National Socialism As Religion ‘Salvation Hitler’ -- By: Thomas P. Schirrmacher

Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 04:3 (Oct 2004)
Article: National Socialism As Religion ‘Salvation Hitler’
Author: Thomas P. Schirrmacher


National Socialism As Religion
‘Salvation Hitler’

Thomas P. Schirrmacher, Th.D., Ph.D., D.D.

President of Martin Bucer Theological Seminary

Let us have a look at one of the two political religions that have been in power on German soil and attempted to bring salvation by the State: National Socialism and Communism.

It is impossible to count how many billion times the Germans said ‘Heil Hitler’ during the Third Reich. To greet with ‘Heil Hitler’ was required by a strict law, and people were put into concentration camps because they refused. But only a few non-Germans realize that ‘Heil’ is the German word for ‘salvation’, which is extensively used in the German Bible translations. ‘Salvation Hitler’ or ‘Salvation by Hitler’ was the daily message every German, including nearly all Christians, preached to his neighbor daily. Although some tried to explain ‘Heil Hitler’ as wishing salvation for Hitler1, the official meaning was clear: Hitler is the salvation for Germany and for the world.

That ‘Salvation Hitler’ was only a small, but revealing part of the Socialist message and practice of a new anti-Christian religion can be demonstrated in several ways. We could discuss the roots of Hitler’s thinking, which lie in occult orders and sects.2 We could discuss the parallels between the salvation history of orthodox Christianity and of National Socialism. But surely the most impressive argument is the everyday songs, the poems, official rituals and lectures of the Third Reich. Most Nazis did not disguise or hide the religious character of their actions. Let us look as some samples.

14 Documents

Document 1: A Blessing

In Cologne, the children receiving meals from the Nazi State during World War II prayed before meal. This prayer follows typical German Christian blessings before meal and is originally written in rhyme:

“Fold your hands, bow your head and think about Adolf Hitler. He gives us our daily bread and helps us out of every misery.”3

Document 2: A Blessing

Another children’s prayers by the National socialist Welfare Office for Children’s Meals in Cologne:

“Before the meal:
Fuehrer, my Fuehrer, given of God,
Protect me and keep my life.
Thou has saved Germany from the greatest of need
I thank you today for my daily bread.
Stay by me, don’t leave me,
Fuehrer, my Fuehrer, my faith and my light.
After the meal:
I thank thee for this food,
Defender of youth, defender of age!
Thou hast care, I know, but no fear, ...

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