Why have people been saying that Hitler was a Christian?

Question

“I regard Christianity as the most fatal, seductive lie that has ever existed.” —Adolf Hitler, quoted in Larry Azar, Twentieth Century in Crisis (1990), p. 155.

Answer 1

Hitler was an occultist, not a christian, though I'm sure he used the word christian in the beginning to get people to follow him. A lot of evil people in this world have use the name of God to do evil.

Answer 2

Because his many quotes in favor of Christianity far outweigh his many quotes against it. Also bear in mind that, like many christians seem to do to this day, he may have been referring to a different sect of christianity than the one he subscribed to personally with the above quote. I haven't read the book, so I'd have to look at it to be sure and look for any subtle (or not) presuppositions and prejudices on the part of the author. How much did Mr. Azar pick and choose his quotes? All authors do this kind of thing, so I'm not insulting the man.

For your further consideration:

"The fact that the Vatican is concluding a treaty with the new Germany means the acknowledgement of the National Socialist state by the Catholic Church. This treaty shows the whole world clearly and unequivocally that the assertion that National Socialism [Nazism] is hostile to religion is a lie.” Adolf Hitler, 22 July 1933, writing to the Nazi Party

“The National Socialist State professes its allegiance to positive Christianity. It will be its honest endeavor to protect both the great Christian Confessions in their rights, to secure them from interference with their doctrines (Lehren), and in their duties to constitute a harmony with the views and the exigencies of the State of today.” –Adolf Hitler, on 26 June 1934, to Catholic bishops to assure them that he would take action against the new pagan propaganda

I can go on for pages and pages with Hitler pro-christian quotes, but it's not necessary. There are entire books on the subject. However, since you won't bother looking for them let me cut to the chase for you.

When the Nazi party took over schools, Christianity was taught.

Hitler implented many of the Catholic churches' teachings of the time including outlawing abortion and homosexuality and insisting on corporal punishment in schools and homes.

Hitler was NEVER excommunicated by his church. Pope Pius was quite fond of Hitler and publicly praised him on many occasions considering him an 'avenger of Christ' for exterminating jews. In fact Hitler was given veto power (along with Moussolini and Franco) over who the pope could appoint as Bishop in their respective countries.

I don't understand why so many christians are so upset about the simple fact that Hitler was indeed a christian. I suppose we'll hear a chorus of "Catholics aren't christians" and "he wasn't a REAL christian" out there. The simple truth is the church supported him and his doctrine and he returned the favor. He considered himself a christian right up until his suicide. And apparently, so did the church.

~Morg~

Answer 3

There is a difference between belonging to a church and being a Christian. Unfortunately, most people equate the two so if someone belongs to a church they are automatically Christian. It's alittle like saying if you live in Europe you are automatically Italian. People will try to use Hitler's church affliation to make it look like all Christians are like him. It's an old ploy that really doesn't mean much but it helps people who want to bash Christians think they have ammo.

Answer 4

From the books I've read, it seems that the one aspect of Christianity that Hitler had trouble with was that Jesus was a Jew. I think he regarded that part to be a lie. He believed in an Aryan Jesus.

Answer 5

You will find it in Mein Kampf: "Therefore, I am convinced that I am acting as the agent of our Creator. By fighting off the Jews, I am doing the Lord's Work."

Hitler said it again at a Nazi Christmas celebration in 1926: "Christ was the greatest early fighter in the battle against the world enemy, the Jews ... The work that Christ started but could not finish, I -- Adolf Hitler -- will conclude."

In a Reichstag speech in 1938, Hitler again echoed the religious origins of his crusade. "I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator. By warding off the Jews, I am fighting for the Lord's work."

Hitler regarded himself as a Catholic until he died. "I am now as before a Catholic and will always remain so," he told Gerhard Engel, one of his generals, in 1941.

Answer 6

I think Hitler had Jewish roots.

But just because someone says that they are Christian, does not 'make' them a Christian.

'Religion' without a 'relationship' is just going through the motions, of "'attending church and then returning home on Sunday mornings. To just go on with your week as if God and Jesus Christ do not matter. Then to return to church the next Sunday and start the process all over again".

Answer 7

Hitler's religion was Christianity. Adolf Hitler was a disgrace to the human race.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler

Answer 8

You quoted from a book from 1990 about something Hitler said? How about quoting from something during that time or something that you know he actually said, like Mein Kampf?

Answer 9

Hitler was a baptized Christian who rejected his religion.

Answer 10

Hitler believed himself to be a christian and doing the work of god.
You may not believe that he was a "true christian", but that doesn't mean he didn't believe that he was.
It's all subjective...