“No class or group or party in Germany could escape its share of responsibility for the abandonment of the democratic Republic and the advent of Adolf Hitler. The cardinal error of the Germans who opposed Nazism was their failure to unite against it. ”
~ William L. Shirer
In honor of William L. Shirer, an American journalist, war correspondent, and author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, who was born on this day in 1904.
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“The first word of our preaching cannot be to call the young generation away from the Third Reich and to God’s kingdom, which is entirely different from it. A thousand times we made the mistake, to preach the second word before the first word. That is why the second word became not only incomprehensible but false.”
“The first word must be: The Reich (kingdom) is accomplishment of creation, fulfillment, and restoration of this life, answer to our questions, and salvation for our bodily and political miseries. Every historical liberation and recovery therefore is a previous indication, a hint to God’s kingdom.” (The second word should be) “Earthly regeneration is a parable, but just alone a parable of the things to come.”
~ Paul Althaus
In honor of Paul Althaus, a German theologian, who was born on this day in 1888. Also on this day, Adolf Hilter seizes control of the German Army and puts Nazi officials in key posts.
Resources:
Today in Christian History – February 4
Paul Althaus – A Representative of the Erlangen School
Theologians Under Hitler
Related Articles:
The Two Kingdoms Doctrine Gone Awry: The Case of Paul Althaus
“First they came for the Socialists,
and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists,
and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me–
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
~ Martin Niemöller
In honor of Martin Niemöller, a prominent Protestant pastor in Nazi Germany, who was born on this day in 1892. He spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.
Resources:
Today in History – January 14
Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the Socialists…”
A DEVOTED LIFE 