1. Church and State in Nazi Germany

2. European theology, the Enlightenment, and war Karl Barth: “Something had to be wrong with a theological tradition that led to” support for “German war-theology” (Placher, 291) Enlightenment ideals –Human history shows progress, is reaching new heights (confused Christ and culture) –Think for yourself, but obey the secular authorities

3. Christian anti-Judaism Supersessionism: Contrasts NT and OT –Sound like Marcion? Jews as “the other” Characterizes most of Christian history –4 th c. destruction of synagogues –Medieval Crusades and “blood libel” charges –Reformation slurs (Luther): spiritual vs. “carnal” –Enlightenment philosophy: denial of revelation –Abuse of power (pogroms) Whole tradition has been re-evaluated since the Holocaust

4. German Christians in the Third Reich Virulent tradition of anti-Judaism Nazi appeal to German identity, economic progress worked after devastation of WWI –Nazis not Christian; actually quite critical –Had a “neopagan” focus –But, could exploit Christian rhetoric Obedience to state Anti-Judaism

6. Protestants in Germany Rely on protection of state for religious freedom (Kant, Luther, etc.) –In return, give obedience to state Divided church –German Christian movement: supported Reich –Confessing Church: opposed Reich Barmen Declaration Dietrich Bonhoeffer

7. Catholics in Germany Different church-state relationship Yet, we see similar patterns of complicity and division among Catholics German bishops –May 1945: Head of German bishops’ conference calls for priests to say mass for Hitler Some priests and laity die in camps –20% Polish clergy

8. Pius XII Did not support Reich But, people question, why didn’t he speak out against Reich more? –1942 Christmas sermon: mentions “hundreds of thousands” killed because of “race” –Was informed of killing of Jews –Same kind of question asked about US gov’t –First priority to keep Catholic church going? 1998: JPII apologizes for inaction of Catholic church during Holocaust