A state of mind which drives one to extreme and unreasonable speech or conduct. A fanatic is ordinarily unbalanced in mind with regard to the subject of his lanaticism. A religious fanatic is apt to be the' most extreme because nothing so deeply affects the mind as religion. It was doubtless fanaticism that impelled the Jewish leaders to such unreasonable action against Christ, causing them to override the laws of judicial procedure in their fell purpose of destroying Him. The same fanaticism against Christ is seen today in Russia, recently in Mexico, and among certain sects in almost every country.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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