In dark days near the beginning of World War II, Bonhoeffer, the famed Protestant theologian, found himself living in a Catholic community. Bonhoeffer found spiritual nourishment at Ettal in the daily rhythms of Scripture, prayer, silence, and song.
Source: Bonhoeffer at Ettal: Advent 1940 | Timothy George | First Things
The Vatican has refused to open all of its World War II archives. Pope Francis’ visit to Auschwitz on Friday is the perfect moment to change policy.
CHR Comment: The Vatican Archives are a historic treasure and likely hold a mountain of information about the greatest global conflict in history: World War II. They recently released information about the World War I sinking of the Lusitania and the Armenian Genocide. If these releases are an indication of their policy, the archive will not likely release documents until the 2030s or 2040s.
Source: How the Vatican Can Shed Light on the Holocaust – The New York Times
A new biography of Hitler by a prominent German historian is likely to stir controversy with its argument that the Nazi leader’s political acumen has been underestimated and that the belief in his hypnotic grip over Germans is inflated.
CHR Comment: Longerich characterizes Hitler as a gifted political opportunist. The article notes that the rise of National Socialism created tensions in the churches. Some churches were drawn into supporting the Nazis, such as the Deutsche Christen Movement, while others resisted, such as the Confessing Church.
Source: New German Biography Casts Hitler in Different Light – NBC News
‘Church of Spies’ by Mark Riebling tells the gripping history of the Vatican’s covert operations during World War II.
CHR Comment: An extensive article about Vatican activities during World War II.
Source: When the Pope Ordered the Death of Adolf Hitler | Mental Floss
The story of Jack Graham, whose parents were missionaries in China when WWII broke out. Inspiring history.
Elder Survived Japanese Prison Camp | byFaith.
Bonhoeffer’s personal commitment to his beliefs, which brought on his martyrdom, have made him one of the most noteworthy theologians of recent years. However, he is claimed by a variety of theological groups such as liberals, neo-orthodox, Evangelicals, and traditional Lutherans.
Dr. Joel Lawrence, a Baptist minister, will speak in commemoration on Thursday, April 9, 2015. He is the author of a book on Bonhoeffer.
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