The Social/Political Gospel and Cults of Personality

America's Social/Political Gospels...

Are American Christians Embracing a Personality Cult with Donald Trump? 
Or are They Rejecting the Socialist Unification of Cultural, Religious and Political Power? 

photo source:https://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-stands-in-front-of-st-john-s-church-holding-bible-after-threatening-military-action-against-protesters-84206661837

When I was a child, I watched Portland Wrestling every Saturday night on the television with my grandfather.

The broadcasts highlighted, "bigger than life," personalities who were transformed into Heroes and Anti-Heroes.

Years later, as an adult while working at my hospital, I was called to assist in a confrontation with one of these heroic personalities. He was easy to recognize by name and appearance and fortunately physical confrontation became unnecessary when he responded to problem solving. But I was saddened to see this childhood hero, reduced to a frightened elderly man.

What I had experienced as a child is called a, "cult of personality," which is similar to the, "cult of the leader."

My intention is to compare and quantify these two terms in regards to President Trump. The, "cult of the leader," refers to a political or military figure that authoritatively captures the venue of mass media, (keyword authoritatively). Both cult forms work through the creation of spectacle and insert disinformation or propaganda or even the disarming effects of the big lie to create an idealized, heroic, and even worshipful image or regime.

These, "Cults of the Leader," or the regimes they create exist in a climate of unquestioning flattery and praise, (keyword unquestioning), where acts of glorification through the arts and government-organized demonstrations and rallies of focused loyalty are mandatory and dissenters are punished. North Korea's Dictator Kim Jong-Hyun is this type of leader. 

Although the wrestling. "Cult of Personality," that I engaged in as a child, had it's distortions of reality. It was a harmless entertainment, tool used to create emotional engagement and excitement in the wrestling audience.

In the 2016 and 2020 Presidential elections, a similar technique occurred as Donald Trump personified himself, in a similar manner under the inspiration of the engaging and entertaining Jesse Ventura.

Jesse Ventura's entertaining," Persona," in Wrestling was also useful in Politicking. This strategy opened the door for him to successfully become a City Mayor and later, the Governor of the State of Minnesota.

Similar to Jesse... Trump's grandiose and engaging politicking style has also been successful and this success has also led to a, "Cult-Like," following. Although his presentation often seems extreme, he has not sought extremes in social or political change. He has not authoritatively taken charge of the government or media. On the contrary, his stance has been mostly Libertarian as he has demonstrated tolerance of opposing views and buffered changes on the social level. Consider for instance his being in support of conservative views on abortion and religious freedom and liberal views toward the Gay Community. (Have you heard his UN speech?) 

Instead of seizing power and increasing authoritarian Governmental control, Trump's focus has been on reducing the powers given to Governmental institutions. For these reasons, I believe that Trump has an unusual, "Cult of Personality following, but not a, Cult of the Leader," position. I also believe that the unified, intense opposition to his presence and actions by his opponents show a much larger, more pervasive and authoritarian, "Cult of the Leader," regime wrongly labeled as Liberal tolerance. 

In comparison, to Trump's, "Cult of Personality," the regimented effects found in the, "Cult of the Leader," (or regime of his opposition) are much more dangerous. 

Consider what occurred in Germany during the first half of the last century. The Nazi regime was not a harmless expression of freedom. It was founded on, and wrongly legitimized through a series of culture shaking,  misinterpreted scientific discoveries. With social emphasis focused on these, emerging "Evolutionary Interpretations," views of human existence changed as values clarification goals were promoted through the schools to support the racial advancement of select groups and subjugate and even exterminate those who were less valued by their culture. This was easily achieved through their educational system extending down to the youngest of students. 

Many aspects of this effort were applauded throughout German academia and among Progressive elites internationally. It became central in the culture, and Churches that embraced these values were labeled the, " Recognized Church," while dissenters were discounted and cancelled or even experienced death and persecution. In just eight years Nazi values progressed to dominate the entire nation and soon this Progressive Socialist Government ruled as central authority in all areas of German life. For the Progressives of that day, It was a miracle! As Germany finally had a (seemingly) cohesive society. 

But back to the original question. How is all of  the current emphasis on Trump and Trumpism being experienced by Christians? Are the thousands of predominantly Christian rural communities across America united in a desire to dominate and oppress those who disagree with them through the oppressive strength of an authoritative dominating leader? Are they seeking to centralizr power under the government? 

Or are they along with vast numbers of nonreligious Americans seeking to avoid being dominated by an imposing culture of radicle change?  Are they hoping to stop this advancement and return to the American values that they love and understand?

In watching the brief informative videos below, consider how the perceived needs and fears of Germany's people were shaped to motivate German Citizens to adapt to the Nazi Narrative. An exclusive and pervasive narrative that was so contrary to the values they had held just one generation before. 

Nazi Germany - A Child for Hilter - Youth in Hitler's Germany N04a - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y81-SzkwwhU

Nazi Germany - Hitler Youth - Youth in Hitler's Germany N04b - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHERiyU7jcM

Nazi Germany - Swing Kids - Youth in Hitler's Germany N04c - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7awpjXrWls

Nazi Germany - Tomorrow's Wives and Warriors - Youth in Hitler's Germany N04d - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFkb7vYZp8U

Unfortunately a more comprehensive video on the politics of religion in Germany was removed from youtub. It is still available  at https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x79b28o.

A  central figure presented in that video is Gerhard Kittel, chosen due to his disciplined scholarly influence and fluctuating compromises with the evolving positions held by Germany's, "Recognized Church", as compared to Bonhoeffer's, "Confessing Church." Kittel is also described in the brief video below and the groups are described briefly in the  second video below.

The Strange Story of Gerhard Kittel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHMFiConJ1A

Two Kingdoms in the Third Reich - Professor Alec Ryrie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEdnwpo28NM

For a fuller understanding, I do encourage vieing the original 56 minute video at https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x79b28o. 

And now after considering these lessons from history. What do you think? Are American Christians embracing a, "Cult of the Leader," with Donald Trump as in the Pro Hitler German-Christian Movement? 

Or: 

Is Trump's, politicking, "Persona," more of an entertainment feature that crudely engages America's audiences. Is the support of Americas conservatives and libertarians more like the1934 Confessing Church who opposed the takeover of their Government, Religion and Culture by a progressively Socialist regime? A takeover accomplished through censorship, discriminatory laws and social practices. One that seized their Sources of industry, Healthcare, Education and  regulatory institutions to create Governmental Centralized Control? Are these libertarians and conservative Christians joined with Trump in a progressive take over? 

Or:

Is theirs's an effort of resistance against a Progressive, "Cult of the Leader," (regime) that has already captured much of what I listed above and is tightening their grip with each advancement? 

Also consider this short eyewitness account..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOlxAFm25lg&list=PLc7nB8Z7S2L9GQlR3fYnbWBRejFm6cyHt&index=3

Were they welcoming Hitler as a leader? Or embracing the promises of what was to come with the progressive social changes demanded by his regime?

For a less serious comparison, consider leadership styles in the Presidency at my other blog at: 

https://www.thesubwaywalls.com/2020/01/eating-large-end-first-and-trump.html

Informational Ecosystems and Fake News

Destroying Our Informational Ecosystem

What makes Fake News Fake?

1. Overwhelming repetition of select info that displaces higher priority information for the gain of special interests groups to distract the public from being truly informed in a timely manner.

2. Exaggerated or minimized content through omission or skewed emphasis to mislead the public and advance the agenda of a special interest.

3. The manipulated polarizing of opposing points of view to opposing consensuses as accelerations in social media sharing and reaction are used to push social division and reduce the communication of collaborative compromise.

The use of social media peaked during the 2016 election and for the first time its true destructive power was realized as external operatives used it to divide Americans against each other. The details of this ongoing form of intrusive manipulation were examined and reported on by the journalists of  PBS' Frontline. 

These broadcasts are listed below. 
They are VERY INFORMATIVE. 

"The Facebook Dilemma" parts 1and 2

and can be viewed by clicking the windows.

See Part 1 The Facebook Dilemma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48KFiHwexM

See Part 2 The Facebook Dilemma

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuA4qxPbpQE

They describe RUSSIAN SPONSORED INVOLVEMENT in our election and Russian social media influence across the globe. These actions have led to frequent social disruptions and even murder as clandestine news sources controlled through Russian influence foment biased reactions and division.

(Some very clear examples are presented on Part 2 at minute 8:50-10:55 and 13:10-14:20 AND ESPECIALLY 20:30-26:20 where Russian sponsored operatives CREATED multiple OPPOSITION GROUPS on facebook and other platforms here in the US and organized OPPOSING PROTEST EVENTS in our cities, some of which were very destructive and violent.

You can also see how our Senate wrongly addressed Russian involvement with the pre-election Trump team on the CSPAN recording of Senate hearings from June 3. 2020.

Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies on Crossfire Hurricane Investigation

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbvXIi7hV5I

In The Facebook Dilemma, investigators discovered thousands of instances where Russian operatives created division and discord among the American people by promoting very polarized and inflammatory websites and creating facebook-groups along with inflammatory posts for group followers to share. Their goal, to divide and paralyze America and destroy America's influence by crippling her system of Government.

Consider what you share. 

It seems that many of the fake sites don't even try to hide it anymore. Before you share, check who sent it and who their friends are. Check the site it came from. And most of all, check the intent. 

Are you really so driven that you 
are willing to be used by known 
enemies intent on destroying
 our nation?

Today, with the sudden eruption of these (well organized?) protests and riots, it seems apparent that something similar is happening. But this time, is it the Russians? Or are other actors involved? I guess only time will tell. But it is very obvious to anyone on line that the volume of divisive social media is accelerating and that much of it fits one of the FAKE categories. 

So how does on line media compare with Broadcast News? 
Is the News presented through our broadcast media also FAKE?

Consider how these questions apply?

1. Is it balanced, presenting the interests of multiple sides in the topics or conflict it covers?

2. Is it adequate in depth to clearly present a clear picture complete with opposing perspectives?

3. Is it distributed in a way that informs audiences with accurate and timely information, or is it marketed to provide little actual information and keep you emotionally hooked to maximize the gains of special interests or commercial sponsors?

Consider the emotionally charged coverage of the Covid 19 Pandemic, and the death of  George Floyd in the hands of easily distracted, poorly trained police officers and the intensely motivating coverage of Black Lives Matter response. 

May 29, 2020, Portland Oregon

Photo source https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/05/protest-escalates-at-downtown-portland-justice-center.html

Unlike historical events, organized and directed by known leaders,  who has organized these events? Have these organizers acknowledged that ignoring the "Stay At Home Order" and calling the Black Community to march would expose them and their families to the destruction of the pandemic.

It is no secret that our black population ranks near the top in vulnerability! Second only to our elderly. 

In actuality; could this march of seeming solidarity be an act of kindness, or a kiss of death? Have theses marches initiate real action to find real solutions or are they an offering of guilt and ease like the donations of Small-Pox contaminated blankets to American Indian populations during the Small-Pox pandemic?

Time will certainly tell, but my questions is. Will THE NEWS? 

  

My son and daughter in law have maintained distancing from both sets of parents through the pandemic to protect us and her parent.

Doesn't our black community deserve as much? Why don't these organizers, and who are they.

Recently a spokesperson from Portland's OHSU describing the protests stated that she was not concerned over the possibility of  exposure because the protesters were wearing masks. Really? Look at the pictures. This type of statement is typical of the FAKE News we are so often faced with.  

To solve real social problems we have to look beyond our prejudices and consider real solutions. Soothing our racial consciences through overt gestures of solidarity, and knee-jerk reactions against police in general are not real solutions. If we have a problem with our police then we have to examine our methods of policing.  

Beyond all of the social disturbance, I would like see reporting on the general public's response to these disruptions. Before the riots and protests end and we move on to other things, I would like to hear police leadership express their concerns and hopes for change. 

I want to hear how they feel about having their experienced leadership replaced through political gesture and how they believe these action will affect all of our futures.

I want to hear about the history of changes that our police have already experienced and hear officers share their best strategies for effective community policing. I want them to tell me what real police professionalism looks like, how bad cops should be dealt with and how to avoid them when hiring.

Before the protests end, perhaps the news teams should ride along and present their stories and the challenges they face as well as the  victims of violence and the business owners who have suffered loss.

In my opinion, the one sided narrative presented during the vast majority of our news coverage puts much of it in the FAKE CATEGORY, especially when it is panders to special interest sponsors and select groups.

I would certainly watch more on the TV special coverage if stories were presented in greater depth. 

But what I see plays only to my morbid curiosity. I do not want to watch for hours waiting to see another person be assaulted or a shop owner's building be destroyed. This form of coverage does not address my sense of reason.

Today, many express a narrative of anger toward our political system, saying it does nothing but put our country up for sale to the rich as the highest bidders buy government influence. 

But I see a far more powerful form of influence manipulation. The manipulation of our public through these many forms of FAKE media. It seems that we have been trained like circus animals to welcome it. 

As to bribes and contribution misconduct in Congress, they can be corrected through legal action. But how do we correct a social addiction to media sensationalism and pandering?  

Whether you agree with my thoughts or not; 

Please DO TAKE THE TIME TO VIEW 

the PBS FRONTLINE links. 

They are repeated below.

"The Facebook Dilemma" part 1 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48KFiHwexM

"The Facebook Dilemma" part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuA4qxPbpQE

They are VERY INFORMATIVE and describe much of what we are seeing around us. Especially Part 2 at minute 8:50-10:55 and 13:10-14:20 AND ESPECIALLY 20:30-26:20 

Whether we are being influenced by the Russians or it is coming from other sources, it appears to be having the same effect in dividing our population into parties of shame and blame. 

To prosper, we have to find genuine way to work together for the good of our communities and country. This is not an easy thing. It does not occur through gesture alone as my recent Go-Fund-Me page created to help my Afro-American neighbor revealed.

Although racism was not been mentioned in the list of problems he has reported to me, lack of acceptance and the subsequent complaints from neighbors were.

This neighbor is the only black person in our neighborhood. He  recently experienced an eviction after the complete destruction of his property. After a long battle with the Vancouver building department and courts he was forced to allow his property to be abated. That is to have everything removed from the property.

For some time, his peculiarities were unacceptable to some of his neighbors and complaint driven code violations procedures were finalized by a kitchen fire that resulted in his property being condemned and eventually bulldozed. 

During the abatement process however, the actions of the City employees and the Police Officer present clearly demonstrated the themes of human respect and self restraint, as can be seen in the video below.  

CREATING HOMELESSNESS (part 1) A NOT SO BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FltqCvgBWM

CREATING HOMELESSNESS (part 2) 

Destruction and Hopes for Collaboration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktv9PNC6GGM

But the crowds of seemingly sympathetic respondents on Facebook did almost nothing to actually help my friend and the fund created to assist him rebuild did not grow. 

Over a period of two moths the a GO-Fund-ME page only received one pledge other than the original contribution that I made. Was this lack of support due to racism? Or was it a lack of acceptance for other reasons? 

Reguardless, When it comes to real action, gestures of sympathy online or even huge marches sponsored by (?) just don't cut it.

At this time of intense emotionalism and false assumptions of  social progress we need to stop ourselves and take a deep breathe. 

We need to open our eyes fully and engage our brains and relearn how to actually value each other. 

We all differ in many ways. But that does not mean that any of us deserve punishment or discrimination. We need to look at the cost of our biases and move beyond them. 

This is especially true for our African American neighbors who may be suffering greatly. And it is also true for our police officers who are also suffering.