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You see, its been our misfortune to have the wrong religion. Why didn't we have the religion of the Japanese, who regard sacrifice for the Fatherland as the highest good? The Mohammedan religion too would have been more compatible to us than Christianity. why did it have to be Christianity with its meekness and flabbiness? (Quoted by Albert Speer, Inside the Third Reich, pg. 115)

Adolf Hitler#169

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hitler expresses regret that Germany did not adopt religions he perceived as more militaristic and sacrificial, like Japanese or Islamic faiths, instead of Christianity.
In plain terms
He wished Germany had a religion that valued sacrifice for the nation more than Christianity did.
What can you take from it?
Religious beliefs can be evaluated for their perceived utility in fostering national strength.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis of Nazi ideology
  • discussions on religion and state
  • comparative religious studies

Putting it to work

  • analyzing historical rhetoric
  • studying religious influence on politics
  • examining nationalist propaganda

Questions to consider

  • How do religions influence national identity?
  • Why might leaders critique established faiths?

Another view

This quote reflects biased and historically inaccurate views used to justify harmful ideologies.

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  2. The god of war has gone over to the other side.

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  3. What is this God Who takes pleasure only in seeing men grovel before Him? Try to picture to yourselves the meaning of the following, quite simple story: God cr…

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