1. NAZISM AND CHRISITANITY CONTROL WEAKEN REPLACE

2. Nazism and Christianity ► Nazism was based on fundamentally anti-Christian philosophy. ► “The philosophies of Nazism and Christianity were mutually antagonistic”.(Germany: The Third Reich, 1933-45) ► Christian ethics were the complete opposite of Nazi values. Where Nazism glorified strength, violence and war, Christianity taught love, forgiveness and neighbourly respect. ► However there are two common areas of interest: 1. Respect for traditional cultural values (Family life) 2. Anti-Semitism

3. Nazi Policies: AIMS Hitler’s overall approach to the churches of Germany was firstly to control them Then weaken their influence, and finally To replace them with a faith reflecting Nazi values. To begin with the Nazis adopted a conciliatory stance towards the churches, he privately vowed to eliminate it. The wooing of the churches was totally insincere. They were merely being lulled into a false sense of security whilst the dictatorship was established. CONTROLWEAKENREPLACE

4. Stage 1: CONTROL The Nazis tried to co-ordinate the various Protestant churches by setting up the GERMAN CHRISTIANS with a view to creating a single PROTESTANT REICH CHURCH. The Nazis tried to co-ordinate the various Protestant churches by setting up the GERMAN CHRISTIANS with a view to creating a single PROTESTANT REICH CHURCH. In 1933 a CONCORDAT was signed between the Papacy and the regime. In return for a commitment to keep out of all political activities, the catholic church was guaranteed religious freedom and its pastoral and educational roles were confirmed. In 1933 a CONCORDAT was signed between the Papacy and the regime. In return for a commitment to keep out of all political activities, the catholic church was guaranteed religious freedom and its pastoral and educational roles were confirmed. PROTESTANT CATHOLIC

5. Stage 2: WEAKEN The privileges promised by the Concordat Were soon openly disregarded; priests Were arrested and harassed; Catholics Schools were interfered with; youth Groups were banned in 1936. 1935: A ministry of Church Affairs was set up And anti-religious measures against both Churches were introduced; the abolition Of denominational schools, campaigns of Vilification against the clergy, and the Arrest of more priests and pastors. The outbreak of war brought a more Cautious policy to avoid alienating the Pop. However a succession of easy Victories in the spring of 1940 Resulted in persecution being Intensified. Monasteries closed Church property attacked and Church activities restricted.

6. Stage 3: REPLACE ► The Nazis attempted to replace Christianity with a form of racial paganism, which became known as GERMAN FAITH MOVEMENT. This involved four main themes: ► 1. A rejection of Christian ethics ► 2. Emphasis on ‘Blood and Soil’ ideology ► 3. Glorification of Hitler’s personality ► 4. Replacement of Christian ceremonies (marriage, baptism etc…)