Why do People Become Extremists?
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.3.3
Why do people become extremists?
Why do some people develop ideas that are very different from those of most people? And why do they want to force their ideas on others?
Misinformation
- Sometimes people teach things that are untrue.
- Often these people are in a position of authority and so others are more likely to believe them, like religious leaders for example.
- People sometimes believe these untruths because they lack the knowledge to question it.
- Some people struggling in life can be convinced that a certain group of people are to blame for their misfortune.
Literalist understanding
- Religious extremism is often the result of some people accepting exactly what is written in their holy books.
- A literal reading of some scripture, for example, would suggest that women who commit adultery should be stoned to death.
- Some literalists make no attempt to think more carefully about whether what it says is outdated or disproven.
A sense of belonging
- Most people like to belong to a group for friendship and support.
- Often the group will be our family or close friends.
- But some people join gangs to find that friendship, even when the gang is violent.
- This also happens with extremists.
- Being part of a group of extremists may allow a person to feel liked and respected.
Test yourself on Why do People Become Extremists?
Why might someone join an extremist group?