Onward, Christian Fascists, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before…

Thanks to Rob for his posting “Christian Fascists on the March!” I followed the link he provided and read in its entirety Chris Hedges’ brief essay The Rise of Christian Fascism and Its Threat to American Democracy. The Hedges’ essay makes a legitimate point that religious belief can be manipulated by persons interested in dominating society. But to suggest that Christian movements today are the equivalent of National Socialism is misplaced. While the modern media can be used by anyone to convey a message that offers hope and the promise of a better future, to argue that conservative Christian organizations have a monopoly on these persuasive tools is mistaken. Why is it, then, that a number of prominent American politicians are beginning to amass enormous sums of money for the Presidential bid of 2008? For media time that will likely have some influence on the American public and electorate, methinks. These contenders for high public office and their media consultants know the importance of the media—as do commercial enterprises, as do sports figures, as do entertainment celebrities... The media can surely influence voters and the viewing public in a powerful way, as can televised evangelists, as can popular musicians, as can anyone with the resources who can find access to sending a message to tens or hundreds of millions of people. But to suggest that conservative Christians are the only groups doing this with success is out of place.

Moreover, to argue that the influence of conservative Christians constitutes an “unchecked rape of America” is an extraordinary and, I suggest, implausible claim. For those skeptics who may question my view, may I suggest that they look at today’s television news or internet news services to witness the powerful competition that conservative Christians have in influencing—I’ll put aside the raping element suggested by Hedges—American and other societies. If the United States were facing a real threat from a conservative Christian hegemony, I am confident that the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to mention but a few guardians of American autonomy, would be leading their own counter-crusade and without the cross of Jesus going on before as their banner. To label conservative Christians as “the most dangerous mass movement in American history” is an extraordinary claim. But it is unsubstantiated, and I wonder why it is being made? If one finds tiresome or tedious the Christian message carried on the airwaves, satellites, cables, or the internet, one only need switch the channel or website for relief. But if this Christian message is eradicated, what will be left? As Rob asks, “Who’s the fascist now?”   RJA sj