Demagogues are individuals who use emotional appeals, manipulation and false promises to gain power and influence over people. They exploit fear, prejudice and societal divisions to sway public opinion and consolidate support.

Demagogues often prey on people’s fears—whether of outsiders, economic collapse or societal change. By amplifying these fears, they create an “us vs. them” mentality and push for drastic action. They also offer a sense of hope by painting a vision of a utopian future, often rooted in national pride, that only they can bring about. Demagogues frequently blame specific groups for societal problems, whether it’s immigrants, a particular race, political opponents or even abstract concepts like “the elites” or “foreign influence.” This is intended to unite followers against a common enemy.

Complex issues are often reduced to oversimplified narratives where problems have clear, easy-to-understand solutions, usually by just eliminating or defeating the “enemy.” Rather than debating the issues, demagogues seek to discredit or demonize their opponents, framing them as corrupt, evil or unpatriotic. This shifts focus away from reasoned debate and on to the personal attacks.

They exploit existing divisions in society, whether it’s racial, religious or economic. By amplifying these tensions, they create a sense of crisis and claim that only they can restore order or protect the group’s interests. Demagogues often offer quick fixes to complex problems, promising radical change that seems appealing on the surface but often lacks a practical, well-thought-out plan.

They foster a cult of personality around themselves, presenting themselves as the only person capable of solving problems. Their image often becomes larger than life, and they portray themselves as the embodiment of the people’s will.

Demagogues often control or manipulate media channels, spreading misinformation and propaganda. They spread fake news or exaggerate their achievements to reinforce their narrative and suppress opposing viewpoints. Facts are frequently distorted or exaggerated to fit the narrative. They might cherry-pick data, manipulate statistics or tell outright lies, all in service of creating a more emotionally charged environment.

Many demagogues frame themselves as the saviors who will restore a nation’s “lost greatness,” often invoking a mythical version of the past. This can be especially effective in times of economic hardship or social upheaval.

Demagogues are often highly charismatic speakers who are able to command attention and sway large crowds. They use rhetoric designed to evoke powerful emotions, including passion, outrage, and empathy, rather than reasoned argument. They create a clear distinction between the “true” people (the supporters) and everyone else, including political opponents, the media or outsiders; this fosters loyalty among followers and a sense of collective identity.

Demagogues often portray themselves and their followers as victims of societal forces, the media, or powerful elites. This helps to justify their radical actions or ideas as being necessary for self-preservation or survival.

By using these tactics, demagogues can manipulate public opinion and rally support, often leading to polarization and sometimes even authoritarianism. Their success lies in creating an environment of uncertainty, fear, and division, which they then exploit for personal or political gain.

The White Rose Movement was a non-violent resistance group that emerged in Nazi Germany, primarily made up of university students; it became one of the most famous examples of internal opposition to Adolf Hitler’s regime.

The movement was founded in 1942 by Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl and Christoph Probst, along with several of their fellow students at the University of Munich, such as Alexander Schmorell and Willi Graf. The group was deeply influenced by their religious beliefs, moral opposition to the Nazi regime and a desire to resist the atrocities being committed by the Nazis.

The White Rose members distributed leaflets that condemned the Nazi regime, exposed the atrocities being committed against Jews and other groups and called for passive resistance and civil disobedience. Their leaflets urged Germans to reject Nazi ideology and refuse to support the war effort.

The group wrote and distributed six major leaflets, which were printed secretly and sent to universities and other locations across Germany. The leaflets called for people to oppose Nazi tyranny and emphasized the need for moral courage. The most famous of these leaflets contained a message urging the German people to stop supporting Hitler and the war, and it urged them to rise up against the regime.

The White Rose’s activities were highly dangerous, and in February 1943 the group’s operations were cut short when Hans and Sophie Scholl were arrested by the Gestapo after they were caught distributing leaflets at the University of Munich. Christoph Probst was arrested shortly thereafter. Despite their youth and their peaceful methods, the Scholls, Probst and other members of the group were executed by guillotine after a quick trial.

Although the movement was small and short-lived, the courage of the White Rose members had a lasting impact on post-war Germany. Their defiance against one of history’s most brutal regimes became a symbol of moral resistance to tyranny and oppression. They stood out because they were educated, idealistic young people who chose to fight against the prevailing ideology of their time, even though the consequences were certain death.

The White Rose Movement remains a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, even in the face of great personal danger, and their story continues to inspire new generations to act against tyranny and oppression.

From Pastor John T. McLarty:

“The violence is already here.

When the young men in my town emblazoned their trucks with F*** Biden, knowing their actions would bring a smile of approval from their hero, they told us more about their hero than about themselves. Still, it showed their willingness for violence.

When the president twisted Ukraine’s self-defense into “starting a war,” he was blessing Russian bombs.

When he announced removing security details from public figures he dislikes, he was begging someone to do the violence for him, so he could keep his hands clean.

When the president gave blanket pardon to criminals of January 6, he was readying goons for violence against the homes and businesses of “enemies of the state.”

Enemies of the state: that is most of us because anyone who is not 100 percent devoted to the greatness of the leader is an enemy of the leader. And the leader is the state. The law is his whim. And the violence you bring on yourself by opening your mouth in anything other than fulsome praise is well deserved.

Violence. It is the new virtue. I wonder how long the two strong men will cooperate. Cooperation is not their habit. They do not regard it as a virtue. One will need to be violently eliminated. But his elimination will not stop the violence.

I do not know how to advise you. I don’t even know how to advise myself. This is new territory. The violence is upon us.”

[Used with permission of the author, Pastor John T. McLarty]

We’ve lost an understanding of the intrinsic value of each person. We unfortunately now must be reminded that each of us is precious.

Each individual has worth by their very nature, not because of what they do or how they are perceived by others; it’s an unconditional value that exists regardless of external circumstances. Whether someone is wealthy or poor, famous or unknown, healthy or struggling, their value does not change. Profound value or worth is intrinsic to their being; everyone enjoys this fundamental dignity just because they are human.

Every person deserves to be treated with respect and fairness. This means they have the right to be treated ethically, to have their basic human rights protected, and to live free from exploitation or harm. Intrinsic worth is the foundation of human rights, as it recognizes the basic dignity of every individual, regardless of any external factors or differences.

If all individuals have intrinsic value, it follows that no one is inherently more valuable than anyone else. Every person deserves equal rights, opportunities and treatment simply because of their shared humanity. Intrinsic value removes any basis for discrimination, as it asserts that the worth of a person is not determined by race, gender, age, social status or any other external characteristic.

In both secular and religious frameworks, the idea that each person has intrinsic value forms the bedrock for ethical behavior. It’s the basis for treating others with kindness, empathy and fairness. For example, secular humanism emphasizes the inherent worth of each person, leading to the principles of equality, justice and compassion for others. Similarly, religious teachings emphasize the sacredness of the human soul and the inherent worth of every individual.

The worth of each person is not just an isolated concept but is tied to the broader human community. By recognizing the intrinsic value in others, we create a more harmonious and compassionate world where each person’s dignity is upheld, benefiting everyone.

This perspective affirms that everyone deserves respect, fairness and compassion, and it forms the foundation for treating people with kindness and equality. Intrinsic value is a core principle in ethical, human rights and philosophical frameworks that highlight the inherent dignity of human life.

With this perspective, we can build anew.

Where economic health is measured by growth and shareholder profit, new markets at some point cannot be located and nature nears exhaustion. This is late-stage capitalism.

Instead of relenting to a new, sustainable economic order, the titans of capital have found themselves preferring end-times to wealth-sharing, permitting the earth to rest.

Enter Apocalypticism, the nihilistic core of Christian Nationalism.

Apocalypticism—the belief in an impending end of the world, often framed as a final reckoning or judgment day— is grounded in interpretations of the Bible that predict the ultimate triumph of good over evil but also the destruction of the world as we know it.

The belief in an imminent apocalypse turns politics into a battle between good and evil; Christian Nationalists see themselves as soldiers in a spiritual war, fighting to preserve a Christian Nation from the forces of secularism, atheism, and other “ungodly” movements.

Apocalyptic beliefs are used to justify the destruction or transformation of society. Believing the end of the world is near creates a worldview where the collapse of existing social structures isn’t something to avoid but to embrace- the breakdown of the current order is the necessary precursor to Christ’s return, and the ultimate triumph of Christian values. This can make apocalyptic scenarios seem not just inevitable but divinely ordained.

It cannot be said that capitalists are converted to any form Christianity, but simply that Apocalypticism and capitalism merge. Global efforts to avoid climate and nuclear catastrophe are discarded.

What emerges is not new. Contemplating our circumstances, the text, as it were, is quoted: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”