When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany
Years ago, a cartoon appeared in a Russian newspaper picturing a fork in
the road. One path was labeled freedom; the other path was labeled
sausage. As we might guess, the path to freedom had few takers; the path
to sausage was crowded with footprints. When given a choice people will
choose bread and sausage above the free market and individual
liberties. The promise of bread gets votes, even if the bread is at the
expense of freedom. The people of Nazi Germany weren't any more
barbaric, uncivilized, or depraved than any other Western nation of
the early Twentieth Century, yet the Nazi regime will forever serve as
an example of brutality and extreme racism run amok. What led so many
people to such extreme ends?
According to Dr. Lutzer, the
German people's progression from civility to barbarity was not
extraordinary, and more than a few benchmarks from their transition can
be observed in present day American society (Do any of these sound
familiar?): The Church is silenced, the economy is king, the lawmakers
determine behaviors, the media controls beliefs, the Gospel and
nationalism become inextricably tied to each other, and yet, heroes
still have power.
This short, manageable book does
not suggest the United States is definitely marching toward
authoritarian oblivion, but that we - especially we believers - must be
vigilant in our stand for truth, justice, and righteousness.
We must take note of these
lessons from history. The parallels are real, but the conclusion is not a
foregone one.
Erwin Luther wrote a very timely book for America.
Here are the lessons from Nazi Germany and the warnings for America.
1. When God is seperatged from government, judgement follows.
Hitler got rid of Christian symbols and would not let the pulpits speak against the regime.
2. The economy has the power to either strengthen or destory.
3. That which is legal may also be evil.
4. Proaganda can change a nation.
Slogans become very polular. (Consider the term "talking points" used today).
5. Parents, not the state have the right to educate their children..
Hitler shut down home school and faith-based schools.
6. Ordinary heroes can make a difference.
7. We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness.
We must get back to the right message and fight the right battle.
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that
ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of
the gospel.
We must use the right weapons.
Philippians 1:30 (KJV) Having the same
conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Paul realized his earthly conflicts were spiritual and took on him the whole armor of God and used the weapons of the cross, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, and all prayer.
We must be willing to pay the right price.
Philippians 1:28 (KJV) And in nothing
terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition,
but to you of salvation, and that of God.
We must show the right attitude (Philippians 2).
We must leave the right legacy.
