Hitler's Theology A Study in Political Religion [Paperback]

Hitler's Theology investigates the use of theological motifs in Adolf Hitler's public speeches and writings, and offers an answer to the question of why Hitler and his theo-political ideology were so attractive and successful presenting an alternative to the discontents of modernity. The book gives a systematic reconstruction of Hitler's use of theological concepts like providence, belief or the almighty God.

Rainer Bucher argues that Hitler's (ab)use of theological ideas is one of the main reasons why and how Hitler gained so much acquiescence and support for his diabolic enterprise. This fascinating study concludes by contextualizing Hitler's theology in terms of a wider theory of modernity and in particular by analyzing the churches' struggle with modernity. Finally, the author evaluates the use of theology from a practical theological perspective.

This book will be of interest to students of Religious Studies, Theology, Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Religion and Politics, and German History.

Motti \ Preface \ Introduction to the English Translation \ Part I: Framing the Matter \ 1. Hitler's Theology': What it is and what it isn't about \ 2. Hitler's Theology and the Catholic Church \ 3. Hitler and the Theology of the V?lkisch Movement' \ Part II: Structures and Concepts \ 4. Providence': Hitler's Theology of History \ 5. Hitler's Notion of God \ 6. Faith': Shaping the Individual \ 7. Hitler's Theology and the Extermination of European Jews \ 8. Church Reforms with the Help of Hitler's Theology \ Part III: Consequences \ 9. Hitler, Religion, Politics: Hitler's Political Project and Modernity \ 10. Some Lessons for the Church and for Faith \ Afterword \ Bibliography \ Index

Rainer Bucher is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Head of the Department of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Psychology at the University of Graz, Austria.

Rebecca Pohl is a postgraduate student at the University of Manchester, UK.