.

Conclusion

Religion is like a knife: it can slice bread or cause harm. The Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad all taught compassion, justice, and peace. Yet history is filled with suffering caused by misused faith.

From the Crusades to modern extremism, from Sri Lanka to Tokyo, from Jerusalem to medieval Europe—every tragedy reinforces the same truth:

When people forget the roots of their religion, faith becomes blind.
And blind faith becomes dangerous.