Yesterday's Nazism Is Today's Progressivism: Same Snake, Different Skins

This study is based on the Sunday sermon titled Yesterday's Nazism Is Today's Progressivism: Same Snake, Different Skins by Matthew Maher below.

In “Yesterday's Nazism Is Today's Progressivism: Same Snake, Different Skins,” the sermon draws a powerful comparison between the deceptive spiritual forces behind Nazi Germany and modern Progressivism. Though different in appearance and era, both movements are shown to share a common root: rebellion against God’s authority. Pastor Matthew Maher explains that while terms like “fascist” and “Nazi” are now misused as weapons of intimidation, the core issue is deeper—spiritual deception repackaged for each generation. The same serpent that led Germany into darkness now slithers into modern culture through ideologies that exalt self, dismantle truth, and undermine God’s design for family, freedom, and faith.

The message highlights how deception grows when definitions die. Nazism used propaganda, spectacle, and youth indoctrination to control minds and erase dissent. Today’s progressive movements use similar tactics—leveraging media, education, and public parades to spread ideology while silencing opposition. Just as the swastika was transformed from a peaceful symbol into a banner of hate, the rainbow is used today to disguise rebellion in the language of love and tolerance. In both cases, the spirit of Antichrist is at work—denying Christ’s lordship, parading darkness as light, and discipling a generation into spiritual rebellion.

Yet amid this cultural confusion, the call of the believer remains clear: do not bow. The sermon ends by challenging Christians to recognize the cost of truth and to stand firm when biblical conviction becomes countercultural. When truth is branded hate and righteousness is labeled dangerous, will we echo the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and say, “Our God can deliver us, and we believe He will deliver us; but even if He doesn't deliver us, we will still not bow”? The ultimate message is one of courage, clarity, and commitment to the unchanging truth of God’s Word—even when the world demands our compromise.