Germany in the 1940s:

Introduction

When facing catastrophic events, some individuals choose to numb themselves with distractions, hoping to wake up when it’s all over. However, history has shown us that such an approach can lead to dire consequences. In the 1940s, Germany experienced the rise of an evil dictatorship under Adolf Hitler, resulting in the murder of six million Jews. Looking back at that time, we can draw lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life, a Christian who stood against Hitler’s regime and sought to warn the German people. In Eric Metaxas’s book, “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” the events and actions surrounding Bonhoeffer’s life are vividly portrayed, offering insights into our present-day divisions and the urgency of standing for truth. We covered this book on Bonhoeffer on two VFNtv programs “Is this a Dietrich Bonhoeffer Moment?”

A Divided Nation: Germany’s Prelude to Tyranny

Germany during the pre-war years was a nation in turmoil, experiencing confusion and deep divisions. The people were introduced to a democratic form of government, hoping it would bring peace during such catastrophic times. However, amidst the chaos, Adolf Hitler emerged as the elected leader, promising to rectify the situation. Hitler aimed to change the religious beliefs of the people and successfully fostered division, particularly against the Jews. The church of the time sought to align with the government, hoping to influence its decisions. In the face of these events, Bonhoeffer recognized the danger and resolved to be a voice of warning. Unfortunately, his pleas fell on deaf ears.

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Lessons for Today’s Divided America

Today, America is witnessing divisions on numerous fronts, encompassing topics ranging from the Constitution and law enforcement to education, marriage, and family. In Luke 11:17, Jesus warns that any kingdom or house divided against itself will fall. If individuals within a society are divided against their spouses, children against their parents, parents against educators, and a nation against its founding principles, it should come as no surprise when it crumbles. The clarion call from our generation’s Bonhoeffer-like voice is clear: the urgency to act is now.

Unity in the Face of Division

To respond effectively to the warnings being sounded, unity is crucial. The Moravians understood this principle well, adhering to the motto: “In essentials, Unity; in non-essentials, Liberty; in all things, Charity.” As the church, it is imperative to find unity amidst a culture that fosters division. What we unify around matters more than the act of unifying itself. We must humbly come together at the foot of the Cross of Christ, recognizing that it is through Him we find true unity and the strength to stand against the rising tides of evil.

How Dietrich Bonhoeffer Stood

Bonhoeffer served as a Christian pastor during the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich.

2. He witnessed the confusion and division among the German people during that critical time.

3. Bonhoeffer recognized the dangers posed by Hitler’s regime and sought to sound the horn of warning to the German people.

4. He spoke out against Hitler’s attempts to change the religious beliefs of the people and successfully divide them, particularly targeting the Jews.

5. Bonhoeffer opposed the merger of the church with the government, understanding that it could compromise the church’s influence and moral integrity.

6. Despite his efforts, Bonhoeffer’s warnings and pleas went largely unheeded by the people.

7. He played a role in resistance movements against Hitler and the Nazi regime.

8. Bonhoeffer actively participated in plans to overthrow Hitler and worked as a spy.

9. Unfortunately, the resistance efforts were unsuccessful, and Bonhoeffer was arrested in 1943.

10. He spent the remaining years of his life in prison, where he continued to express his faith and provide spiritual guidance to fellow prisoners.

11. In April 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II, Bonhoeffer was executed by being hung bythe Nazis at the Flossenbürg concentration camp. It was said, he had a smile on his face knowing he had done all he could to stand.

These actions and events in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life showcase his courage, faith, and determination to stand against evil, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Conclusion

The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of apathy and division in the face of evil. By studying the events that unfolded in Germany during the 1940s, we gain valuable insights into our present-day struggles. Just as Bonhoeffer sounded the alarm in his time, we must heed the urgent call to stand for truth, unity, and the preservation of our founding principles. Let us learn from the past and act boldly, knowing that the consequences of inaction are too grave to ignore.

When we look at history, it is made up nations and many events that occurred within those nations. Within these nations, the leadership changes, borders can change. We have to pay attention to our history, in our nation and every nation. We can learn by taking a look at what took place in Germany. In his book Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Eric Metaxas details the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and how he responded to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Church’s involvement in the events. He wanted to make sure the Jews weren’t persecuted.

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Looking at the atrocities that resulted in 11 million people exterminated in World War II, including 6 million Jews, it brings us to a controversial study done in 1963, by a Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram. Milgram set out to seek and understand how the soldiers in Hitler’s army could validate the killing of 11 million people and what occurred that convinced one to make the decisions that defied human conscience of another life. Termed as the “Milgram Experiment”, according to wikepedia.org Milgram designed an experiment that involved three individuals, “teacher”, “learner” and “experimenter”. The “teacher” would present questions to a “student” who was in another room. Sounds simple enough. But, when a wrong answer was given, the “teacher” would administer electric shock to the “student” beginning with 15 volts of shock, to the extreme of 450 volts of shock. With each wrong answer, the voltage increased. Throughout the experiment, the “experimenter” would counsel the “teacher” to continue. Milgram summarized that 60-65% of those who administered the testing went to the full end of the testing.

How are we different from what occurred in the 60’s? In what ways are we the same? As we look at today’s age of society, there is such an accepted practice of violence and the brutal imagery of death that is broadcasted across our society, whether through video games or television. Would the results be the same, or would more people justify the fullness of completing the experiment? Another finding that Milgram revealed to the public eye was how individuals justify such action when the responsibility of actions committed can be passed on to their superior. “I was just doing my job”, “I was just doing what I was told to do”, and “I was just carrying out my orders”.

If we, as the Church, ever find ourselves in such a situation, we must first apply these realities to what God expects of us. If the commands of men ever contradict the commands of God, we must be willing to accept the consequences of men knowing that we will have to stand alone before a Holy and Righteous God when we answer alone for what we have done in this life.

When we look back and see how the events ultimately resulted in the end of Hitler’s reign over Germany, it is vital to see how the Church initially set out in response to Hitler’s actions. The first thing the Church did was undo what God said, the Word of God. Those who called themselves “the Church” merged with the national church. They surmised that they would “just work through this”. The reality is this; anytime you depart from God, it doesn’t end well. Be empowered and encouraged as you walk out just a few of the sequence of events within Germany’s history during World War II, how to be empowered as a believer in this pressing times, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: obedience, responsibility, persecution, Holocaust, Adolf Hitler, Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, humility, 4 Blood Moons, Jade Helm 15, Martial Law, and crisis. WATCH FULL PROGRAM!