Lessons from my family’s history in the Spanish Civil War and the FBI’s attack on Catholics.

Revisiting the Spanish Civil War: A ‍Lesson in History

Step back in time to the Spanish Civil ​War, a brutal conflict that unfolded from⁢ 1936 to 1939. This often overlooked ⁤chapter in history saw communists targeting Catholics, driven by⁣ their opposition to the church’s doctrine and Jesus Christ himself. While overshadowed by World War II, understanding this historical context is crucial in light of ‍the current demonization and targeting of⁢ Catholics by our government.

Unveiling the FBI’s Deception

Recently, House Republicans exposed FBI Director‌ Christopher Wray’s lie about only one field office being involved in a memo‍ labeling traditional Catholics as potential domestic terrorists. Subpoenaed⁣ documents, initially withheld by the FBI, revealed the involvement of multiple field offices in drafting the memo.

Furthermore, the FBI’s claim that they would​ not​ investigate based solely on First Amendment protected‌ activity was proven false. The documents released by the GOP ⁣clearly show that the FBI has already infiltrated‌ Catholic communities with⁢ informants to create the infamous memo.

A Historical Parallel

These revelations have shocked⁢ many Americans who still believe in the respect ​for the Constitution and its First Amendment. This is where history becomes crucial.

In the 1930s, Spain was under the control of left-wing, anti-religious radicals known as “Republicans.” These communist extremists persecuted Spanish intellectuals, the upper class, ‌devout Catholics, and ⁢clerics. The lead-up to the war was marked by inequality, terror, and eventually revolution, with ⁣General Francisco⁣ Franco leading ⁤a ‌right-wing ‍military uprising to overthrow ⁢the Republican government.

The Republicans initiated their⁤ campaign of religious persecution ​by banning religious schools​ and removing crucifixes from classrooms. They went on ‌to invalidate all religious marriages in the eyes of the state. As the war progressed,‌ anti-church propaganda escalated ⁣to the burning ⁣of churches and mass executions of Catholics.

Personal Testimony

My great-grandparents experienced the horrors of this war firsthand.‍ As middle-class ​Catholic ⁣intellectuals and vocal opponents of communism, they became prime targets‌ of Republican aggression. My⁢ grandmother,‍ a prolific writer, ⁢was considered ⁤a threat to the Republicans due to her articles on ⁤medicine, politics, and Catholicism.

During the war, my great-grandfather was captured ⁤and imprisoned by the communists. He was eventually⁣ released, but three‍ of his fellow inmates who went to collect their ⁢belongings were summarily executed. The fear and ⁤uncertainty forced my great-grandmother to flee Madrid‍ with her four young children, seeking refuge in ‍Santander.

The Aftermath

The war took a heavy‍ toll on my​ great-grandparents. They‌ lost their home, savings, possessions, and were⁣ separated ⁤from each other until the war’s end.​ Countless other religious individuals⁢ suffered a ‍similar‍ fate, with thousands of priests,⁢ monks, ⁢nuns, and laypeople losing their lives.

Lessons for Today

The ​FBI’s targeting of Catholics and the ‌cultural‌ demonization ⁣of Christians should not be⁤ ignored. We have witnessed physical assaults on churches and ‍pro-life centers, while peaceful Christian pro-lifers⁣ have faced unjust treatment from federal agents. These actions‍ mirror the persecution faced by Catholics in Spain.

It is important ⁢to recognize that all Christians pose a threat to irreligious, authoritarian governments. Catholics, with their longstanding traditions and unwavering stances, have historically ⁣been targeted for ⁤their ⁤opposition to Marxism. The persecution ⁣of Catholics in our country should serve as a⁣ warning sign. The clash between American ⁤cultural Marxism and Christianity​ will have consequences beyond unconstitutional surveillance; it may lead to bloodshed.