Nazi religious policies and attitude to the churches

Why was Christianity a problem for the Nazis?

Christianity's teachings directly contradicted the Nazi philosophy of violence, strength and war. Moreover, Jesus was jewish rather than Aryan, and this went against Nazi volkisch beliefs. This was problematic as most Germans were Christians, and those with strong religious beliefs were less likely to worship Hitler.

Why did many Christians still support the Nazis?

Because they agreed over family values. Many pastors had spoken in support of the Nazis, encouraging congregations to vote for them, and allowed their churches to be used as Nazi bases

How did Hitler try to re-organise the Protestant Church?

Hitler wanted to re-organise the Protestant Church as one united Reich Church, to make it easier to control, but these plans were resisted. The Nazis appointed Otto Muller, a fanatical Nazi, as Reich bishop

What was the opposition from the Protestant church?

In 1934, two Protestant bishops were arrested for opposing the Reich church. Pastors set up the Confessional Church, which was independent of the state. Pastor Martin Niemoller led it, with the support of 7,000 out of 17,000 pastors

When was the concordat between the Catholic Church and the Nazis signed?

July 1933

Why was the concordat signed?

As the Catholic Church was concerned to preserve its independence

What was agreed in the concordat?

This guaranteed religious freedom, as the Church could run itself and appoint clergy. Parents could request faith schools for their children. The Nazis also agreed to not interfere with the legal and property rights of the church. In return, the church agreed to keep out of politics

What did the Nazis establish as an alternative to Christianity?

Teutonic paganism (The German Faith Movement)

What did the German Faith movement consist of?

- Upheld a racial belief based on blood (decent) and soil (homeland)

- Replaced Christian ceremonies with pagan ones

- Rejected Christian ethics

- Upheld Hitler's cult of personality

Why was growing opposition from the church a problem for the Nazis?

Suppression would alienate many germans, but limited persecution allowed Churches some independence

What was set up to undermine the church?

The Ministry of Church Affairs

What were some of the Ministry of Church Affairs policies?

- Closed some Church schools, removed crucifixes from others, banned nativity plays and carols from schools and undermined Catholic Youth groups

- Campaigns were launched to harass and discredit the clergy: some of which were sent to concentration camps, like Niemoller

- Church funds were confiscated, making it harder for the Church to function

Why was the religious policies of the Nazis limited?

The popularity of priest such as von Galen, who attacked the policy of euthanasia, leading to its official suppression, made it difficult for the Nazis to take further action

Was Nazi religious policy a success?

Nazi religious policy had limited success, as only 5% of Germans joined the German Faith Movement. The churches did compromise to preserve their organisations, and there was some sympathy with Nazism because of traditional values and the dislike of communism