Language:
German
Year of publication:
2006
Titel der Quelle:
Freiburger Rundbrief; Zeitschrift für christlich-jüdische Begegnung
Angaben zur Quelle:
13,3 (2006) 182-194
Keywords:
Hitler, Adolf, Language
;
Hitler, Adolf, Religion
;
Antisemitism History 1918-1933
;
Antisemitism History 1933-1945
;
National socialism Philosophy
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
Analyzes Hitler's use of "religious" language in his speeches and writings - e.g. references to Providence, the Almighty, the Lord. However, he rejected Christianity and opted for a faith rooted in nature and blood. He believed he had been chosen to serve as the liberator of mankind from conscience and morals. In his plan, the norms of the world would be overturned through fighting against Judaism and the Jews. He posited there was no room for two chosen peoples; Germans were the chosen people, and they therefore aspired to absolute world power. Latent antisemitism worldwide could be aroused easily and activated to extremes, and facilitated Hitler's genocide of European Jewry. Concludes that Hitler's use of religious language, and his recourse to religious ideas rooted in popular piety, show the danger that people face when religion becomes a political ideology.
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