Language:
English
Year of publication:
2008
Titel der Quelle:
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
22,2 (2008) 293-319
Keywords:
Senn, Wilhelm Maria
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Church history 20th century
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Christianity and antisemitism History 1800-2000
Abstract:
Focuses on the career of Father Senn, who sympathized with the Nazis even before they came to power. Although his antisemitism was initially somewhat veiled (he referred to Jews as Freemasons), after Hitler's ascent to power in 1933 he became more direct. Both orally and in writing, he touted Christian nationalism. His superiors in the Church were more upset with his overstepping Catholic canons of obedience than with his antisemitism. The discrimination he advocated, against Jews to protect Christian moral values, was acceptable to the Catholic Church. His rhetoric, which demonized the Jews, helped legitimize Nazi racist ideology among right-wing Catholics. In his sermon "Halt! Catholicism and National Socialism", he referred to Hitler as an "instrument of God". Knowing about Senn helps clarify the views of the antisemitic "brown priests" who sympathized with Nazism.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
Permalink