What is Fascism?

Fascism is an ideology that supports theocratic rule as the way to ameliorate cultural decline or decadence. Fascists envision a national rebirth in which one race rises above all others, as the pure or ‘chosen’ race. This fervently fueled national rebirth, known as palingenesis, is what drives fascist groups all over the world. As an ideology, fascism promotes a culture of unity, strength and purity. There is no such thing as multiculturalism in a fascist regime, no religious freedom or defense of human rights. Fascism regards masculine heroism, militarism, and discipline as virtues.

The word ‘palingenesis’ refers to notions of rebirth (in this case, national rebirth), and carries a similar meaning as the words "apocalyptic" and "millennarian", but without religious connotations.

Probably the regime of Adolph Hitler is one of the best examples of fascism at its most extreme. The fascist culture of the early 1930s in Germany gave way to the attempt to wipe Jews from the earth. Some fascists, particularly Nazis, considered finance capitalism a ‘parasitic Jewish conspiracy’. Mussolini of Italy, head of the Italian Fascist government declared homosexuality illegal in Italy in 1931.

According to a biographer of Mussolini, "Initially, fascism was fiercely anti-Catholic". Fascism created competition with the Church for dominion over people’s beliefs and thoughts. But historically, the Catholic Church has discouraged individualism. It mandated the details of people’s lives, thoughts and beliefs. All of that wasn’t so far from the doctrine of totalitarianism which is synonymous with fascism. Some Christian organizations today believe that the Christian Right has become fascist.

Sinclair Lewis, Nobel Prize winner and noted author, wrote a book called “It Can’t Happen Here” in which a fascist U.S. President is elected. It was also Lewis who wrote: "When fascism comes to the United States, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross".

Fascism clashes head on with the values of Christianity because it opposes religious freedom and human rights. According to Christian author Karen Armstrong, "There is no room for any other view or policy, no democratic tolerance for rival parties, no individual freedom.” The most fundamental value of Fascism is Totalitarianism, where the state mandates all decisions for all people all the time, including decisions of conscience. The Church views the Pope as the supreme spiritual leader which some see as religious fascism. The Catholic Church did not invent Totalitarianism but its traditional views have rendered it a close cousin.