Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By UFO Iconoclast
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Is it zealotry, fanaticism, or insanity?

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Copyright 2017, InterAmerica, Inc.
Kevin Randle has opened his blog to the inmates of ufology’s “insane asylum.”
I admire Kevin. He has guts to allow crazies to inhabit his blog’s comment section.
(And like fly-paper, the crazies have attracted, some usual, right-thinking UFO buffs, such as CDA, Paul Kimball, Paul Young, et al.)
I’ve categorized the majority of those commenting at Kevin’s blog, re: the Billy Meier nonsense, as delusional.
But are they truly insane? Or are they fanatics or non-thinking zealots?
Well, many of Meier’s followers are delusional, that’s certain, so their thought processes border on psychosis, but can I soften that epithetical accusation by allowing that they may only be wild-eyed zealots or raving fanatics?
The Psychiatric Dictionary [Hinsie/Campbell, Fourth Edition, Oxford University Press] defines fanaticism as:
“Excessive, unreasonable zeal on any subject, such as religion; fanaticism, like litigiousness, is extremely frequent in paranoids, whose zealotry in the espousing of causes may approach the delusional.” [Page 204]
But that definition applies to almost all UFO aficionados and UFO skeptics too.
The Oxford Dictionary [Third New Desk Edition, Berkley Books, NY] defines zealot and/or zealotry as:
“… extremist, radical, bigot, militant.” [Page 978]
So I don’t think “zealotry” specifically applies, although extremist is in evidence.
Now we come to delusional or psychotic thinking.
Delusional thought has been covered extensively here (at this blog) with citations from the Psychiatric Dictionary, Thomas Szasz, Andrew Scull, Michel Foucault, et al.
Delusion is delineated splendidly at Wikipedia:
Delusion and delusional applies to the Billy Meier sycophants, there is no reasonable doubt of that; Meier’s followers adhere to his irrational “hoax” in ways that mimic how the German peoples became intoxicated by Adolf Hitler’s “insane” thinking and horrendous activities.
Yet, Meier’s bizarre, ongoing deception is basically harmless, causing only a ripple in the fringe segment of society.
That so much copy, mine included, is being spent on this “fraudulent” UFO concoction is one more sad commentary on the state of ufology, past and present.
(And if anyone thinks my effort with this post is to gather commentary here, they’d be in error. No comments from anyone in the Meier camp or those who’ve reacted to the Meier/Michel Horn onslaught at Kevin’s blog will appear here.)
RR

http://ufocon.blogspot.com – The UFO Iconoclast(s)


Source: http://ufocon.blogspot.com/2017/07/is-it-zealotry-fanaticism-or-insanity.html



Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!


Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST


Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!

HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.

Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.

MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)

Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser!  Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!

Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.

Smart Meter Cover -  Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).

Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.