The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-10-19
Kisses for Hitler

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Kisses for Hitler
Few more illuminating dispatches
have come out of Europe recently
than that which told how the name
of Hitler was Kissed by adherents OF
Germany's Protestant churches when
they gathered in Munich recently In
defiance Of Nazi orders.
It is important because it is the
first time since Hitler came to power
than anyone has dared voice open
disagreement with him. The fact
that this disaffection went unpunish-
ed may be more significant than
most Of us suspect. This event may
easily be the forerunner OF Hitler's
downfall, which most persons outside
of Germany regard as inevitable.
From the first it has been appar-
ent that religion would comprise one
of the greatest barriers to Hitler's
pan-German dream. He knew it, too,
so among his first orders were those
revising the status of the churches.
A Catholic by birth, he first en-
countered trouble with the members
of that faith. They rose in protest.
1t became apparent that the hold Of
religion was more powerful that the
grip of political allegiance In some
parts Of Germany and so, after nego-
tiations with the Vatican, most of
these orders were withdrawn.
The Protestants. however, soon
found themselves faced with further
governmental efforts at domination.
AS is true in this country, there were
4 number OF different sects, each
with its own organization. Since they
lacked the strong central control
which marked the Catholic organ
ization, Hitler thought it would be
easy to bring them into line. He
set up the National Protestant church
in an effort to do it.
1t was not a state church in the ac-
copied sense of the word but an in
dependent church controlled by the
state. Bishop Mueller, as the govern
ment's representative. was placed In
charge. Other church leaders were
pushed aside. The government pro-
posed to devote German Protestant
ism to teaching the Nazi creed.
The extent to which personalities
entered the picture cannot be deter
mined at this distance, but the prob
ability is they had much to do with
the subsequent fight against govern
mental domination. Every crisis
raises up leaders and many German
Protestants indicated they would
rather accept the pains of govern
mental displeasure than give up their
faith.
For Mueller and his satellites had
. whole new creed to hand Ger
many's Protestant people. To the
true Nazi, Christ was mere weak
ling, teaching weakling's doctrine.
The theories of Christianity were not
In keeping with Nazi pam German
ism. The doctrines Of mercy, kind
ness and the Golden Rule had NO
place In their scheme OF things.
They were contemptuous Of any who
would teach 1t. Professionalism in
Germany was to be made vehicle
Tor teaching Paganism. Wodin and
Thor were to be set up in the taber-
nacles in place Of the cross. Their
ancient teachings were to supersede
those Of the Man Of Calvary. Pro-
testants were told Christ was q Jew
and his doctrines were Jewish teach
lngs.
The result was to demand that
German Protestants not only relin.
Quish control over their church or
CARNATIONS but that they give up the
basic tenets Of their religion. Tie
pill was sugar coated as much as pos
sible but its identity could not he
hidden. The result was a religious
revolt which eliminated in the re-
cent demonstration at Munich.
A peculiar thing about 1t was that
1t had the backing Of the Catholics
For the time being the Nazis have
abandoned the attack on the latter
group but they are fully aware tina.
II the Protestant churches become
pagani1ed. the assault on Catholicit,
viii b renewed. It is q situation u,
which Ill Christian churches. regard
less Of organization, find 1t advisable
to stand together.
The result Is worry for Hitler
Paganism viii fail unless a strons
central group Is established to sup.
port the plan, imbed 1t in the mind
Of the people. Unless something i
done. tho gentler teachings OF Chris
Rill moro than offset the harsh idea.
u Naziism.
And 4 Paganism fails. Hitler fails
His has been 4 psychological US vel
- bloody revolution. It has beer
. demonstration Of mob hysteria
ValeGs . system Is set up to main.