A Christian Reflection on Misusing ‘Fascism’ in Polarized Times.

Disclaimer: This reflection is informed by my Christian worldview, which emphasises human frailty (“the flesh,” as the Apostle Paul describes it), the need for moral vigilance, and the dangers of unchecked power. It draws on philosophy, theology, history, and personal experience to explore how ordinary people can enable authoritarianism—without labelling or demonising any current group. The goal is self-examination and resilience, not partisanship.

Introduction

I recently logged into my YouTube account to catch up on the channels I follow and the links the algorithm suggested I might be interested in. One stood out, claiming that the USA was now a fascist state and that Trump was the new Führer of America. People were fuming, yelling slogans about disposing of the king and threatening hostility towards the powers that be. In some ways, this reminded me of the calls during the French Revolution to topple the elite and powerful within France, and of the carnage that followed as crowd bloodlust was dressed up as justice.

This immediately made me wonder: do people actually know what a fascist is? Do I even know? So, as usual, I went digging to re-examine my own bias and ignorance. Luckily, I still retained a reasonable degree of clarity—but what I fear is that others may simply enjoy the rush of the crowd and the implications of their accusations.

Alongside this, there has been growing concern about the rise of far-right ideologies. This concern has been fuelled by economic inequality, social polarisation, and the spread of misinformation online. In this blog post, I explore the nature of fascism, examine the human vulnerabilities that make it appealing, and offer strategies for resisting its influence.

What Fascism Is Not

It is important to begin by clarifying what fascism is not. Fascism is often used as a catch-all term to describe any political ideology perceived as authoritarian or extreme. This is a misunderstanding. Fascism is a specific political ideology with distinct characteristics.

Here are some things that fascism is not:

• Any form of government control: All governments exercise some degree of control over citizens. The question is not whether control exists, but how and to what extent.
• Nationalism: Nationalism is a belief in the importance of national identity and unity. While fascism often incorporates nationalism, it goes beyond this by advocating a totalitarian state that controls all aspects of society.
• Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism features strong central control and limited political freedoms. While fascism is always authoritarian, not all authoritarian regimes are fascist.
• Capitalism or socialism: Fascism is not inherently capitalist or socialist. Fascist regimes have existed in both capitalist and socialist economic contexts. Fascism prioritises national unity and strength over economic ideology.
• Freedom of speech and dissent: While fascist regimes suppress these freedoms, this is a tactic used to maintain power rather than a core ideological principle.
• Freedom of association: While fascist regimes encourage state-sponsored groups to control the population, they actively stifle independent thought and dissent—both essential to democracy.
• Border control and law enforcement: Border control and the enforcement of law are not inherently fascist. All countries have the right to secure borders and uphold legal systems. Fascist regimes, however, often weaponise these functions as tools of oppression and discrimination.

So, What Is Fascism?

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterised by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. It is often associated with:

• Extreme nationalism: The nation placed above all else, with a sense of superiority and hostility towards others.
• Totalitarianism: Control over all aspects of society, including economy, culture, education, and personal life.
• Authoritarianism: Strong central control, suppression of dissent, and use of force to maintain order.
• Cult of the leader: A charismatic figure portrayed as the embodiment of the nation’s will.
• Militarism: Glorification of violence, war, and military strength.
• Suppression of opposition: Through intimidation, violence, and censorship.
• Scapegoating: Blaming minority groups or external enemies for problems.
• Propaganda and indoctrination: Manipulation of public opinion to reinforce ideology and loyalty.

Etymology and Historical Context

The term fascism derives from the Italian fascio, meaning “bundle” or “group,” referring to the fasces—an ancient Roman symbol of power: a bundle of rods bound around an axe, representing unity, strength, and state authority.

The terms left and right originated during the French Revolution, with supporters of the monarchy on the right and opponents on the left. Fascism emerged in the early twentieth century as a reaction against both liberal democracy and socialism, borrowing selectively while rejecting their core principles.

How Fascism Affects Society

Fascism has a devastating impact, leading to:

• Loss of individual freedoms (speech, assembly, press)
• Political repression to silence dissent
• Violence and war, with widespread suffering
• Discrimination and persecution of minorities
• Economic disruption from militarism and enforced self-sufficiency
• Erosion of democratic values like tolerance, compromise, and respect for rights

Personal Reflection on Human Vulnerability

Reflecting on fascism’s appeal, it’s impossible to ignore the vulnerability many feel today amid repeated crises. I have personally witnessed dramatic social changes that undermine wellbeing.

Hannah Arendt’s banality of evil (in Eichmann in Jerusalem, 1963) shows how ordinary people commit horrors—not from malice, but from a failure of critical thinking and moral imagination. Christopher R. Browning’s Ordinary Men documents average men becoming mass murderers through peer pressure, obedience, and dehumanisation.

These remind us the capacity for evil exists in all of us. Without resistance to authoritarian temptation and cultivation of a moral compass, we risk becoming instruments of destruction.

Technological disruption, shifting norms, globalisation, automation, 9/11, the 2008 crisis, terrorism, and COVID have eroded trust. In this climate, accusations of fascism spread easily amid fear.

The Longing for Order

Fascism exploits fear, fragmentation, and moral uncertainty. In disoriented societies, enforced unity feels comforting—it offers order, clarity, belonging. I recognise this temptation in myself during overwhelm: a pull toward simple explanations and strong authority.

Yet history shows the cost: suppression of dissent, erosion of freedom, abandonment of critical thought. Resisting requires embracing complexity, not easy answers.

Philosophy and theology remind us these patterns are not new. Ignoring the humanities is ignoring millennia of reflection on human nature and power.

Resisting the Temptations of Authoritarianism

Practical ways to resist—whether from left or right:

• Recognise our own fears, biases, vulnerabilities
• Cultivate virtues: empathy, humility, critical thinking
• Strengthen voluntary associations and civil society
• Prioritise truth over power and force
• Question authority and dominant narratives
• Promote genuine dialogue across differences
• Understand gaslighting and manipulative tactics

By building inner resilience and moral clarity, we resist manipulation and contribute to justice.

Conclusion

The resurgence of authoritarian ideologies threatens freedom and democratic life. By understanding fascism, recognising shared vulnerabilities, and committing to vigilance, empathy, and truth-seeking, we guard against the banality of evil and resist complicity.

Exercise care in claims—political rhetoric may rally one day, only to become the bloodbath everyone later disowns. It takes little for a crowd to turn extremist.

Resources

• Hannah Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil (1963)
• Christopher R. Browning, Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland (1992)

Saldivia Gonzatti, D. & Völker, T. (2025). “Far-right agenda-setting: How the far right influences the political mainstream.” European Journal of Political Research. (Examines how far-right issues gain traction in mainstream discourse.)