Pastors Against Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Church Struggle in Nazi Germany (History: Europe-Germany) - Softcover
Synopsis
How Much of an Impact Can One Person Make?
Can one man make a difference in a nation that denies its citizens basic rights, makes war against its neighbors, uses its power to destroy the Jewish race, tries to control the message of the Christian church, and kills Christian leaders who resist? All of these events occurred in the nation of Germany, beginning with Hitler's rise to power in 1933.
In order to conform the Protestant Church to the racial ideals of National Socialism, Hitler led a campaign to nazify the Protestant Church in Germany. Shockingly, there was no great outcry on behalf of the Jews or against the nazification of the Protestant Church. But that does not mean no one stood on behalf of the Jews or for the sanctity of the German Protestant Church. Dr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of those men who stood. He, along with Martin Niemöller, Karl Barth, and a few others resisted Hitler's efforts at nazification of the German Protestant Church with both the written and spoken word ... and their efforts at resistance were not without cost.
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Review
Can history repeat itself? Without a doubt. God has never been without a witness, and in this time in history it's Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I'm inspired, challenged, and encouraged by this book all at the same time! Read and be informed, convicted, and challenged to greater commitment. What a time--and what a man.
--Dr. Johnny Hunt
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia
One of the greatest mysteries of the twentieth century has been the church in Germany during the period of Adolf Hitler's control. With the mind of a scholar and the pen of a sleuth, Dr. Michael Haggard carries us from the intrigue of conspiracy to the shadowy halls of a secret seminary as Dietrich Bonhoeffer battled against the nazification of the church. Haggard gives rare and unusual insight into the life, leadership, and theology of Bonhoeffer during the darkest days of the church in Germany.
--Dr. Mac Brunson
Pastor and author
I was first introduced to the life and ministry of Dietrich Bonhoeffer during my college days. I feel like I have been powerfully reintroduced through this volume. Dr. Haggard writes a profound and thorough overview of a man, a country, and issues created by a season of history. His thoughts are compelling, thought-provoking, and insightful. I'm struck by the wisdom of the presentation. I was also helped in reading it by the insights into leadership and discussion of moral courage. May the Lord continue to be glorified through this endeavor.
--Dr. Bruce Aubrey
Northside Church, Liverpool, NY
Over my forty-three years of full-time pastoring, I have watched the relationship between church and state change dramatically. I have always studied with interest the developments in prewar Germany and the resulting tensions it created with the church. It is sobering to see how easily so many Christians gave allegiance to Hitler--and that there were so few righteous Gentiles. Dr. Mike Haggard's observations into what shaped Bonhoeffer are insightful. It is a powerful reminder that only consistent spiritual disciplines will guard our hearts and minds. Casual Christianity will not stand such pressure.
--Rev. Geoffrey Gunter
Pastor, Regency Park Church of the Nazarene, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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