This provocative study is both one of the most chilling, yet equally one of the most timely and challenging books I have read in years.

Overview

The book is based on a series of interviews the author conducted with a number of people who once lived under communist rule (many of whom now live in America). Everyone agreed – often emphatically – that life in the West is drifting inexorably toward a form of totalitarianism. The entire book is peppered with poignant quotes from these Russian or Soviet-bloc nationals, providing compelling evidence for their deep concerns.

The current “soft totalitarianism” in which America increasingly finds itself, Rod Dreher claims, is different to the “hard totalitarianism” of the Soviet era in substance only, not in essence.

Chilling comparisons

In the first section of the book the author gives evidence for his seemingly alarmist claims. Soft totalitarianism can be seen in, among other things, the instilling in the public mind a fear of challenging lies; the censoring of civil liberties and the curtailing of free speech; the creation of a progressive and staunchly anti-Christian militancy; the antagonising of dissenters through ridicule and mockery; the use of doublethink and illogic.

Ultimately, by a plethora of means, we’re trackable at all times.

Surveillance capitalism

Comparisons to communism are also made in regard to unprecedented technological capabilities to survey private life. Dreher dwells on this important topic, knowing that “unless you are a hermit living off the grid, you are still thoroughly bounded and penetrated by the surveillance capitalist system”. Ultimately, by a plethora of means, we’re trackable at all times (p.78).

We can already see the outworking of this in China, which nation proves it is possible to have a wealthy, modern society and still be totalitarian (not least with its surveillance to administer its “social credit system”, which determines who is allowed to buy, sell and travel, based on their social behaviour – evangelicals come way down the list). Dreher is in no doubt such systems are coming to the West – and coming fast.

Mega-corporation elites

The author looks at the increasing authoritarian control, not just by governments, but also by mega-corporations such as Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Google, who carry an almost incalculable influence over public and private life. While it’s true that being kicked off social media isn’t the same as being sent to the gulags, the extent to which ‘cancel culture’ can potentially ‘remove’ a dissident from playing any active role in society – including even stopping his bank account – is truly unnerving.

...even in the midst of very real suffering under communism, the fellowship they enjoyed together was the most precious they have ever experienced.

Methods of resistance

Part Two considers how Christians might respond to these modern forms of oppression. A number of methods of resistance are offered. These include the following:

• Valuing truth above all else. For the Baptists of Russia, to compromise with lies for the sake of a peaceful life was seen as equivalent to “bending at the knee to death” (p.102).
• Importance of the family unit. The Christian family was naturally the bedrock of forming faithful resistance to communism, and we must resist all pressure to undermine it.
• Importance of solidarity. Solid rocks joined together form a wall of solidarity that is very hard for the enemy to breach, whereas the individual standing alone against the machine will be crushed. Within Christian circles the importance of small groups is emphasised.
• Willingness to suffer. Dreher firmly rejects any theology of “Christianity without tears” that is prevalent in some charismatic circles (p.205). Yet several people shared how, even in the midst of very real suffering under communism, the fellowship they enjoyed together was the most precious they have ever experienced.
• Essence of developing a strong faith. Dreher talks of observing a profound sense of peace among his interviewees, and a remarkable depth of faith. “In my case” noted one, reminiscing on life under communism, “it truly was to plunge into physical and spiritual uncertainty, an abyss, where only faith in God could guarantee safety” (p.153).

Over-narrow focus?

Some might contend that in relating accounts of physical persecution under communism, the book is over-alarmist; others that it makes too much of life under Soviet rule compared to other forms of authoritarian oppression (e.g. China gets just five pages). I also feel that Dreher’s case would have been somewhat strengthened had he capitalised on some of his predictions having already been partly fulfilled through the heavy policing and media censorship relating to Covid-19 (which is otherwise referred to), or had he shown how they match the ideals of the ‘Great Reset’. Instead, none of these are mentioned.

Those who are not rock solid in their faith will be broken by the world. But for those who are, Christ is the solid rock upon which that world will be broken.

Truth and hope

Dreher is certain that a time of painful testing, even persecution, is coming for the Church and that “Lukewarm or shallow Christians will not come through with their faith intact” (pp.162-3). Those who are not rock solid in their faith will be broken by the world. But for those who are strong, Christ is the solid rock upon which that world will be broken.

Dreher is in no doubt, as was Russian dissident writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn half a century before him, that “The truth has power to end every tyranny” (p.67). Despite the difficult days that lie ahead, we can be certain that ultimately truth will again be the victor.

‘Live Not By Lies’ (240pp HB) is published by Penguin Random House, and is available from Amazon