Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Chester describes how fear of communism made Hitler look like “the liberating savior,” and that Nazis then blocked Mennonite aid to persecuted Mennonites in the Soviet Union, demanding “undivided loyalty”; what does this reveal about God’s jealousy for His people’s allegiance, and what modern “saviors” compete for that same loyalty?
Another way to ask: What does this story show about God wanting our full loyalty? What “saviors” today try to take that kind of loyalty instead of God?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests that when God’s people give “undivided loyalty” to an earthly power, they effectively treat that power as a new lord—something God will not share. Modern “saviors,” by inference from the speaker’s warnings, can include political movements or leaders that promise protection and moral order but demand allegiance that competes with Christ.
- Chester says German Mennonites “repeatedly hailed [Hitler] as the liberating savior from communism.”
- He notes the Nazis blocked aid to suffering Mennonites: “Beginning in 1935, the Nazis blocked all German Mennonite financial assistance… the Nazis wanted undivided loyalty.”
- He interprets this as lordship competition: “if the Nazis are going to become the new Lord… Stop… [helping] their own brothers and sisters… And so they said, ‘Yes, sir.’”
- He ties the lesson to the “two kingdom doctrine”: “why would we compromise… and become loyal to any kind of earthly political power?”
- In Q&A he warns the pattern is reappearing: “Anytime we compromise the two kingdom concept, we’re heading down that road… in the last election… it has already started.”