Raised Catholic, Hitler was known to have a tumultuous relationship with the Church. Though he was not the traditional believer, this upbringing possibly pushed him towards his own faith. His personal religious beliefs were less heavily documented and more mysterious; they changed over time and never fully congealed.
Hitler considered his political mission to be a religious one and acted as if he was on a divine mission. He called it his “true religion” and wrote about it often in his autobiography Mein Kampf, presenting his view of the universe and his place in it.
Hitler’s “true religion” was a strange blend of Nordic and German mysticism, anti-Christianity, self-worship and the promotion of Nazi ideals. Hitler believed that his mission was to save the German people from the Jews and other racial undesirables, whom he saw as a threat to Aryan supremacy. He also held strong occult beliefs, believing that higher powers had bestowed upon him a special destiny.
Many experts believe Hitler was an avid practitioner of paganism for much of his life. He was deeply interested in Wagner and Norse mythology, often citing Nordic figures in his speeches. He also had a fascination with the occult and ancient artefacts, and was keen to incorporate their symbolism into the Nazi party.
One of the most significant examples of Hitler’s paganism was the Nazi occultist Julius Evola, who believed in the spiritual superiority of the Aryan race. Evola was a teacher to Hitler and influenced his beliefs, most evident in Hitler’s idea of a “primeval Germanic religion” that would supersede Christianity.
Hitler’s “true religion” had similar characteristics to some forms of Aryanism, an ideology centred around the spiritual glory of the Aryan race. Hitler sought to embody this spirit by uniting his people behind his vision and ensuring the future of the Nazi party.
Though it was never explicitly acknowledged, Hitler’s many public displays of religiosity and his fascination with occult beliefs can be considered a form of religion. Historians believe he saw himself as a chosen one, divinely assigned to restore order and save the German people from decline. Hitler’s so-called “true religion” was thus a crucial part of his Nazi rule.
Hitler’s Views of Christianity
Though Hitler was not known to be an example of the Catholic faith, his upbringing and close relationship with his Catholic father, Alois Hitler, may have played a role in his views of Christianity.
Hitler’s views of Christianity were complicated, often hard to pin down and changed over time. Growing up, Hitler was taught the “Three F’s: faith, fatherland and family” by an influential monk. He was encouraged to “not reject the Christian faith” and follow the teachings of the Church. Later, Hitler placed the Nazi party above all else, often making anti-Christian statements during his public speeches.
He was known to call himself the “great missioner,” and was often accompanied by a team of pastors during his public appearances. Historians believe Hitler’s inconsistent views of Christianity stemmed from a combination of both his upbringing and his need to have a constant support base.
Though Hitler did not consider himself a Christian, those in the Catholic Church held a different belief. Pope Pius XI issued an encyclical condemning Hitler’s views and warned the Catholic hierarchy not to be taken in by his “utterances.” According to the Pope, Hitler was more a “political man” than a religious one.
Hitler’s Relationship with the Occult
Though Hitler was not known for his adherence to any particular religion, there is evidence that he was deeply rooted in the occult. Hitler’s fascination with occult symbols, rituals, and symbols dates back to his early years. According to one biography, Hitler was obsessed with ancient artefacts and believed in their hidden power.
Hitler was also known to be fond of the works of Karl May, a popular German novelist of the 19th century who wrote stories of heroic adventurers and mystical cults. Historians believe these stories had a major impact on Hitler’s worldview and influenced his views on the occult.
It’s also worth noting Hitler’s relationship with the occult thinker and Nazi puppetmaster Dietrich Eckart. Eckart was a devotee of the dark arts and believed that the Führer was “the force of destiny”. He mentored Hitler and taught him the art of Visual Magick, the practice of using visual symbols to evoke magical forces. Hitler was also influenced by the Thule Society, a German occult group.
Hitler’s Influence in Modern Religion
Hitler’s influence on modern religion is still a highly disputed and immensely complex topic. Many researchers argue that his views had an impact on some modern religions, such as neo-Nazism and white supremacy. But there is also debate around the extent of his influence over Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Though it is impossible to fully trace Hitler’s influence, many experts believe that his ideologies were behind the revival of Nazism and white supremacist groups in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. One of the most prominent swastikas symbols associated with the Nazi party — a symbol of Aryan supremacy — is still seen today in some extremist circles.
The discussion also continues around Hitler’s deep-rooted anti-Semitism and its link to modern white supremacist movements. Several religious scholars suggest that Hitler himself planted the seeds of modern white supremacy in his speeches and other public appearances.
Hitler’s Historical Legacy
Adolf Hitler had a significant impact on the world. His legacy still looms large, and his actions and values are still shaping the world we live in today. Many experts agree that Hitler’s views and beliefs, namely his “true religion,” were central to his rule, his beliefs and his actions.
Hitler’s “true religion” was not a traditional faith, but rather a mix of Nazi ideology and occult symbolism. His “true religion” was focused on the power of the Aryan race and the power of the Nazi party. In his view, he was ordained to be the savior of the German people and restore order and greatness to the country.
Hitler wanted to be remembered as a leader of his people and a guardian of Germanic tradition. But ultimately, his legacy will always be bound to the atrocities of World War II and Nazi-ism. No matter what his values and beliefs were, his actions will always overshadow them.
Analysis of Hitler’s ‘Religion’
Adolf Hitler’s beliefs and values cannot be neatly defined by his upbringing, faith or political mission. However, recognizing his “true religion” provides key insights into his complex psyche and actions. Hitler’s religious views evolved over time, with a mix of pantheism, Nordic and German mysticism, and the promotion of Nazi ideologies.
It is important to note that Hitler’s “true religion” was not a traditional faith, but rather a Nazi version of religion. It was his own distorted view of the universe, centered around racial purity and Aryan supremacy.
Hitler’s “true religion” was also a powerful tool for manipulating the German population and inspiring his followers. He even framed his call for the destruction of the Jews as a religious mission.
Though attempts to pinpoint an exact definition of Hitler’s religion remain futile, many historians believe that a mix of pantheism and the occult were at the core of his inner belief system. Others suggest that Hitler believed he was on a divine mission to save the German people and restore greatness.
Hitler’s Impact in the Modern World
In the modern world, Hitler’s legacy is still ever-present. From neo-Nazism to white supremacist movements, his influence is often still seen and felt. Many of his views are still being echoed in some extremist circles, such as the use of the swastika, an ancient symbol associated with Aryan supremacy.
Hitler’s extreme anti-Semitism and xenophobia serves as a reminder of how dangerous these views can be when left unchecked. Scholars suggest he planted the seeds of modern white supremacy in his speeches and other public appearances.
Modern society is still grappling with the consequences of the Holocaust and World War II. On one hand, some faith communities still honour Hitler’s memory and ideals, while others are strongly opposed to them. But it is important to remember the consequences of his rule, and that Hitler’s “true religion” was driven by nationalistic and supremacist values.
Interpretation of Hitler’s Religion
Though Adolf Hitler’s religious beliefs remain a subject of much debate, his “true religion” can be interpreted as a mix of Nazi ideology and pantheism. Hitler viewed his political mission as a divine one, believing that he had been chosen to restore order and greatness to Germany.
Historians suggest that he was heavily influenced by the occult and the Aryan race, and had an unhealthy obsession with Nordic mythology. He also had a complicated relationship with the Catholic Church, evidenced by his often-conflicting statements about religion and Christianity.
Though it is impossible to accurately define Hitler’s beliefs, it is important to recognize and learn from them. Hitler’s “true religion” was a key part of his Nazi rule and unjust actions, which continue to shape modern society. The long-term impacts of his reign and the events of World War II are still relevant today and must be addressed.
