The Grey Book: A collection of protests against anti-semitism and the persecution of Jews issued by non-Roman Catholic churches and church leaders during Hitlers ruleSnoek, Johan M.
Religion
The Grey Book: A collection of protests against anti-semitism and the persecution of Jews issued by non-Roman Catholic churches and church leaders during Hitlers rule
Snoek, Johan M.
Antisemitism; Christianity and other religions -- Judaism; Judaism -- Relations -- Christianity; Protestant churches -- Europe
"This has resulted in unbearably painful conflicts. It should be
acknowledged that tremendous pressure was exerted by the State authorities
as well as by the pressure of the opinion which increasingly tends to
assert in religious circles that Adolf Hitler was the man through whom
Germany was able to re-establish herself.
in spite of all this, however, there have been instances of Catholic and
Protestant consciences refusing to bow and submit. Resistance was organized
in the Catholic Church, where the warning bell to the conscience of
Christians was rung by that admirable man, the Cardinal Archbishop of Munich.
In the Protestant Church, the great voice of the theologian, Kar1 Barth,
and the voices of many others, have been raised to rally Christian
consciences to their call.
A completely new Confessing Church has sprung up comprising more than
half of the pastors in Germany, quite apart from those who are still
hesitating, because they must make a living, and, therefore, ask themselves
what will happen to-morrow. About a thousand pastors have placed themselves
behind Bishop Mueller, the 'German Christian', whom you, Mr. Paul Reynaud,
have just mentioned.
The "New Gospel"
"It is not only through the persecution of the non-Aryans that the desire
has arisen amongst many Germam to preach a new gospel, but because of a
claim to meet Christ on a new basis, particularly on the basis of the
glorification of the German race and blood. The most extraordinary
statements have been made. Paganism has asserted itself on the fringes
of the Church and its influence gradually has pervaded it. An effort even
has been made in certain churches by pastors imbued with the spirit of
national-socialism, to have the Old Testament - containing the magnificent
history of the Jewish people and I even would say, of God's great acts
toward the Jewish race - banned and barred from religious instruction.
Included also is that moving page in the first book of your Bible, and
ours - note this, any Jews who may be listening to me - where we are told
that Abraham went so far as to be ready to sacrifice Isaac, his only son,
to God!
"Never will the Churches Agree..." <52>
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account