Since
I first read and studied the Theological
Declaration of Barmen in graduate school fifty-plus years ago, I have
repeatedly encouraged Christians and churches in our timed should revisit and
pay close attention to it. I am convinced we need the reminder that the threat
to authentic Christian faith and discipleship in the 30s was not being tortured
into denying Christ by atheistic forces but by the fellow church members and
respected church leaders who were linking church with nationalism. The Theological Declaration of
Barmen (sacred-texts.com)
I
also believe we would all benefit from understanding the Beer Hall Putsch of
November 8-9, 1923 when about 2,000 Nazis marched on the Feldherrnhalle
in a failed attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic government. Fourteen Nazis
were killed, and four police officers were killed. Hitler and others were
imprisoned. Hitler’s highly publicized trial lasted 24 days and gave him a
platform to articulate his nationalist agenda which launched his crusade (Mein Kampf which he dictated while in prison) that
propelled the popular Nazi takeover of the government. In our time “Nazi” has a
distinctly negative even evil connotation (some on the political right even
attempt to label others on the political left as “Nazis”), but at the time many
in Germany saw it as a movement to restore national pride and dignity after the
embarrassment of losing World War I (The Great War/War to End All Wars) and the
weak Weimar Republic.
I
also believe we would do well to revisit and refresh our understanding of Kristallnacht,
November 9-10, 1938 when a Nazi pogrom broke windows of Jewish businesses,
synagogues, and homes. Though not an official government action, the government
did nothing to restrain the effort that came to symbolize antisemitism. Again, Kristallnacht
is remembered as evil, but at the time it was regarded as patriotic.
I
am all too aware that hurling historic labels at present day activities and
expressions that we don’t like is a dubious enterprise. Details and dynamics
differ enough that drawing too close parallels is dangerous and misleading.
Nevertheless, I do think these sorts of pieces of history do caution us about
how easily popular ideas that sound noble are mobilized for untoward even evil
purposes.
