During the 1930s in Germany some German Protestants declared themselves “German Christians” and openly supported the Nazi Party and Hitler. They declared them a new revelation from God and more than implied that Hitler was a savior, at least of the German people. They gave uncritical and total support to Hitler and hailed him as God’s leader.
Even some Protestant theologians joined in this movement, refusing to join the “Confessing Church” that arose in opposition to Hitler and the Nazi Party and the German government.
During and after that time many Christian theologians have wondered whether the so-called “German Christians” committed apostasy.
What is “apostasy?” The term is used, among Christians, in two distinct ways. First, it sometimes means a complete fall from grace, a rejection of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Second, it sometimes means a loss of “Christian status” but not necessarily a fall from grace. (Whether the apostate fell from grace or not is usually then left in question.)
Of course, the two meanings can be two sides of the same coin. Some use “apostasy” to mean both-and—loss of salvation and loss of status as Christian (or vice versa).
Apostasy is a concept that is rarely used these days. Perhaps we need to reclaim it. What counts as apostasy? What do I think? What do you think?
I believe the “German Christians” committed apostasy in at least the second sense. They were no longer authentic Christians—to the extent that they claimed Hitler as a new revelation of God and as a savior sent by God. Did they also fall from grace? That I cannot know. Only God knows.
Recently I have become aware that two acquaintances have joined or begun attending what are generally considered non-Christian “churches.” Have they committed apostasy? I wrestle with that. I would say no—in the first sense—but “possibly” in the second sense, as I do not consider those churches Christian ones. However, it seems that “Christian” is a centered set rather than a bounded set. So, those cases present me with a dilemma. If they have not committed apostasy (as I would like to think as I respect and even admire them), what would count as apostasy?
Certainly anything like the “German Christians” case would count as apostasy. Are there such analogous apostates today?
What if a Christian joined or faithfully attended and supported a Spiritualist church? There are such. I drive by one often. Many people do not know that in the post-Civil War era in America numerous Christian churches “converted” into Spiritualist churches, holding seances inside the churches. Many Christians joined or attended Spiritualist churches. Did they commit apostasy? (Spiritualists do not believe that Jesus was uniquely God incarnate but the ultimate spirit medium.)
Is apostasy even a viable concept anymore? It seems it has to be when looking back to the “German Christians.” But what about today? Are there “post-Christians?” Are there “ex-Christians?” “Former Christians?” And I ask especially about those who still consider themselves Christians but have devoted themselves to a belief system or religious form of life that is non-Christian. What about someone who explicitly believes Donald Trump is a man raised up by God to “save America” and who give him their absolute and uncritical loyalty?
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