Hitler Wasn't Christian Or Atheist But He Had A Religion

Summary

In this interview, Richard Wert from the Discovery Institute discusses his new book on Hitler’s religion, offering a fresh perspective on Hitler’s beliefs and their connection to evolutionary ethics. Wert critiques common misconceptions, such as Hitler being a Christian, atheist, or occultist, and argues that Hitler was likely a pantheist who deified nature. He also explores how Darwinian ideas about survival and morality influenced Hitler's actions, noting that evolutionary ethics undermines any objective moral basis to condemn his atrocities. This thought-provoking discussion delves into the philosophical and religious underpinnings of Hitler's dangerous ideology.

Takeaways

• 😀 A graduate student in philosophy, discussing evolutionary ethics, argued that Hitler's actions were justifiable within the framework of Darwinian morality.
• 😀 Hitler’s belief in evolutionary ethics, which he used to justify his immoral actions, is explored in Richard Wert’s work, especially in the context of Hitler's views on race and survival of the fittest.
• 😀 Richard Wert debunks common myths about Hitler's religious beliefs, specifically that he was an atheist, a Christian, or an occultist.
• 😀 Hitler's relationship with religion is complex; he publicly presented himself as a Christian but privately rejected Christianity and was openly anti-Christian.
• 😀 Despite some of Hitler's associates, like Heinrich Himmler, being involved in the occult, Hitler himself was critical of astrology and occult practices.
• 😀 Hitler's views aligned more with pantheism, seeing nature as a form of divine power that governed morality through natural laws and evolutionary progress.
• 😀 The narrative surrounding Hitler's religion is complicated by various misconceptions, including the belief that he was a Christian, an atheist, or an occultist, all of which are debunked in Wert's analysis.
• 😀 Hitler’s moral justification for genocide was grounded in Darwinian thought, specifically the idea of advancing humanity by eliminating ‘inferior’ races.
• 😀 Some Darwinists, although distancing themselves from Hitler, struggle to condemn his actions due to the absence of objective morality within Darwinian ethics, as demonstrated in Wert's arguments.
• 😀 Wert emphasizes that Darwinism, especially in its materialist form, undermines objective moral standards and provides no moral framework to condemn Hitler's actions or ideologies.

Q & A

What philosophical viewpoint did Richard Wert discuss regarding Hitler's actions and morality?

Richard Wert discussed the concept of evolutionary ethics and how Hitler’s actions could be justified through the lens of Darwinian principles, where morality is based on the natural laws of survival and the struggle for existence. He explained that Hitler’s views on morality were shaped by these evolutionary ideas, particularly the belief in advancing human progress by eliminating the 'inferior' races.

What was the graduate student's reaction when discussing Hitler and evolutionary ethics?

The graduate student initially expressed discomfort with Hitler but ultimately rationalized his actions by saying that, from the perspective of evolutionary ethics, Hitler was 'okay.' The student found it hard to condemn Hitler because his moral framework, based on evolutionary theory, lacked a solid moral foundation to reject such actions.

How does Wert distinguish between different views on Hitler's religious beliefs?

Wert explains that there are three main misconceptions about Hitler’s religious beliefs: atheists believe Hitler was a Christian because of his public statements, Christians argue he was an atheist due to his anti-Christian actions, and others claim he was involved in the occult. Wert refutes all of these views, asserting that Hitler was actually a pantheist who deified nature, rather than subscribing to any traditional religious or occult beliefs.

Why does Wert argue that Hitler was not an atheist?

Wert argues that Hitler was not an atheist because, despite his rejection of Christianity, he believed in some form of higher being. He frequently referenced God and Providence in his speeches and private writings, indicating that he held a belief in a higher power, even if it was not aligned with traditional theism.

What is Wert’s argument regarding Hitler's views on the occult?

Wert argues that although some of Hitler’s associates, like Heinrich Himmler, were involved in the occult, Hitler himself rejected such beliefs. He even publicly derided occult practices, viewing them as irrational, and once purged astrologers from his inner circle after a controversial peace attempt by Rudolf Hess.

What does Wert say about Hitler's moral framework and its connection to Darwinism?

Wert highlights that Hitler’s moral framework was heavily influenced by Darwinism, particularly the idea of survival of the fittest. Hitler viewed the elimination of 'inferior' races as part of advancing human evolution. Wert emphasizes that Darwinism, when stripped of a moral or theistic framework, provides no basis for condemning actions like those perpetrated by Hitler.

Why does Wert believe Darwinism undermines the concept of objective morality?

Wert argues that Darwinism, particularly in its materialist form, rejects the existence of objective morality. According to Darwin's theory, morality evolves as part of natural selection, making it subjective and culturally relative. Without a higher moral law, there is no clear basis to condemn actions like Hitler's genocide.

How does Wert differentiate between Darwinism and the views of some modern Darwinists?

Wert distinguishes between Darwinism in its materialist form and the views of some modern Darwinists who attempt to integrate moral objectivity, such as theistic evolution. He points out that if one adopts the strictly materialistic account of morality presented by Darwin, it becomes difficult to justify condemning morally reprehensible actions like those committed by Hitler.

What role does the concept of 'struggle for existence' play in Hitler’s philosophy, according to Wert?

According to Wert, the concept of 'struggle for existence' was central to Hitler's philosophy. Hitler believed that human progress could be achieved by eliminating 'inferior' people through violent means, which he justified by invoking Darwinian principles. This struggle for survival aligned with his ideas about racial purity and the advancement of the human species.

What was Wert’s response to those who argue that Hitler was a creationist?

Wert addresses the notion that Hitler might have been a creationist by emphasizing that he was not. In his book *Hitler's Religion*, Wert explores whether Hitler adhered to creationist beliefs and concludes that Hitler’s views were more in line with pantheism and Darwinism, rather than any form of traditional creationism.