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Was Hitler Atheist?
Adolf Hitler is one of the most infamous dictators in history and a very complex man whose beliefs have been studied, analyzed and debated since he rose to power in Germany in 1933. Was Hitler an atheist? The answer to that question is not entirely clear, and depending on whom you ask, you will get a different response.
There is no doubt that Hitler had an uneasy relationship with religion, especially in regards to Christianity; and from his personal writings and some of his public speeches, it has been suggested that he was an atheist. Writing in Mein Kampf, his autobiography and political treatise, he expressed his disdain for religion and his preference for a form of non-theistic “Positive Christianity”, stating that “The heaviest blow that ever struck humanity was the coming of Christianity.” He also appears to have been highly critical of any type of organized religion, although he himself was highly organized.
That being said, Hitler was also deeply superstitious and often consulted mediums, astrologers and other spiritualists; this indicates that he was not a full-blown atheist. Historians have argued over this point, with some suggesting that he was aware of the power of religion and used it to manipulate the masses, while others contend that he was in fact religious.
His infamous statements denouncing Christianity as an inferior religion and his well-documented hatred of the Jews could be seen as evidence that he was an atheist; however, there are many examples that suggest he was not. For instance, in 1935 both he and the German people declared themselves to be “unconquerable” under the banner of “God with us”, and his speeches often included religious metaphors and language.
This suggests that he was familiar with religious ideas and beliefs, at least to some extent. As well, in 1941 he declared that he was a fighter against godlessness and called for a “new faith” in the form of National Socialism which was based on both faith in a higher power and the principles of racial superiority.
Overall, members of Hitler’s inner circle were divided on the question of his faith, with some claiming he was atheist and some suggesting he was a “pagan believer”. It is likely that Hitler himself was uncertain and his views were constantly shifting. Ultimately, whether Hitler was an atheist or not is still up for debate, but there is no denying that he had a complicated relationship with not only religion but also faith and spirituality.
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