How can you tell when zeal and passion in religion cross over the line into fanaticism?

Answer 1

The Collins Dictionary defines a fanatic as "a person whose enthusiasm or zeal for something is extreme or beyond normal limits", and fanaticism as "wildly excessive or irrational devotion, dedication, or enthusiasm." Winston Churchill defined a fanatic as "one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." There is a fine line between zeal and fanaticism. Fanaticism could be described as being excessively zealous and unable to be reasoned with. Paul was very zealous, but he was able to be reasoned with: he was not mad or crazy, but was rational and able to reason:-

Act 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me.

Act 26:22 Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen,

Act 26:23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles."

Act 26:24 As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!"

Act 26:25 But he said, "I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.

Act 26:26 For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.

Act 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

Act 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?" [WEB]

Another translation:-

Act 26:24 As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, "You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!"

Act 26:25 But Paul replied, "I have notlost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words.

Act 26:26 For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him, because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner.

Act 26:27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa?I know that you believe."

Act 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?" [NET]

One book that deals with this is "Practical Religion" by J.C. Ryle, first published in 1878, and reprinted since - for example, see Special:Booksources449 X, Evangelical Press, 2001. Refer to Chapter 8 on "Zeal' . He was a Bishop in the Church of England, so he was certainly not a wild-eyed fanatic.Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God. This zeal has been counterfeited by Satan, but true zeal is according to knowledge:-

Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they [Unconverted Jews in Israel] have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

True zeal is from true motives, about things according to God's mind and sanctioned by plain examples in The Bible, and tempered with love and a deep humility. The Bible commends zeal:-

Num 25:11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.

Num 25:12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

Num 25:13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

Zeal is commanded:-

Gal 4:18 But it is good to be zealous always in a good thing, and not only in my being present with you.

Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be zealous and repent.

However, we are not to be a zealot, who in 73AD were people who committed suicide rather than surrender, but is defined today as " a person fanatically dedicated to a cause."

Elijah is one who was known as being one who was zealous for God.

1 Kings 19:10 (King James Version)10And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

His zeal for God was an expression of what is described as his jealousy for God. It was thus not at all on his own behalf. He of course stood out like a sore thumb in the wicked northern kingdom of Israel to whom he ministered.

Many today who have a zeal for God are indeed regarded as fanatics. Sometimes this is because of simple ignorance of the real spirit or motivation of the person. It may also be due to the natural opposition that exists in the unregenerate human heart to the things of the Spirit of God. In a world which is increasingly secular and irreligious, ordinary Christians look like fanatics to some or are labeled as such.

Festus no doubt thought Paul was a fanatic of a sort. See interchange between Festus and Paul below.

Acts 26:24-25 (King James Version)

24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

This is one difference, as noted in the first answer above. People who have a true zeal for God are open to being entreated and have possession of humility since they are aware of how feeble ultimately is their defense of the truth in terms of their own ability. Paul was able to calmly and soberly account for his position, since he had personal knowledge of all the relevant facts in relation to what he is asserting. People who have a zeal and passion for the truth will take the time and will gladly explain their position and speak with reason to those who wish to listen. People who react with anger whenever they are questioned are tending more towards fanaticism.