The article discusses a graduate seminar on Christianity and fascism, examining texts from 1922-1945 that suggest fascism should be viewed as a religious, specifically Christian, movement rather than just a political one. The authors argue that although fascism often appeared hostile to Christianity, its ideological foundations were deeply theological, impacting power, sovereignty, and community. Thus, solely defeating fascism politically is insufficient; the underlying theological logic must also be challenged.
The seminar context shifts as current students grapple with contemporary political turmoil, drawing parallels to historical fascism. The article critiques the ongoing debate about labeling modern right-wing politics as fascist, cautioning against oversimplification. Instead, it highlights how past antifascist writers navigated their confusion, showing that understanding our current landscape involves recognizing our own uncertainties.
The author suggests that just like previous thinkers, we struggle to articulate our experiences against a backdrop of authoritarianism and racial nationalism, often resorting to historical parallels. The lack of clarity serves as a learning opportunity, emphasizing the need to confront the present evil and strive for resistance, rather than becoming entangled in vague comparisons to the past.
