Extremism is a terrible curse upon the human scene. It chokes the life out of freedom and the basic democratic principles of our existence. It does not recognize the right of another view even to exist. It is a fanatical commitment to its own distorted opinion of how things ought to be. Extremism assumes it has the whole truth and is therfore entitled to eliminate those who do not conform. It justifies any kind of harassment and pain for its devious causes. From verbal assassinations to death camps and wars, extremists have no conscience.

Although there are political and economic extremists, perhaps the misguided religious zealots are the worst. When persons assume God has told them something or even presume to speak like God, they are armed with a fanatical power. If such persons have charisma or public appeal, they can lead a lot of unsuspecting folk down an egotistical and sometimes tragic journey to an unrealistic illusion. Once such leaders have established a deity-like authority, they have all the control they need over folk who are unwilling to think for themselves.

Extremism then thrives on mob mentality where hate, not love, provides the energy of its cause. Many folk have started out with all good intentions to right some wrong but have allowed a radical obsession to dominate their disposition. In their fanatical commitment to their cause, they have lost sight of all other causes. In an attempt to treat a hangnail, they ended up amputating the arm.

Extremism is rampant in the Christian community but is often disguised under the less offensive word call conviction. While convictions are essential to any belief system, they border on extremism when compassion and kindness are absent. The certainty of one's faith is no excuse to belittle or behead others for theirs. When we attempt to use the Bible to support our own private opinions, as if God were backing us, we border on manipulation as we inch ever closer to extremism.

People who are hateful about what they believe are often insecure about what they do believe and need to exaggerate their convictions in order to have any convictions at all. When this occurs, we are vulnerable to extremism on either side of the spectrum. Perhaps Paul said it best when he wrote, "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Is it not comforting to know that we shall understand it all by and by.