A Church Divided: German Protestants Confront the Nazi Past
"Hockenos (Skidmore College) admirably demonstrates that theological doctrines and language shaped the views of Protestants in postwar Germany (1945—50). He identifies conservative and reform wings in the Confessing Church (1934—45) and examines their significance for postwar debates over the church's relationship to the Third Reich. Conservatives interpreted the Nazi era as humankind's sin against and alienation from God, for which reconciliation with God and a return to the pre—Nazi church were the solution. Reformers concluded that pre, 1933 theology had facilitated Nazi rule and the persecution of the Jews; they called for a reconsideration of theology to prevent future mistakes and emphasized the church's need to confess its guilt. Hockenos emphasizes the role of church leaders, theologians, and synods, although he provides insight into the views of parishioners regarding issues such as the church's role under Nazism and Jewish—Christian relations after 1945. The author clearly favors the reformers and their goals, but his portrayal of conservatives is fair. This study addresses a remarkably complicated topic with great care and clarity. It will be valued by those interested in German history and the impact of religious doctrine on historical and political analysis. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper—division undergraduates and above." —G. F. Schroeder, St. John's University, Minnesota, 2005oct CHOICE(G. F. Schroeder, St. John's University, Minnesota, 2005oct CHOICE)"..a timely and welcome study. Hockenos writes in a reader friendly manner that makes his research accessible for the academic and general reader..The author's ability and skill to communicate the history and theologies of the immediate post—war period in a fluent manner is complimented by a very full series of notes with more than sufficient additional reading for the most avid enthusiast of German Church history. Hockenos's work is a valuable addition to German religious history and an excellent resource for research bibliographies." —net(net)