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Christianity and the Fascist Right [1]

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Date: 2024-12-18  

David French has a very well intended op-ed in the New York Times this morning discussing how Christianity is key to a healthy democracy. He discuses this with Jonathan Rauch, his friend and a a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of the upcoming book “Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain With Democracy.”

I challenge this viewpoint. Spirituality, community, the pursuit of truth, compassion and integrity- are important for a functioning democracy. These are not mere labels, or even ideals. If these virtues are not widely shared in a democratic society- it will inevitably fail. And I believe these virtues are in steep decline in American society.

On the other hand, religion as a political force is one of the most dangerous and corrupting forces in history. It has served to feather the coffers of the political elite, backed the very worst leaders in history, fomented wars and manipulated their followers for political and economic gain.

The disproportionate role of religion in the erosion of public morality and fairness is because of its ability to wrap itself in the garb of righteousness, while pursuing its very selfish interests. This among other reasons, is why the separation of church and state is critical for the survival of democracy.

But today, a fascist Republicans Party has cleverly embraced and been embraced by a large contingent of White evangelicals. And doing so, Republicans have solidified a base key to their political survival and are blurring the line between church and state.

I remember the Pope a few months ago in a public statement equated the evils posed by Trump’s virulent hatred of immigrants with Harris’s support of abortion and possibly contraception. For Pope Francis, these are twin evils. But by doing so, Pope Francis demonstrated a profound ignorance of history and US politics. He supported a fascist’s rise to power and opposed someone who chose to advocate for a woman’s right to control her own body. He ignored the issue of child poverty in the US and the inhumane way anti-abortion laws have been applied in the US. With his stance on contraception- he ignored dangerous overpopulation.

But even this stand pales in comparison to the actions of US voters- evangelical or not- who so despised forces in the world they can’t control- voted for the dismantling of their own democracy and accepted the words of a man who David French in his op-ed wrote:

”..is one of the most immoral and cruel men ever to run for president.”

I would argue in human history.

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