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Jumpstarter 8 of 10

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Change of Allegiance  /  A Change of Allegiance: Questions and Answers – Part 2  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Taylor used examples of conservative Christians—including Mennonites—praising Hitler as a “godly man” because he promoted family values and opposed communism; what does this expose about the spiritual danger of “values-based” political enthusiasm, and what safeguards would keep a church from mistaking partisan rhetoric for the “cure for humanity”?
Another way to ask: What does it show about our hearts when Christians praise a leader mainly because he supports their “values”? What guardrails would help a church not confuse party talk with God’s real answer for the world?

Direct Answer Taylor’s examples show how “values” rhetoric can create religious fervor that blinds Christians to evil and shifts trust from Jesus’ way to political strongmen; the safeguard is keeping the church’s confidence and mission centered on Christ’s teachings, not politics.

Support from Transcript:

  • He describes comfort leading to compromise: we “start embracing this world… think that the politics of this world have the answers.”
  • He says the real cure is not politics: “The cure for humanity is in this way of Christ,” but “suddenly some good politician is presenting it.”
  • He documents Mennonite praise of Hitler: a 1933 telegram thanks God for “revival… through your energy” and promises “joyful cooperation” in building the fatherland.
  • He adds Hitler’s reply thanking them for “readiness to cooperate,” showing real political alignment.
  • He notes why they were attracted: Hitler “canceled farming debts,” opposed communism, and claimed to protect “family” and “Christian principles.”
  • He concludes strongly: “When the people of God get involved in politics… both the church and the state suffer.”
Discussion Follow-ups What modern slogans sound like “Christian principles” but may be masking deeper evils? What habits (Sermon-on-the-Mount focus, church accountability, suspicion of political fervor) would keep us from repeating this mistake?

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