thrown around political circles lately…or perhaps not. To those who haven’t ever
heard of the term, allow me to assure you 1) it is a real word, and 2) it is a good
word. Even if you are unacquainted with the term, it can nevertheless be certain
that all are familiar with its meaning, for demagoguery is practiced daily
everywhere.
The term demagogue is derived from the Greek word demagogos. The Greek
word itself is the construct of two distinct Greek words – viz., demos, “people,”
and agogos,“leading.” Thus, strictly speaking, it means one who leads the people,
or a popular leader. However, in current parlance it is used to connote a leader
who appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the people, especially in order to
gain prestige or power.
The demagogue is chiefly concerned with gaining supporters rather than with
standing for what is right. He employs chicanery and bombastic rhetoric,
stressing the spoken word, and offers only frothy ideas and shallow promises to
satisfy the whims of the people.
It seems for as long as there have been men to lead and people to be led,
there has been the incessant practice of demagoguery. In the Bible, Absalom, son
of David, might be cited as an example of a political-religious demagogue (cf. II
Sam. 15:1ff). In an effort to secure the throne, Absalom “stole the hearts of the
men of Israel” by having every man who had any suit or cause to go to him, that
he would give them “justice.” In other words, he gave the people what they
wanted, and rose in political reputation because of it.
But demagogues are not merely people of political milieu. In fact, most of
them come in the guise of religion. Nor, for that matter, are they necessarily
people who are in elite positions of authority. Indeed, the methods and practices
of a demagogue can be committed by anyone. People daily appeal to prejudice
and emotions in order to win an argument or be accepted by a certain crowd. In
religious circles, statements are often made void of Biblical proof, but which are
generally accepted because of the oratorical charisma and verbosity of those
making them. Paul warned of such religious fiends when he wrote, “Now I
beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to
the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve
not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair
speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:17-18). This, in precise detail,
describes the spiritual demagogue, the religious guru. But observe this too: Paul’s
words could describe anyone of us on any particular occasion. While our
intentions may be wholesome and genuine, our actions may be misguided, and
we may lead people astray. That is certainly true in religious spheres, but also
true in everyday social interactions, which we often forget. Point being? Never
underestimate the power of human emotions. Great good may indeed be
accomplished through them. But greater harm has transpired because of them.
