From Double-Cross to Single Cross, the Rise of Hitler and the Almost Complete Collapse of the German Church: A Review of Hitler’s Cross



Erwin Lutzer’s Hilter’s Cross is an eye-opening book into the rise of Nazi Germany. A foundation was laid that prepared the way for Adolf Hitler; politically, spiritually, and philosophically, argues Lutzer. Spiritual forces that were at work are exposed by the author in ways that may have been unknown to many readers. Shocking compromise by the Church, callous indifference and heartless cruelty by German troops as well as a cultic worship around Hitler by the citizenry at large are all presented. Germany felt destined for greatness and longed to break the chains imposed upon it by the victors of World War I. Into this vacuum rose Adolf Hitler.

A noted historian of Hitler stared the truth in the face as to how Hitler became so mesmerizing, so powerful and yet he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge that truth. Lutzer wrote of skeptics going to see Hitler speak, returning as passionately pro-Hitler. How could this happen to a nation that is more like America than many others around the world? Is our nation similarly at threat of such a dictator?

Lutzer seeks to answer that question. He reminds American believers of their duty to the cross and to be light where they are for the Lord, no matter the cost or the opposition. Also, he gives some evidence that the United States could be on a similar road as Germany was prior to World War II. Whether the reader agrees with him, it is a point worth consideration.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. For those who love history, specifically World War II history, this volume is for you. Others who are concerned about their country and the path it is on, this book has something important to share with you. 

I have received this book at no cost to me for review purposes by Moody Publishers

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Call to be a Ragamuffin: A Review of the Movie on Rich Mullins' Life

Image
I thought this film was absolutely great.  The acting was good and the story was real.  Shocked and saddened at the ghosts of Rich's childhood, if I may use that terminology, I was drawn into the healthy and unhealthy ways he struggled with his raising.   Like the Bible does with its heroes, Ragamuffin doesn't sugarcoat Rich's life.  He struggled with smoking and with alcohol.  His language wasn't always church language, to put it mildly.  One sees someone seeking to be real.  Tired of the masks Christians often put on and the blindness to the call of Christ to provide for the least of these, Rich gives generously to Christian churches and charities while living humbly.  Seeing the poverty of others and the difference he could make in the lives of those with less, Rich Mullins pours himself wholly into ministry.   Just a few other thoughts in closing.  His tragic death is handled well.  In  the special features section, Dav e, Rich's brother, does a
Read more

What's In a Name?

Image
What’s in a Name?  In 1990, I graduated from Philadelphia College of Bible.  Over the years, PCB changed and with it, its name altered as well.  After achieving university status under President Babb, a new name was chosen, Philadelphia Biblical University, one that does not easily roll off the tongue.  Eventually, students, alumni, the community, etc., got used to it like will eventually happen with the new name change.  However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t reasons to wrestle with the proposal.   The rationale for the name change Dr. Williams, current president of PBU, argues that there is a perception of PBU being a Bible college with “university” in its name, leading people to believe that it has “limited offerings and a narrow vocational focus.”  My thought:  The word narrow sounds familiar to me.   Matthew 7:13-14 Furthermore, market research conducted via focus groups and a survey yielded data that was considered in favor of a name change in gene
Read more

Reproducible Pastoral Training - A Book Review

Image
Reproducible Pastoral Training: Church Planting Guidelines from the Teachings of George Patterson by Patrick O’Connor is a book about missions. However, its insights are also helpful to anyone who is either starting a church or seeking to see it grow. Patrick O’Connor dives into the wisdom of George Patterson and presents it in an intelligent way. Various topics are explained in the text. How does one reach a culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What is better, door-to-door evangelism or another technique? Is it best to begin with a multi-cultural church or to start with one culture? How does one utilize contacts for the sake of the Gospel? Also, how does one prevent establishing a foreign church rather than a native one? Furthermore, the author goes into issues like how leaders are trained and when they should begin serving. I found myself revisiting preconceived notions of what is done in Western churches and thus is considered to be biblical. For instance, the d
Read more