Pride Before the Fall: The Destructive Enmity of Far-Left and Far-Right Extremism

In the Christian tradition, pride—deemed the universal sin—precedes a catastrophic fall. Pride manifests as enmity, a deep-seated hatred directed toward God and humanity. Both far-left and far-right extremists embody this enmity, wielding it to justify violent acts aimed at purging their perceived enemies. These actions indiscriminately violate the natural, inalienable rights of others, driven by negative tribalism and fueled by dangerous ideologies and distorted worldviews. By ignoring the principles of Natural Law and Christian teachings that call for respect and peacemaking, these groups live by the sword and risk dying by it. Their unchecked enmity breeds fear and instability, historically exploited by tyrants to establish authoritarian regimes. These extremists, acting as petty tyrants, become the useful idiots of greater oppressors, paving the way for heinous crimes against humanity and the downfall of nations. Unless humbled—through self-reflection or external forces—this enmity will lead to their ruin and threaten the survival of society itself.

The similarities between far-left and far-right violence reveal a shared moral failing rooted in pride and enmity. Both sides employ physical violence, vandalism, and intimidation to silence opponents. Far-left groups like Antifa engage in street brawls and property destruction, as seen during the 2020 George Floyd protests, while far-right groups like the Proud Boys or white supremacists have clashed with counter-protesters. Both target those they deem threats—Antifa attacks “fascists,” while far-right extremists target minorities or leftists (“socialists”, “communists”)—yet their tactics violate the same natural rights to life, liberty, and property. These acts, whether arson or assault, are criminal under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 111, which prohibits assaulting federal officers, regardless of ideological motive.¹

This enmity stems from a rejection of Natural Law and Christian principles. Natural Law, grounded in reason and morality, affirms the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence.² Christianity emphasizes humility and peacemaking, urging believers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39).³ Yet, far-left and far-right extremists embrace tribalism, viewing their opponents as subhuman. Their ideologies—whether anti-fascist militancy or ethno-nationalism—twist their moral compasses, justifying violence as a cleansing force. This prideful rejection of universal principles fuels their mutual destruction, as Jesus warned: “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matthew 26:52).⁴

Justifying far-left violence as a response to far-right aggression fails logically and morally. The argument that Antifa’s assaults are permissible because of white supremacist attacks assumes that one wrong cancels another—an ethical fallacy. Two wrongs do not make a right; they compound harm, creating new victims and perpetuating cycles of retaliation. This cycle risks collateral damage, which often results in vandalism, destruction of public and private property, theft, assault and battery, murder, etc. Violence, regardless of its source, undermines the rule of law and invites tyranny, as history shows with figures like Hitler and Stalin exploiting societal chaos to seize power.

The consequences of unchecked enmity are dire. Both sides’ actions sow fear and division, destabilizing society and providing fertile ground for authoritarianism. Petty tyrants today—whether far-left anarchists or far-right militias—serve as useful idiots for greater oppressors, who capitalize on chaos to justify control. If this enmity persists, it risks not only the ruin of these groups but the downfall of entire societies, as fear and instability pave the way for despotism.

To avert this fate, humility and adherence to Natural Law and Christian principles are essential. Both sides must reject the sword, embrace dialogue, and respect the rights of others. Non-violent solutions—legal recourse, policy advocacy, or civil discourse—offer a path forward without violating inalienable rights. The civil rights movement’s success through peaceful protest demonstrates this approach’s power. Unless far-left and far-right extremists humble themselves or are compelled to do so, their enmity will lead to their own destruction and threaten humanity’s future. Society must demand an end to this cycle, lest it end us all.

1. United States Code, Title 18, Section 111, “Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees,” Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/111.

2. The Declaration of Independence, 1776, National Archives, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

3. The Holy Bible, New Testament, Matthew 5:39, King James Version.

4. The Holy Bible, New Testament, Matthew 26:52, King James Version.