Fanaticism, in the context of the Bible and Christian faith, refers to an excessive or unbalanced zeal for a particular doctrine or practice, often leading to extremism or harm to oneself or others. The Bible cautions against such fanaticism, encouraging believers to maintain a balance between passion and wisdom, as seen in Philippians 4:5, which exhorts Christians to "let your gentleness be evident to all." In contrast, fanaticism can lead to a lack of love and compassion, contrary to the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, which emphasizes the importance of love as a guiding principle for Christian behavior. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22:37-40 remind believers to prioritize love for God and neighbor, avoiding the kind of fanaticism that prioritizes doctrine over people.
Charles Finney addresses the dangers of fanaticism that can arise during religious revivals, warning that heightened emotions can lead individuals to act in ways that are contrary to the spirit of love and benevolence. He emphasizes that fanaticism often manifests as a harsh and censorious attitude,