In general, people do this because it's "easier." They don't have to wade through pages of documents or read differing opinions or use logic or try to understand other viewpoints. If I demonize everyone who disagrees with me, I don't have to understand them or figure out anything hard; I become the saint in my own mind (dubious, no?), and people who disagree with me are spawns of evil. Very simplistic world view, but easy to keep track of the bad guys.

 

This is not limited to Christian sect-ual disagreements (couldn't resist); I've seen people get into extremely heated, name-calling disagreements in PTA meetings over how to spend the book fair money. Fortunately, I was secretary that year, not President.

 

And anyone who studies history can cite countless examples of leaders demonizing the enemy to get their own troops psyched for battle. Of course, leaders do this because it works -- we refuse to be an informed populace. I'm guilty of this, too, at times.

 

Virginia

 

 
> Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 00:39:39 -0400
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Why do people demonize others?
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> I don't understand why people have to demonize the people they disagree with. I mean, some christian think other chr4istians are wrong for disagreeing with them. 
> 
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