Could the JWs fit the defintion of Fascism?

Aussie Oz

Fascism ( play / ' f æ ? ? z ?m / ) is a radical authoritarian nationalist political ideology. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Fascists seek rejuvenation of their nation based on commitment to an organic national community where its individuals are united together as one people in national identity by suprapersonal connections of ancestry, culture, and blood through a totalitarian single-party state that seeks the mass mobilization of a nation through discipline, indoctrination, physical education, and eugenics. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Fascism seeks to purify the nation of foreign influences that are deemed to be causing degeneration of the nation or of not fitting into the national culture. [ 5 ] Fascists have commonly presented themselves as politically syncretic—opposing firm association with any section of the left-right spectrum, considering it inadequate to describe their beliefs, and being critical of the left, right, and centre. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] However, fascism's goal to promote the rule of people deemed innately superior while seeking to purge society of people deemed innately inferior is a prominent far-right stance

From Wikipedia

Oz

snowbird

Yes, indeed.

The GB has absolute authority, no JW can criticize its teachings with impunity.

The WT boasts of being an organization of "clean" people as opposed to "wordlings."

Interesting that Fascism comes from the Latin word fasces which means "to bundle," and its symbol is an axe wrapped in rods.

The GB certainly doesn't fail to wield the rod or use the axe if they feel threatened in any way.

WTWizard

Look up the core principles of communism (not socialism, not collectivism, communism). Now, look at the doctrines at the deeper levels of any Christian religion--even the basic doctrines. Notice any similarities? I did--especially when comparing the Law of St Benedict with communism. I could barely tell a difference between the two.

Resistance is Futile

While there might be some similarities, I don't think it's very accurate to think of them as being fascist. Fascism usually involves a highly militaristic society. The common fascist desire for racial purity also doesn't apply to JW's.

JW culture would be better defined as a totalitarian theocracy with the Governing Body ruling the people under the pretense of divine backing.

designs

Totalitarian does fit better since there is no mechanism for dissent without censur.

apostatethunder

Good question, they are controlling and totalitarian, but what is their real aim? If they are not about religion, what are they about?

slimboyfat

Some historians have commented that the conflict between JWs and the German Nazi state was a battle between two totalitarian systems. Others have rejected the comparison.

Interesting article worth reading on this subject:

"Model denomination or totalitarian sect? Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany" by James Irvin Lichti

Some of it can be read online using search inside.

Chariklo

The WT is defintely Fascist.

They think they're the chosen few. They see themselves as a nation apart. They have their own government, their own leader. They are totalitarian.

They're completely hung up on authority and obedience.

They're punitive. They deal in accusation with all the normal rights and freedoms suspended. The principles of evidence given openly and innocence presumed until proved guilty are ignored.

They're Fascist.

Hermano

For those who went to Awake! University this might be easier to understand :

Dictatorship means that one person rules, but without the sanction of legitimacy like legal election or hereditary monarchy. Of course, dictators usually try to jerryrig the laws to legitimize their power, but they normally take power by a coup or some other illegal means and then try to justify it after the fact.

Totalitarianism is not an ideology in itself but refers to any ideology which subordinates the rights of the individual to the interests of the state. That is, the state considers itself to be the primary focus of loyalty and identity, and does not permit its authority to be limited by things like religion, individual conscience and civil rights, family loyalties, etc. Fascism, Nazism and Communism are all totalitarian ideologies.

Fascism is one totalitarian ideology. It holds that the "nation" is the entity that mandates its members' absolute loyalty and obedience, and also that the "spirit of the nation" is embodied in a single inspired leader. The most famous example is Mussolini in Italy, but Franco in Spain, or Peron in Argentina, were also fascist leaders. Nazism is a variation of fascism which adds racism and anti-semitism to the formula.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111116090848AAghUdS

And yes, the similarities are kinda scary. I would say without a doubt that for many JW's the "Organization" is the entity that mandates its members' absolute loyalty and obedience, and also that the "spirit of the Organization" is embodied in the Governing Body.

maksym

Wikepedia is not a good source for this subject matter and it's definition is wrong.

The definition of fascism has changed throughout the decades. The reason for this is because the strict definition places the

united states as a fascist country.

Could the JWs fit the defintion of Fascism?

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