The Dejudaisation Institute: Protestantism and the Third Reich with Dr. Finn Ballard
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We will examine the nuanced relationship of Protestantism to the Third Reich during this conversation. Understanding that most northern Germans were Lutherans, the Nazis–themselves tipped more toward Catholicism or indeed Paganism–had no desire to alienate a large body of potential ‘Aryan’ support. Nevertheless, they saw Christianity in all its forms as a barrier to true dedication to National Socialism and Führerworship and therefore set about on a mission.
The Nazi effort to create a unified ‘Protestant Reich Church’ under Reich Bishop Ludwig Müller was thwarted by the Confessing Church of Martin Niemöller and Dietrich Bonhoeffer–the central body of Protestant resistance to National Socialism. Together we will examine the case studies of those Protestants who supported Hitler and those who resisted, often paying the ultimate price in so doing. And we’ll tackle the thorny question of Martin Luther’s own sentiments about Judaism.
Led by an expert on modern German history, Dr. Finn Ballard, this conversation will explore a lesser-known chapter of Nazi history. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Protestantism and the Third Reich.
Finn grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to England to study and later teach in the department of Film and Literature at the University of Warwick. He completed his doctoral study on German folklore and popular cinema in 2012, and has published extensively in the fields of Film Studies and Gender Studies. Since 2008, he has been living and guiding in Berlin. He now works as a historical advisor for television and film productions set in Berlin, particularly during the Weimar era or Third Reich. He is a journalist for the 'Siegessauele', Europe's foremost Queer magazine, and organises events at Berlin's English-language bookstore 'Another Country'.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Dr Ballard's talk was terrific. He gave important cultural background and historical context, which was so helpful in understanding such a complex topic : How did **** strategists leverage elements of religious dogma and political thought, to effectively curb church power and keep religious groups' agendas subservient to **** objectives and goals. It gives one great pause to recognize that these mechanisms of propaganda, the careful use of language, and the twisting of philosophical concepts to various groups' political purposes are still unfortunately alive and well, and with us today.
The brutally nonsensical and inhumane **** era has it’s dark shade drawn back to illuminate it’s murderous machinations through the guidance of Dr. Ballard and his courses on this topic.
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Finn is such an amazing presenter. I always learn so much from each of his programs. Context is so fortunate to have him, and we all appreciate his sharing his knowledge with us.
The anti-semitic atmosphere in Germany and really all of Europe was rampant for hundreds of years but most especially in germany from the time of Martin Luther - 1565. Finn Ballard is the best teacher!