Christians have to be engaged in discussions on important topics, and Christians need to be discerning in order to notice when and if false teaching is creeping into the church, but Christians need to be well-informed before attempting either. It’s a matter of simple honesty and integrity.

The Princess Bride is one of the all-time greatest film comedies (don’t argue with me), and much of its success is due to the brilliant portrayal of Inigo Montoya by the actor Mandy Patinkin. He steals scene after scene. In the early part of the movie, the character Vizzini (portrayed by Wallace Shawn) exclaims, “Inconceivable!” several times. At one point, Inigo responds, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Adventures follow. Hilarity ensues. And in the end . . . well, if you haven’t seen it, go watch it and see how it ends.

I find Inigo Montoya’s phrase popping into my mind on occasion as I observe people (Christians and non-Christians) arguing on television or online. In the heat of an argument, someone involved in the debate will often toss out a word or phrase to label the person with whom they disagree. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if they actually understand the meaning of the word they are using.

Those on the left end of the political spectrum, for example, are quite fond of using the word “fascist” when arguing with or talking about political opponents. Now, fascism is a real ideology that caused indescribable suffering in the twentieth century (Fascism and Marxism seemed to be in a contest during much of the twentieth century to see which one could cause the most death and despair). What I wonder is how many of those today who refer to their opponents as “fascists” really know what fascism is. If you take a look at scholarly books or articles on the subject, there is quite a bit of disagreement about its precise nature even today. It makes me wonder whether those using the word in such a cavalier manner have read anything on the history of fascism. Or are many, as I suspect, using the word as a convenient label to demonize an opponent because they’ve heard that fascism is bad in some way? Demonization of opponents has a long track record in political discourse.

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