To what extent is Christian doctrine accountable for Nazism and its historical legacy? Esteemed historian Richard Steigmann-Gall grapples with this question, confronting new and disturbing answers. Contrary to the belief that Nazi ideology rejected Christianity, many Nazi elites, including SS Obergruppenführer Dietrich Klagges, viewed themselves as good Christians. Prominent pastors also praised the Nazi program, particularly its antisemitism, anti-Marxism, and anti-liberalism. Steigmann-Gall demonstrates ideological connections between Nazism and Christianity by exploring the political and religious views of key figures on both sides. He examines original sources to reveal the personal religious feelings of Nazi leaders, including Goebbels, Göring, and Hitler, along with their supporters. Rejecting the misconception that the Nazi elite suppressed Protestantism and Catholicism, he cites numerous instances where party members embraced Christianity and the clergy. Throughout, he makes a compelling case that rather than representing an assault on Christianity, Nazi ideology fit within a Christian framework. The Christian God provided Hitler's followers with an understanding of Germany's "ills" and their "cure."
