Hitler and the Nazis found in medieval Catholic anti-Jewish legislation a model for their own, and they read and reprinted Martin Luther's virulently anti-Semitic writings. It is instructive that the Holocaust was unleashed by the only major country in Europe having approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants. Both traditions were saturated with Jew-hatred.(75)
Kristallnacht, in November 1938, the night the synagogues were burnt in Germany, was chosen in honour of the anniversary of Luther's birthday. Hitler claimed, as he chronicled his sixteen steps to Nazi policy, 'I am only doing the work of the Catholic Church.'(76)
I think it is necessary to fold this Nazi chapter into the context of history. Jews had been the victims of extermination designs since shortly after the Christian Church was able to rise to the seat of power. The Nazi contribution to this aim was large and efficient...but it was not at all unique.
It was not only the Catholic Church that was duplicitous; And one can understand (while yet condemming), the self interest of the Catholics, in carefully remaining on terms with the Nazis. Bolshevism (like certain religions) operated on an exclusivity principle and an ultimate vision. They were the greatest ideological threat to Church influence and power. Indeed they were the executioner, and the hangman of religion. It was very much in the interest of Catholicism (and the other churches) to support the regimen that was the greatest safeguard against Stalinism. Who knows where the fervor of Stalinism would have gotten to without Hitler and World War 11?
So many Chosen People. So much war yet to come.
BTW, I disagree with your assessment of the character of Jesus. Where He tries to teach, and follows wisdom from His predecessors--it usually comes off good. Where He is simply caught expressing His own feelings...He often comes off rather poorly. Some of His behaviour is childish and immature; Some is vicious and racist. Of course, none of us could afford to have our lives scrutinized under a glass, could we??
"The shocking truth is that the Holocaust was the culmination of centuries of hatred and violent persecution, often inspired by Christian theology."
cdn-friends-icej.ca |
