Vocabulary Word
Word: fanaticism
Definition: excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
Definition: excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
Sentences Containing 'fanaticism'
``They had, however, what supplied the place of those fine qualities,''replied the young man,``and that was fanaticism.
The teachers of each little sect, finding themselves almost alone, would be obliged to respect those of almost every other sect; and the concessions which they would mutually find in both convenient and agreeable to make one to another, might in time, probably reduce the doctrine of the greater part of them to that pure and rational religion, free from every mixture of absurdity, imposture, or fanaticism, such as wise men have, in all ages of the world, wished to see established; but such as positive law has, perhaps, never yet established, and probably never will establish in any country; because, with regard to religion, positive law always has been, and probably always will be, more or less influenced by popular superstition and enthusiasm.
The clergy, in order to preserve their influence in those popular elections, became, or affected to become, many of them, fanatics themselves, encouraged fanaticism among the people, and gave the preference almost always to the most fanatical candidate.
In his reign Justin at Rome became a martyr to his faith, and Polycarp at Smyrna, and we know of many outbreaks of fanaticism in the provinces which caused the death of the faithful.
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