11. Discover a Classic Antidote to Fascism

Does Darwinism Lead to Social Darwinism?

Secular humanists base their values on reason and compassion, but reject the idea of a higher power. They accept some Christian morality, but not belief in God. For many atheists, secular humanism is attractive because it denounces religion while retaining some of its good values.

Darwinian apologists (such as Richard Dawkins) insist that there is no meaning or purpose in the universe. In life there are only blind evolutionary forces of survival of the fittest. They claim that only these blind forces have produced our own species, Homo sapiens. They explain that this does not mean that humans must be psychopathic monsters, always selfishly prioritising their own survival at the expense of others. Things like empathy, self-sacrifice and cooperation are beneficial to collective survival. Secular humanists argue that it is therefore perfectly rational to believe in both a purposeless universe and humanism.

Is this an effective way of (so to speak) separating Darwin from Hitler? The ability to empathise alone does not make us broad-minded humanists. Empathy can actually lead to violence. Seeing members of one's own tribe attacked can create a sense of empathy that triggers collective and selfless action – to eliminate another tribe. Can humanism really be rooted in pure Darwinism? Are the likes of Dawkins just spin doctors creating an illusion of understanding? I suggest you listen to them develop their arguments. Then judge for yourself!

The question is whether secular humanism is any kind of defence against fascist-style ideologies that dehumanise certain groups of people and regard them as inferior and worthless. Many secular humanists are angry and frustrated that such ideologies are on the rise today, and rightly so! But they seem unable to do much more than protest and express outrage.

The Basis of Human Dignity

There is a counter-force to fascist ideologies, and that is a belief in the inherent dignity of the human person. On what can such a belief be based? It is important that it is firmly grounded, otherwise it is nothing more than a castle in the air, which disappears at the slightest strain.

Some secular humanists believe that human dignity can be based on certain human similarities or characteristics: empathy, the ability to think and feel, etc. They believe that all these wonderful qualities are a product of natural selection. A bizarre logical consequence is that they should recognise that elimination of 'barbaric' tribes could be justified if, for example, it increased humanity's capacity for universal empathy.

Anyone who wants to be a 'hardcore Darwinist' and a humanist at the same time faces a dilemma. Should you embrace or reject a 'morality' that says it is good if some people are wiped out? Should you embrace or reject the idea that every human being has intrinsic value, regardless of their fitness to survive?

Secular humanism is a widespread ideology in the Western world. But it is, to put it mildly, a shaky foundation for human dignity. When it collapses (as it is doing today) it is not a pretty picture. Call a people "barbarian hordes" and "monsters" and suddenly unhinged brutality is justified.

The belief that every human being is created with an inherent dignity can rather be anchored in the biblical idea that we are created in the image of God. This likeness manifests itself in our desire for truth, goodness and beauty. Man's love of science and music is a sign of a deep inner link with the Creator. The dignity of every human being means that the golden rule and the principles of justice apply equally to all.

Some object to this and say that it is not very humble to think in this way. Some proponents of science claim that humans are mere animals and that we are utterly insignificant in the grand cosmic scheme. Is this really an expression of humility? Do we (as some believe) become more eco-friendly by seeing ourselves as animals? Or does it open the door to dark and sinister forces (like fascism) that dehumanise people and destroy the planet?

There are also some Christian preachers who reject the idea that we have value as created beings. They argue that humans are fundamentally worthless and that only those who recognise their unworthiness will be saved. This teaching is presented as profoundly humbling, but in fact the opposite is true. The consequence is that only Christians are given real value, while non-Christians are degraded. This phenomenon is called 'Christofascism' and it is very common today.

Belief in God as the Creator of all is like a spiritual vaccine. When Christians downplay this belief, they expose themselves to the virus of fascism. To counterbalance our tribal instincts, we need a healthy dose of universalism.

The three parts of the lost counterforce

When talk of human dignity is not grounded in anything, it often becomes mere lip service. But when the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God becomes a fundamental part of who we are, we instinctively reject humiliation and dehumanisation. It creates a unifying bond. Dividing identities (like nationality) becomes less important than this unifying identity.

Add to this another statement of faith. The Cross and Resurrection is a story of how Christ suffers and dies at the hands of the powerful, yet survives and triumphs. It is a complete reversal of conventional logic and worldly principles. Instead of ‘survival of the strongest’, it is about ‘survival of the mild-hearted’.

Many in our society are attracted to the idea of unbridled power. What begins as an admiration for strength and toughness can turn into callousness and brutality. The ability of not caring becomes a source of pride. Heartlessness becomes a virtue, gentleness a weakness. Such an attitude fits perfectly with fascist ideology, which glorifies uninhibited cruelty and sees it as something to be admired and embraced as a way of life.

Faith in the Cross is a protection against this fall into darkness. It leads to a transformation of the heart and challenges the common perception that strength lies in the ability to dominate. The fascination with power disappears. Gentleness, not heartlessness, is the true value and source of strength.

Even though self-defence can be justified, it is only a necessary evil. Callousness and aggressivity must never become a pleasure or a way of life. Even in battle, one must observe international laws of conflict, which are designed to preserve human dignity as much as possible, even in the heat of combat. A spiritual counterforce of self-control and restraint must be applied in all circumstances.

To believe in the Cross is to have faith that good will triumph over evil. It is a symbol of protection and protest against a world where might is right and ruthlessness is the key to success. Believers are emboldened by the promise that they will live even if they die. They gain the courage to refuse to take part in games that corrupt the soul. It is better to suffer injustice than to do injustice. By living in this way, they become the salt of the earth.

Now combine these two beliefs with a third: to have faith is to connect with a spiritual source of life that creates inner health, integrates the soul and broadens horizons.

In the Christian tradition, God is Creator, Saviour and Helper. This is the divine Trinity. Together they are a unified and formidable counterforce to destructive ideas and ideologies. This has been forgotten by most people in our modern age. Perhaps it's time for a renaissance?