Speaking of Fascism: 3 Things We Should Be Asking

There is much talk of Fascism in your news feed these days. Of course, Fascism is bad and the colloquial definition would state just that. Q. “Is Fascism good or bad?” A. “Bad.” Q. “What is fascism?” A. “Bad people tellin’ us what to do.” Unfortunately that’s pretty much as far as it goes.

So, I’d like to briefly look at three questions every Christian American should be able to answer.

What is it?
What should the Christian think?
Where can we identify it today?

What is it?
According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, Fascism is:

often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.

Still unsure?

Benito Mussolini is credited with being the first Fascist as he led Italy from 1922 to 1943. During which time, he ended the country’s constitution, enacted a police state, engaged in propagandizing the public, progressively socialized the economy, and joined Hitler in the “Axis Powers” of World War Two.

Like any organization relying on propaganda, Mussolini’s National Fascist Party employed the Fasces design. A Latin term for “bundle,” it is a bundle of wood lashed together, often accompanied by an axe to the side or in the middle, and is a symbol for the government’s power and control.

Flag of Mussolini’s National Fascist Party

Seal of the Italian Fascist uniforms

What should the Christian think?

It should be obvious that Christians should not support something so inclined to impose violence on individuals for the sake of a nation bound together as one. Like the masked hoodlums of Anti-fa, their victims, and most people in this world, Christians should denounce and distance themselves from Fascism.

Where can we identify it today?

By now you might be wondering, “I’m not familiar with Mussolini or fascism but that symbol of ‘Government’s power and control’ looks very familiar.” And it should be. Here is a brief list of the United States’ employment of a symbol to an unsuspecting populace. Like any of the best propaganda, it will inspire action without rousing suspicion.