From: News with Views
If the reader has not already done so, I again urge you to read the book, Hitler’s Cross, which was written by Erwin Lutzer and published by Moody Press. This book should be “required reading” for every pastor and Christian layman in America. In his book, Lutzer focuses on the attitudes and actions of Germany’s pastors and churches during the rise and reign of the Third Reich. It is a masterpiece.
For those of us living in a country and time far removed from Hitler’s Germany, it is hard to comprehend how that nation’s Christians–and especially its ministers–could have been so thoroughly taken in by old Adolf. We assume such an event could never happen again–especially to us. However, to any honest observer of history, the conditions of the Church in America today are eerily similar to those of the Church in Nazi Germany.
…When Ron Paul was asked about Mike Huckabee’s overt usage of a cross for a campaign advertisement, he quoted Sinclair Lewis as saying, “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.” Many Christians railed against Dr. Paul for making this comment. However, the truth is, Ron Paul (himself a committed Christian) is one hundred percent right! (To see how Hitler used this same tactic, I invite readers to note the photograph of the German Fuhrer in Lutzer’s book, on page 75, which shows Hitler coming out of church with a large emblem of the Cross directly over his head. This photo was used extensively by Hitler during his political campaigns.)
[Click for more “Hitler wearing the cross…” photos]
… As a result of Hitler’s brilliant deception, Christians throughout Germany were convinced that he was “God’s man.” …
Of course, there were a few in Germany who saw through Hitler’s deception. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian minister who actively opposed Hitler by organizing what he called the “Confessing Church.” These were believers who would not surrender Christ’s sphere of authority to Hitler. They saw through “Hitler’s Cross.” Unfortunately, of the more than 14,000 pastors in Germany, only 800 joined with Bonhoeffer.
To the vast majority of Germany’s pastors, Bonhoeffer was an “extremist,” or a “kook,” or a “nut.” They relegated Bonhoeffer to the fringe of Christendom. They believed Hitler and repudiated Bonhoeffer; they chose Hitler’s “German Church” over the Confessing Church. …
For example, Mike Huckabee’s success in Iowa is largely due to the pastors and Christians of that State buying into his “Christian” campaign. In a manner very similar to the 2000 campaign of George W. Bush, Huckabee has carried his political campaign on the Cross. At the same time, however, Mike Huckabee (as does George W. Bush) embraces and promotes globalism. And, unfortunately, many Christians and pastors do not seem to notice or care.
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Holly
Thank you Pastor Baldwin for this commentary. I am sure there will be those who consider this apparently extreme comparison to Hitler and Germany in the 30’s as hyperboyle yet the passing of laws which give government such an overreaching authority is indeed setting the stage for such a regime.
While I have nothing at all bad to say about Mike Huckabee, I am not hearing from him the kind of message that genuine liberty is about in terms of the Constitution. If we adhere to the belief that faith in Christ is about choice, it is the also the basis by which we are meant to live our entire lives. When government enacts laws that systematically remove those choices, one could postulate that a spirit of anti-Christ is at work. That too may sound extremist yet fundamentally the liberty of each person to choose is the foundation of faith in Christ and it could be said by extension has historically been the foundation of America.
It astonishes me as Ron Paul espouses these truths epithets such as ‘fringe’ or ‘crazy’ are applied to this Jeffersonian Constitutionalist. He is only speaking the very things Americans have lived and died for.
With great solemnity I do believe Ron Paul is America’s ‘last chance’. He is a beacon of light…ie truth…in a time of increasing darkness. While many focus on the admittedly important issues of social programs there is a greater issue at stake here. A Christian man comes like a voice in the wilderness.
The question is: Who will listen?
Nada
I can’t believed you typed this… very great observation of history.
However, majority of Americans aren’t too fond with the truth, and like to have their ear’s tickle.
Anonymous
Mike Huckabee has said he doesn’t think Obama as a socialist.Why does he say that? He and Palin seem to like the spot like more than being a light that gives Glory to God.
Anonymous
The pic of Hilter could of been interpreted in bad way too like him turning his back the religion that his mom taught him.People just want to justify whatever makes them feel good.