Hitler's Theology: Religious Space, Theory and Practice: A Study in Political Religion (Continuum Resources in Religion and Political Culture) - Softcover

[A]n original and very interesting [analysis] of Hitler's theologically informed writings and speeches. "While Hitler's Theology might seem narrow on the surface-narrowly centered on Nazism and on Catholic theology-it actually has profound relevance for modern social movements and for general understandings of culture. I immediately found ways to apply Bucher's thinking-and the thinking of Schmitt and Eric Voegelin-to my courses on anthropology and on violence....It reminds us that much important work is being done outside-but just outside-our discipline, and that all scholars share an interest in culture and cultural movements." Journal of Church and State

This is a systematic reconstruction and critique of Hitler's use and abuse of theological concepts, and demonstration of their fundamental importance for the rise of National Socialism. "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. The relationship between religion and politics is both fascinating and challenging, and recent years have seen substantial changes in the way this relationship is studied. Aimed at undergraduates studying in this area, titles in this series look specifically at the key topics involved in the relationship between religion and politics, taking into account a broad range of religious perspectives, and presenting clear, approachable texts for students grappling with often complex concepts.