Ideological possession is stronger than gravity

 

Ideological possession is stronger than gravity:

 

One of the major premises of Marxism is that history must be viewed through the lens of an unending economic struggle. This reductionism omits all other relevant factors affecting how history unfolds. Yet I often read where conservatives have used a similar argument of "follow the money". I need to remind you that the hardest thing to do is to think for oneself. Nevertheless, I highly recommend that you should at least try. We must avoid oversimplifying multivariate complex problems. You will find that things aren't as black and white as they might otherwise appear.

 

The single most fascinating factor affecting how history unfolds isn't merely economic, it's due to belief systems. Ideological possession accounts for the most profound and heinous acts of murderous insanity ever perpetrated by man. It is important to highlight the tension between economic determinism and ideological influence in shaping history. Marxism’s emphasis on material conditions and class struggle offers a simplistic ideological lens which ignores the rich tapestry of human motivations, especially when belief systems and ideologies drive people to act in ways that defy logic.

The conservatives who say “follow the money” are mirroring the Marxist analysis in its suspicion of hidden economic motives, but like Marx and Engels they fall into the fallacy of reductionism. Especially when they ignore the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of human behaviour. Therefore, the concept of Ideological possession is especially compelling. History is full of examples where belief systems—religious, political, racial, or nationalistic—have led to not only extraordinary achievements but also unspeakable atrocities. From the Crusades to the Holocaust, from Mao’s Cultural Revolution to the Rwandan genocide, it’s clear that ideas can be far more dangerous than mere physical weapons when they turn into dogma.

Thinking for oneself, as I have stated, is hard. It requires:

·       Intellectual humility: recognizing the limits of any single framework.

·       Curiosity: exploring multiple perspectives.

·       Courage: questioning one's own assumptions and tribal loyalties.

·       Identifying Ideological Possession —where individuals or groups have become rigidly and unquestioningly committed to an ideology. These groups have played a role in some of history’s most tragic events. Here are several examples where ideological possession contributed to mass murder or genocide:

Historical Examples of Ideological Possession Leading to Mass Murder

1.     Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

a.     Ideology: Racial purity, anti-Semitism, Aryan supremacy.

b.     Event: The Holocaust — systematic extermination of 6 million Jews, along with millions of others (Roma, disabled individuals, political dissidents).

c.     Mechanism: State propaganda, pseudoscientific racial theories, and totalitarian control.

2.     Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin (1920s–1950s)

a.     Ideology: Marxist-Leninist communism, class struggle.

b.     Event: The Great Purge, Holodomor (Ukrainian famine), Gulag system.

c.     Mechanism: Elimination of perceived “enemies of the state,” forced collectivization, and suppression of dissent.

3.     Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979)

a.     Ideology: Agrarian socialism, anti-intellectualism.

b.     Event: Cambodian genocide — ~2 million deaths.

c.     Mechanism: Forced evacuations, executions of intellectuals, and dismantling of urban society.

4.     Rwanda (1994)

a.     Ideology: Ethnic supremacy (Hutu Power).

b.     Event: Rwandan Genocide — ~800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu killed in 100 days.

c.     Mechanism: State-sponsored hate propaganda, militia mobilization, and ethnic scapegoating.

5.     China under Mao Zedong (1950s–1970s)

a.     Ideology: Maoist communism, anti-capitalism.

b.     Event: Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution — tens of millions died from famine, purges, and persecution.

c.     Mechanism: Radical social engineering, suppression of dissent, and ideological indoctrination.

6.     Bosnian War (1992–1995)

a.     Ideology: Ethno-nationalism.

b.     Event: Srebrenica massacre and ethnic cleansing.

c.     Mechanism: Nationalist propaganda, militarization, and targeting of ethnic groups.

These events show how ideological possession can override empathy, reason, and moral judgment, often leading to the dehumanization of others and justification of violence. Let’s look at religious ideological possession—where individuals or groups become rigidly and violently committed to a religious worldview—has, tragically, led to persecution, torture, and murder throughout history. Here are some well-documented examples:

Examples of Religious Ideological Possession Leading to the Violent repression of all dissent:

1. The Spanish Inquisition (1478–1834)
• Religion: Catholicism.
• Targeted: Jews, Muslims, Protestants, and alleged heretics.
• Actions: Torture, forced conversions, executions.
• Ideological Driver: Purity of the Catholic faith and suppression of heresy.
2. The Crusades (1096–1291)
• Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholicism).
• Targeted: Muslims, Jews, and Eastern Christians.
• Actions: Massacres during military campaigns, including the sack of Jerusalem.
• Ideological Driver: Reclaiming the Holy Land and defending Christendom.
3. Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648)
• Religion: Catholic vs. Protestant Christianity.
• Targeted: Civilians and soldiers on both sides.
• Actions: Widespread slaughter, famine, and destruction across Europe.
• Ideological Driver: Religious supremacy and political control.
4. Witch Hunts in Early Modern Europe and Colonial America (15th–18th centuries)
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (Catholic and Protestant).
• Targeted: Women (mostly), accused of witchcraft.
• Actions: Torture, burning at the stake, hanging.
• Ideological Driver: Fear of the devil, heresy, and moral panic.
5. Partition of India (1947)
• Religion: Hinduism and Islam.
• Targeted: Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs.
• Actions: Communal riots, massacres, forced migrations.
• Ideological Driver: Religious nationalism and sectarian division.
6. ISIS and Religious Extremism (2010s–present)
• Religion: Radical interpretation of Islam.
• Targeted: Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims, and others.
• Actions: Genocide, beheadings, sexual slavery.
• Ideological Driver: Apocalyptic jihadism and theocratic absolutism.

These examples show how religious beliefs, when fused with absolutism and intolerance, become a powerful and dangerous force for dehumanizing all who dare to challenge their accepted narrative. Now it is extremely important to distinguish between faith as a personal or communal practice and ideological possession, which often involves dehumanizing others and justifying violence. But why do such toxic ideas hold such power over the human psyche, especially today in our divided world and one that resonates strongly in today’s polarized world?

The persistence and power of toxic ideologies, especially now, can be traced to a convergence of psychological vulnerabilities, technological amplification, and sociopolitical conditions. Here's a breakdown of why they hold such sway and one that resonates strongly in today’s polarized world. The persistence and power of toxic ideologies, especially now, can be traced to a convergence of psychological vulnerabilities, technological amplification, and sociopolitical conditions. Here's a breakdown of why they hold such sway:

1. Psychological Vulnerability: The Need for Meaning and Control

• In times of uncertainty, economic stress, or cultural upheaval, people often feel powerless or disoriented.
• Toxic ideologies offer simple narratives: clear enemies, moral clarity, and a sense of purpose.
• They reduce complexity to black-and-white thinking, which is psychologically comforting—even if dangerously misleading.
• This is why I am witnessing many of my neighbours in this highly integrated community walking with their smartphones speaking to one another in their own languages often angrily or listening to podcast streaming in Punjabi or Arabic that frankly sound decidedly unpleasant.
• My wife refers to this phenomenon as their need for constant calibration against one another’s mojo.

2. Tribalism and Identity Politics

• Humans are wired for group loyalty. Belonging to a group once meant survival.
• Today, that instinct can be hijacked by ideologies that define identity in opposition to others—us vs. them.
• Once identity is fused with belief, disagreement feels like a personal attack, making dialogue nearly impossible.

3. The Internet and Algorithmic Amplification

• Social media platforms reward outrage, certainty, and extremes—not nuance or empathy.
• Algorithms create echo chambers where people are only exposed to views that reinforce their own.
• This accelerates radicalization and isolates individuals from moderating influences.

4. Loss of Shared Truth and Trust

• In a world flooded with misinformation, conspiracy theories, and distrust in institutions, people turn to alternative narratives that feel more emotionally satisfying.
• Toxic ideologies often present themselves as “hidden truths” that only the enlightened few can see—creating a seductive sense of superiority.

5. Cultural and Economic Dislocation

• Globalization, automation, and cultural shifts have left many feeling displaced or left behind.
• Ideologies that promise a return to a “golden age” or a pure identity can be incredibly appealing in such contexts.

6. Charismatic Leaders and Manipulation

• Throughout history and today, manipulative leaders have exploited fear, resentment, and identity to consolidate power.
• They often use religious, nationalist, or moral language to cloak their agendas in righteousness.

So Why Now?

Because we are in a moment of global transition—technologically, environmentally, and culturally. These transitions create anxiety, and anxiety seeks resolution. Toxic ideologies offer certainty without reflection, belonging without compassion, and action without wisdom.

So, What Now?

When we weave this web of conflicting ideologies against the backdrop of the atheism of our political leaders who fulfill the following quote- “When people are no longer able to believe in anything, they’ll believe in anything.” — G.K. Chesterton (paraphrased) Therefore I need to leave you with the opposite of ideological possession, namely personal revelation. We cannot know Christ on behalf of others. Each of us must have an inner revelation of Him where a transformation of the heart replaces all external forms of ideological possession. Let me read to you Paul’s famous warning to the believers where Paul offers us a solution to ideological possession.

Hebrews 13 - King James Version

1 Let brotherly love continue.

² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

³ Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

⁴ Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

⁷ Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.

⁹ Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.