Nazi Religious Policies and attitude to the Churches

What was the rise of Nazism a direct challenge to?

Christian values, but the Churches were powerful and therefore the relationship between the two would be a challenge for the Nazi party.

Why was Christianity a major problem for the Nazis?

Christianity’s teachings directly contradicted the Nazi philosophy of violence, strength and war.

What was the case with Jesus that caused a problem between Christians and Nazis?

Jesus was Jewish rather than Aryan, and this went against Nazi volkisch beliefs (against Jews).

Why was Christianity problematic?

Most Germans were Christians, and those with strong religious beliefs were less likely to ‘worship’ Hitler.

What did many Christians do in the Protestant Church?

They supported the Nazis because they agreed over family values.

What had many Protestant pastors spoken about?

Their support of Nazis, encouraging congregations to vote for them, and allowing their Churches to be used as Nazi bases.

What did Hitler want to do with the Protestant Church?

Wanted to re-organise it as one united Reich Church, to make it easier to control, but these plans were resisted.

Who did the Nazis appoint in the Protestant Church?

Otto Muller, a fanatical Nazi, as Reich bishop.

What sort of conflict was their between the Nazis and the Protestant Church?

In 1934, two Protestant bishops were arrested for opposing the Reich Church.

What did pastors set up after 2 bishops were arrested for opposing the Reich church?

Pastors set up the Confessional Church, which was independent of the state.

Who led the Confessional Church?

Pastor Martin Niemoller, with support of 7,000 out of 17,000 pastors.

What were many German Protestants willing to support?

Nazis, because of their family values.

Many pastors spoke in favour of them and allowed churches to be used as Nazi bases.

When was one united Reich Church established?

In 1933 under Ludwig Muller, a fanatical Nazi.

What did Nazi policies result in for Protestants?

Alienation of many Protestants and in 1934 2 Protestant bishops arrested for opposing the Reich Church.

What did the confessional church show?

The ineffectiveness pf Nazi policies when deeply held religious beliefs threatened.