The incomprehension and hatred Adolf Hitler felt for Christianity does not have one main source. His views of Christianity, which mainly dominated in his native Germany and across Europe, had numerous influences.
Hitler’s turbulent childhood, in particular his difficult relationship with his father, had potentially a huge influence on his outlook on religion in general, but more particularly, Christianity. Having grown up in an atmosphere of condemnation and reproach, Hitler had a difficult relationship with the Christian faith and it can be assumed that he was highly prejudiced against it.
It is important to note that within his early circle, Adolf Hitler was exposed to many philosophical and political assertions which further discouraged and undermined his insecurities. For instance, the creation of a new morality, the racial hygienic movement, which had several very powerful supporters, including intellectuals and politicians.
It is widely thought that Hitler also felt repelled by the church’s attitude of pacifism and passivity. His ambition for a militaristic Germany could easily have been in conflict with the teachings of the Biblical faith, and so it is understandable that Hitler would have vehemently rejected such notions. It is clear that he had a loathing for the concept of an afterlife, ‘other World’ and a higher deity who censured and overruled.
In any event, it is certain that the churches of the time had done little, if anything, to challenge the Nazi influence and to thwart Hitler’s ultimate mission. Adolf Hitler’s convictions into ‘Aryanness’ and its ‘natural superiority’ was mostly adopted by his ministry and educational programmes; Hitler largely did not need his education to oppose the church’s views.
Some may argue that there is evidence to suggest that Hitler was Catholic throughout his life, supported by the fact that he was registered as a Catholic for the duration of his sentence in prison for high treason in the aftermath of the failed Beer Hall Putsch. Yet, no visible link or evidence has been found that Hitler was an active believer in any form of Christianity or any other faith.
It is no surprise that since the despot’s death and in the light of the atrocities he intentionally and systematically delivered throughout his reign, questions have been raised as to whether or not Hitler was an advocate of Christianity. However, it is certain that his strident behaviour could not have been backed by the goals of a preached faith.
Nazification of the Church
The matter was further complicated by Hitler’s attempt to change the Church’s position on key issues that he viewed as critical to his vision. He viewed the Christian Church as a force that could be used as a tool to promote German Nationalism, taking as an example the reformation created by Martin Luther.
Hitler attempted to change the Church’s views on subjects such as family, race and commitment to the Reich, yet this was met with strong opposition from prominent church figures. This further propelled the dictator into a position which sought to repress the Christian Church by launching boycotts and laws which limited the scope of Church activities.
In addition, the Church was excluded from any involvement in governmental decisions, with Hitler remaining largely unmoved to their protests. This distaste for Christian ethics by Hitler is also evident from various incidents, such as his reaction to the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.
There is strong evidence to suggest that Hitler’s hatred towards Christianity was more overt than just the above mentioned subtle attempts to weaken the power of the Church. In Mein Kampf, he openly declared that ‘National Socialism and religious faith cannot exist together.’
Focus on Paganism
By the time of his death, Hitler had successfully established a counter-movement against Christianity which focused on Paganism in all its forms, including Norse and other forms of pre-Christian mythology. This newfound faith, accompanied by the new ‘Deutschgedanken’ (German thought), was presented as the Nazi faith. This was in turn implemented with the help of cultural and educational policies.
The function of these policies was to weaken and replace the existing Christian Church at its centre; this was made possible as the Church as a part of Hitler’s system of rule was responsible for the regulation of ‘more important’ social and political matters, such as marriage, gender roles, family and youth.
This can be seen in the shape of the Hitler Youth Movement, with its Nazi indoctrination and military emblems, which served as a rival to the Church. The pagan faith influenced the music, art, architecture, education and the curriculum carried out in Germany in the 1940s.
As such, the more prominent and established religion of Christianity was greatly undermined in Hitler’s Germany, due to his efforts to promote Nazism and the pagan theological expectations which accompanied it.
Use of Religion for Propaganda
One of the most notable protests against traditional Christian beliefs came in the form of the 1936 Nazi Olympic Games, which featured a torch lit procession. This in turn was inspired by Germanic religious beliefs and Pagan mythology.
The ceremony celebrated the ancient Germanic god and hero, Siegfried, as well as the mythical figure of the Hero Wolf, which was perceived as a symbol of strength and vigour.
The ceremony also featured a Hitler look-alike in Germanic knight’s armour, signifying the leader’s power and control over a people which had yet to be awakened. This powerful image was not only witnessed by spectators in the stadium, but was broadcast across Europe, as an act of Nazi propaganda.
This is a perfect example of how Hitler would often use religion to further his ideological mission. As such, imagery from religion would be regularly used throughout his speeches, in order to provide a sense of superiority and that he was ordained for greatness.
Modern Perception of Hitler and Christianity
Today, it is thought by some historians that Hitler was a sceptic of religion, viewing Christianity as a faith too passive and forgiving for his militaristic vision. Others, however, view his rejection of Christianity as an integral part of his National Socialist mission.
What is certain is that Hitler’s religious ideologies certainly played an important role in the way he governed and is one of the key factors that led to the fanaticism of Nazi Germany.
It is valid to suggest that Hitler was not an advocate of the faith, yet it is difficult to pinpoint the exact level of antipathy towards Christianity he held – only Hitler himself could truly answer that. However, the events that occurred during his totalitarian regime prove that he certainly had a major mistrust and hatred for any religion that did not comply to his racial hygienic ideals.
Hitler’s Use of Religion for Political Gains
Hitler had a clear agenda to use religion for his own political gains. He attempted to use the Church as a means to control those who followed the faith, especially younger generations, in order to produce these ‘ideal’ subjects. He encouraged his councils to produce a new education system, with a focus on military ideologies, to further distance people away from the teachings of the Church.
It is believed that Hitler also wanted to create a sense of superiority between different religious denominations, by encouraging anti-Semitic rhetoric in the media, a move which was often praised by his cabinet members; this was another way in which he sought to create a sense of Nationalism and unity.
Although Hitler did not hide his feelings on religion, it is difficult to discern whether or not he completely despised Christianity. It is important to note however, that his political policies and public declarations certainly targeted the Christian faith and its teachings, in practice and in theory.
Influence on Post-WWII Religion
The aftermath of Adolf Hitler’s rule and the atrocities which occurred as a result of his hatred for Christianity left an indelible mark on the Christian faith. The shameful actions of the Church during WWII, combined with the systematic undermining of its religious beliefs, gave birth to a form of secularism in post-war Germany.
This new wave of thought clearly dented the trust which the population had in their previously unquestioned faith; the stripping away of religious expression which affected those in Nazi Germany had a lasting effect on the faith and its status in the country.
More significantly, the phenomenon of Jewish churches which had relied heavily on its Christian foundations was also severely impacted, as Jews found it difficult to forgive the Church for its failures.
Conclusion
Adolf Hitler’s role in World War II and the atrocities committed during his time at the helm are now deeply embedded within European history. Questions still exist regarding the extent to which Hitler viewed Christianity and his own religious belief structures. What appears to be evident however, is that the dictator’s antagonistic beliefs, which heavily influenced policies and ideals, clearly had a damaging and lasting effect on the teachings and beliefs of the Christian Church in post-war Germany.
