I tend to think that a lot of religious fanaticism is a result of positive-feedback loops between sect members. God is defined by the authorities in a group, pe

I tend to think that a lot of religious fanaticism is a result of positive-feedback loops between sect members. God is defined by the authorities in a group, per this article; the rest of the group internalizes this God and projects their own beliefs, again per this article; they share these beliefs among themselves and with the religious leadership, and the cycle starts over. (I am a Christian, in case that colors your interpretation of this comment).