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Joan Friedman (MA, from NY)'s avatar

That's not quite it either, at least not if all Abrahamic religions are included. Ultra Orthodox right wing Jews have zero interest in converting outsiders, nor do most of them spend their time concerned with outsiders at all.

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Michele's avatar

Part of the reason is that Judaism has always been interested in their own community and not in Gentiles. In ancient Rome Jews were exempt from some of the rules that applied to others. The Romans didn't care what people believed as long as they didn't rebel. When the Jews rebelled, despite some of the concessions, the Romans destroyed them. Then they found themselves all over and often ostracized, blamed, and killed. Rulers used them as bankers and then scapegoats when things went bad. When Christians on the First Crusade met Jews in Germany, they said convert or die. Many choose to die. Because of the persecution, many turned to the deep study of the Torah. In the first centuries of Islam, they were often better treated than by Christians.

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Sherry Wolf's avatar

Yes, Joan. I guess I was reacting to my brother's form of fundamentalism. Although, I do think fear is the main driving force in most hate. When people turn their insecurities outward. I'm not as articulate as I would like to be. Not all fundamentalists are hateful... but most seen to be intolerant of different views.

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Michele's avatar

I agree with your view and none of the fundamentalist churches nearby seem to practice what Jesus taught in the first three Gospels. To some who head up these groups, it looks to me like they are opportunists interested in power and money.

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