Himmler hated the church. He and Bormann were the two people who influenced Hitler most. When I spoke to Hitler in the beginning he agreed with me and said that no state could be governed without religion. In Mein Kampf he said that a man was a fool if he destroyed the religion of the people. Hitler also made the statement that the political reform should not be a religious reform.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Himmler and Bormann influenced Hitler most, though Hitler initially said religion was necessary for governance and against destroying it.
- In plain terms
- Hitler initially supported religion for governance but was influenced by those who opposed it.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal beliefs can shift under political influence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders change views on religion?
- Who shapes policy makers?
Another view
Historical accounts of private statements can be contested or incomplete.
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