The Blending of Authoritarian Leadership and Christian Nationalism

“…the [German] trauma of 1918 for the Right—the military collapse, fall of the monarchy and old order, and the coming to power of the hated Social Democrats, earlier defamed as ‘enemies of the Reich’—transformed the previously more latent than active notions of authoritarian ‘heroic’ leadership into a broad counter-revolutionary force, if at first a vague and divided one, posing an alternative vision to that of the Weimer party-political system.

“Among the broad spectrum of political and psychological forces which contributed to the shaping of the ‘heroic’ leadership idea, the pseudo-religious coloring is worthy of note. Partially derived from traditional acceptance of authority, partly too from the secularization of Christian belief in salvation—particularly among German Protestants, whose attachment to the Church was dwindling, but who were traditionally brought up to accept authority, particularly that of the State, the leadership idea being propagated by the völkisch-nationalist  Right offered a kind of secularization of belief in salvation. And within the Protestant Church itself, already being rent by theological divisions amounting to a ‘crisis of faith’, a wing developed in which völkisch political ideas were blended in an unholy mixture with Christian revivalism. The propagation of such sentiments further helped prepare the ground among ordinary Protestants for the receptivity to notions of ‘political salvation’ which a ‘genuine’ national leader could offer, and which would bring with it Christian renewal.

“[On March 21, 1933, the Bavarian provincial newspaper, the Miesbacher Anzeiger,…reflected the extraordinary atmosphere of ‘renewal”…in its reportage on ‘The Day of the German People’: ‘What is taking place in Germany today is the struggle not only for the renewal of the idea of the State, but for the reshaping of the German soul….May the 21 March be the day of the beginning of a united and indivisible free German people’s community embracing all well-meaning sections of the people and based on a Christian, national, and social foundation.’” ~ Ian Kershaw, “The ‘Hitler Myth’: Image and Reality in the Third Reich. 1987, Oxford University Press

German Christian pastor Joachim Hossenfelder delivering
a speech during the celebration of Luther Day in Berlin in 1933

In this excerpt and throughout his book, which is littered with hundreds of references to other works, Kershaw highlights how the societal and psychological upheaval following World War I, combined with the crisis within the Protestant Church and the blending of political and religious ideas, created a fertile ground for the emergence and acceptance of authoritarian "heroic" leadership in Germany. This set the stage for Adolph Hitler's rise to power by appealing to a deeply ingrained desire for national renewal and salvation.

Throughout history, the intertwining of religious beliefs with political ideologies has had profound effects on societies. One notable instance of this phenomenon is the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime in Germany, where a blend of authoritarian leadership and Christian nationalism played a crucial role. This essay examines Ian Kershaw's analysis of this period in Germany, exploring how the trauma of World War I, the fall of the monarchy, and the rise of the Social Democrats contributed to the emergence of a "heroic" leadership model. Furthermore, it draws parallels to the contemporary political scene in the United States, where a resurgence of Christian nationalism has influenced political discourse and leadership.

The term "heroic leader" used by Kershaw in the context of historical and political analysis refers to a leader who embodies certain characteristics and attributes that set them apart as exceptional, transformative, and often autocratic. Some of those attributes include a nationalistic appeal, a proponent of centralized power, the promise of a better future while harking back to a mythical, glorified past, promotion of a cult of personality, and frequent use of populist rhetoric.

In historical contexts, the term "heroic leader" is often used to describe figures like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin, who exhibited many of these traits and led their nations through periods of radical change, often with devastating consequences. While they were seen by some as saviors and visionaries, their leadership was marked by authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and aggressive nationalism.

The concept of a "heroic leader" can thus be a double-edged sword: it can inspire and mobilize a nation, but it also poses significant risks to democratic governance, individual freedoms, and stability.

The Historical Context of Germany

German Christian Nationalist Flag c. 1934

The end of the First World War—The Great War—left Germany in a state of turmoil. The military collapse, coupled with the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the fall of the monarchy, created a sense of national humiliation and loss. This period saw the rise of the Weimar Republic, a democratic government that many on the right viewed with suspicion and disdain. The Social Democrats, who played a significant role in the new government, were particularly vilified, having been labeled as "enemies of the Reich."

In this context of national crisis, the previously latent desires for strong, authoritarian leadership began to surface more prominently. Kershaw describes how the trauma of 1918 transformed these desires into a broad, if initially vague, counter-revolutionary force. This force coalesced around the idea of a "heroic" leader who could restore Germany to its former glory. Propaganda played a crucial role in this process, portraying Adolf Hitler as a messianic figure destined to save the nation.

Kershaw also highlights the pseudo-religious aspects of this authoritarian leadership model. The decline in traditional religious adherence, particularly among German Protestants, who were experiencing a crisis of faith and diminishing attachment to the Church, created a vacuum that was filled by secularized notions of salvation and authority. Völkisch-nationalist ideas, which emphasized ethnic purity, national pride, and a return to traditional values, were blended with Christian revivalist elements. This created a form of Christian nationalism that appealed to many Germans and prepared them to accept Hitler as a "savior" who could promise both political and spiritual renewal. It underscores the power of propaganda in shaping public perception and the dangers of allowing a mythologized figure to dominate political life.

Parallels to Contemporary United States

In the United States today, a similar blending of religious beliefs and national identity can be observed. Some segments of American society promote the idea that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation, which leads to the support of political leaders who champion Christian values and portray themselves as defenders of the faith and the nation. This integration of religion and national identity echoes the völkisch-nationalist ideas infused with Christian revivalism seen in Nazi Germany.

January 6, 2021

Political leaders in the United States have increasingly used religious rhetoric to gain support. By framing their policies and actions as aligned with Christian values and divine will, they create a narrative of moral and religious justification for their political agendas. This strategy is reminiscent of how the Nazi regime used Christian nationalist language to legitimize its rule and present Hitler as a "savior" who would bring about national and spiritual renewal.

Periods of social, economic, or political crisis often lead to a heightened desire for strong leadership. In contemporary America, this has manifested in the rise of political figures who promise to restore traditional values and national pride. Christian nationalism amplifies this desire by presenting certain leaders as divinely ordained or uniquely qualified to lead the nation. This mirrors the post-World War I environment in Germany, where the desire for strong, decisive leadership contributed to Hitler's rise to power.

Christian nationalism can also contribute to societal polarization by creating an "us versus them" mentality. In Nazi Germany, this polarization was evident in the marginalization and persecution of those who did not conform to the völkisch-nationalist ideals. Similarly, in the United States, Christian nationalism can lead to the demonization of those who do not share the same religious and nationalistic views, fostering division and conflict within society.

The blending of authoritarian "heroic" leadership and Christian nationalism in Nazi Germany provides a historical example of how religious and political ideologies can intertwine to support the rise of authoritarian regimes. Kershaw's analysis highlights the complexities of this process and its implications for society. By drawing parallels to the contemporary political scene in the United States, this essay underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics and their potential consequences. While the contexts and specifics differ, the underlying themes of integrating religion with national identity, using religious rhetoric for political legitimization, and fostering polarization through nationalist ideologies remain relevant. Recognizing these patterns can help inform our responses to similar phenomena in today's world.