"When A Nation Forgets God" Book Review

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.