EXPOSING POLITICAL “TRUTH”

The Fascist Playbook, Chapter Three

Religion

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There are three reasons for religion.

1. It answers unanswerable questions.
2. It provides a code of conduct by which the tribe can live.
3. It is a means of control.

All require faith, and faith is useful.

Never discount the power of faith. Faith has moved mountains. Faith has fueled wars. Faith has lifted many regimes to power. And faith is a tool.

Latch onto the majority religion and use it to cull additional followers. Be practical. Riding the vehicle of any but the primary religion will be fruitless. That you select a particular version of that faith is less important than being sure to reinforce the desires of the faithful. Do not sully your message with the myriad of distractions that different interpretations provide. Your appeal is to the people of faith, not the tenets of the faith itself.

Note that faith in a god and religion is always subject to interpretation. You will need to show how you are supporting that faith, and your opposition is undermining it. You strengthen and preserve, while your opposition disbelieves and discredits. Nothing hardens the hearts of the faithful more than the blasphemy of the unfaithful. These unwashed and dangerous infidels speak out against the Word of the Lord. What could be worse?

One can always count on the intelligentsia to question and even ridicule the one true path of the faithful. Be sure to point out that those who find fault with all that is good and right certainly cannot be trusted to make good decisions about anything. Anything at all.

Intellectuals will provide complex solutions to simple problems. They will shy from quick action and forceful responses because they are forever looking for reasons to perpetuate their comfort. Be sure to label their “solutions” as nonsensical indoctrination shrouded in complexity.

Involve the clergy in your cause. They provide an additional authoritative voice that reinforces your message. Their “independent” voice will support the veracity of your claims.

Understand the goals of God as described by the clergy. They will dance with the devil if their heavenly goals are facilitated. At the very least, be sure to incent those in the pulpit with enough reasons to follow you that they will remain silent on issues where your goals diverge.

There are useful parallels between following a prophet and following you. It’s a short step from “He who is the one true path” to “I am the only one who can lead us out of the current morass.” The faithful will see you as a God-like figure or a disciple granted unique powers and abilities. Say nothing to deter their perceptions. You are specially anointed to be their leader.

Promise a return to the golden age, whether one existed or not. You are uniquely positioned to provide a future where the faithful will be unencumbered by conflicting beliefs. The state will serve the religion as the religion serves the state.

Encourage religious fervor. Remember that patriotism is fueled by the unshakable belief that your flag stands for all that is good and right. And that which is good and right is defined by religion.

In the same manner as politics, religion splits the populace into “us and them.” The believers and the unbelievers. The faithful and the lost. Your followers versus those who seek to defeat you.

Embracing the majority religion facilitates the time-honored principle of “divide and conquer.” The division is already in place. Religion draws the battle lines. All you need to do is assimilate them via support of the chosen faith.

You are the leaders of the chosen people in the chosen nation

Do not be concerned if you are not at first glance one who would be their prophet. Promise them what they want, and the faithful will support you. Holy books are full of examples of imperfect leaders anointed by God. That you are not perfectly holy in terms of their dogma is not important. Your imperfections are an asset since all the faithful know deep down in their hearts that they can never reach the perfection described by their religion. That you are the same is comforting, and gives them hope that they, like you, will go on to better things.

Take solace from the knowledge that your rise protects and reinforces the greatness of our country and our religion. Never waver from the belief that God is on your side.

Have faith, my Patriots. Have faith.

This playbook is offered in hopes that such thought cannot stand the light of day, and that exposing fascists for who they are will help prevent their rise. In particular, Chapter Three provides insight into the use of religion by the irreligious.

The Fascist Playbook, Chapter One — Free societies and media

The Fascist Playbook, Chapter Two — Love, fear, and anger