Reflections on Fascism and Religion

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Abstract

Recently, there has been a revival of interest in 'clerical fascism' and the belief that fascism, especially in its Nazi and Italian variants, were forms of 'political religion'. Both approaches reveal insights into the dynamics and nature of fascism. However, relatively few leading members of the churches can be considered true fascists. Moreover, the political religion interpretation of generic fascism focuses unduly on culture and form over belief and function. It overstates the affective side of fascist support compared to its more rational appeals. The latter were in part linked to serious fascist ideological views about creating a new Third Way (neither capitalist nor socialist) state, and to scientific views about geopolitics and race.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReligious Fundamentalism and Political Extremism
EditorsLeonard Weinberg, Ami Pedahzur
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherFrank Cass
Pages149-171
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9780203010969
ISBN (Print)9780714654928
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Publication series

NameTotalitarian Movements and Political Religions
PublisherFrank Cass

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