>We don't mean the same thing by "fanaticism". I think that perhaps I
>would use the word "zealotism" for what you're talking about. When I
>use "fanaticism" I'm talking about the strength of ones convictions,
>about how important religion is for how one thinks about the world and
>ones place in it, how likely one is to formulate self-esteem (or
>judgement on others) in religious terms.
I'd use the word "devoted" to describe this state of mind. Fanaticism or zealotism implies an intolerance of other ways which is incompatible with a multitude of religions and forms of magic.
>I've always thought of Glorantha as a place where religion is as
>important to peoples lives, as christianity would be in the RW, if
>christians were able to go the Via Dolorosa, see the Lord with their
>own eyes, experience for themselves how their sins were actually lifted
>from them, sing along with the angel choir (is that in grief or in
>triumph? ...I've always been a bit unclear on which one it is supposed
>to be) and do this _every_ easter.
I see this applying more to magic than religion. Sure there are individuals who follow a particular god's path and experience their successes and failures. But the majority watch major rituals from the sidelines and use magic from various sources.
> And also -perhaps almost as
>important- a place where minor magical miracles, based on worldview or
>religion or whatnot, are as matter of course, as electronic cash
>transfer to a 7-11 shop assistant.
There is a case to be made that the modern temple is a shopping centre (mall for USAns) and the shop assistants are minor clerics performing magical rituals they don't really understand.
>The desire to convert others, now, that is something else. Sure there
>are examples... the Lunar way, EWF, the Return to Righteousness
>Crusade... But I don't think that kind of thing is exactly typical of
>Gloranthan religion?
Agreed, it's no more common than it is in the RW where the desire to convert is an attribute of Christianity and Islam among the major religions.
-- Donald Oddy http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/
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