Religious zealots are usually functionally insane. For whatever reason, the zealot's brain is overwhelmed, perhaps hypnotized, by an obsession with a particular fantasy about magical omnipotent beings and superpowers channeled to the zealot by those imaginary beings for any number of purposes. The overall effect on the zealot is that he behaves like a drug addict. Everything he does is centered on getting more and more empowered by this fantasy world. In the Middle East, this addictive drive often leads to a self-destructive explosion, which also kills innocent bystanders.
Christian missionaries are religious zealots. Their brand of addiction to this magical thinking takes the form of a drive to infect anyone they encounter with their mental illness. The drive to convert undermines the very principles taught by their idol, Jesus. Conversion implies aggression and domination. Harassing poor, desperate, vulnerable and uneducated people is the method. Offering tokens of support, such as soup kitchens, food banks, child care or thrift shops, these demented enthusiasts strive to meet goals set by the manipulative hierarchy of whatever sect has gotten them hooked into this behavior. The hierarchy is, of course, motivated by monetary and social superiority, cloaked in trappings of ministry and priesthood.
Practice is not religion. Teaching practice is not conversion. Each person's practice is an individual acceptance of responsibility for personal evolution and liberation from religious domination, political domination and cultural domination, while maintaining a socially responsible role in his environment. This practice cannot be forced on anyone. This accounts for the slow evolution of human consciousness, relevant to the immensity of human population.
Christian missionaries are religious zealots. Their brand of addiction to this magical thinking takes the form of a drive to infect anyone they encounter with their mental illness. The drive to convert undermines the very principles taught by their idol, Jesus. Conversion implies aggression and domination. Harassing poor, desperate, vulnerable and uneducated people is the method. Offering tokens of support, such as soup kitchens, food banks, child care or thrift shops, these demented enthusiasts strive to meet goals set by the manipulative hierarchy of whatever sect has gotten them hooked into this behavior. The hierarchy is, of course, motivated by monetary and social superiority, cloaked in trappings of ministry and priesthood.
Practice is not religion. Teaching practice is not conversion. Each person's practice is an individual acceptance of responsibility for personal evolution and liberation from religious domination, political domination and cultural domination, while maintaining a socially responsible role in his environment. This practice cannot be forced on anyone. This accounts for the slow evolution of human consciousness, relevant to the immensity of human population.
