Q: #98. Was Hitler a Christian?
A: Every so often, I hear this come up when people are condemning Christianity. Someone will be in the process of trashing Christians, then the comment will come up, “You know, Hitler was a Christian.” Of course, this is supposed to be proof that since Hitler was a Christian, ALL Christians are evil.
The question should then be asked, “So how do you KNOW Hitler was a Christian?”
“Well, if you read his writings, he said he was a Christian.” (He grew up Catholic.)
“Well, there are pictures of him praying, leaving a church, and there is even one of him with the Pope.”
“Well, he believed in Jesus.”
Now, do any of these things make someone a Christian? Is everyone a Christian who calls themselves a Christian? Are all people who pray Christians? Does going to church or having a picture of oneself with the Pope make one a Christian? Of course not…
Ok, but he BELIEVED in Jesus! Here is an example I use concerning this. Judas certainly had a “BELIEF” in Jesus to some degree. He was one of His 12 disciples that “left everything and followed” Him (Mt 19:27)(Mk 10:28), and even performed miracles and cast out demons in His name (Mt 10:1-8)(Mk 3:13-19). However, Judas clearly did not have the right kind of “belief in Jesus” (Jn 6:64), and almost certainly was not saved (Jn 17:12)(Mt 26:24)(Jn 6:70-71) (See: Is Judas in Hell?).
This is why I try and stress over and over on this site that simple acknowledgment that Jesus exists or lived on the Earth and died on a cross, doesn’t save anyone. We become a Christian by confessing Jesus is Lord, believing He arose from the dead, confessing we are sinners in need of a Savior, and trusting in Jesus to pay for our sins. And, finally, REPENTING of our sins and being willing to turn from them and go in a new direction.
Clearly, Hitler had no problem piling sin upon sin, nor is there any indication he was EVER sorry for his numerous sins. The Bible is quite clear, that if one can practice sin unrepentantly, they do not know the Lord (1 Jn 3:9). In fact, according to some accounts, Hitler wanted to BE God.
The Bible tells us that if a person says they are a Christian, we will be able to tell by their actions. The #1 indicator that a person is a Christian is LOVE. Without a love for people, one cannot be a Christian (Jn 13:34-35)(Mt 22:39)(1 Jn 2:9-11)(1 Jn 3:23). Hitler clearly failed this test. He hated Jews (God’s chosen people), murdering millions. He hated people of other races, and wanted to make a master race (Aryans). He even jailed and killed Christians.
In addition, (Gal 5:22-23) talks about the “fruit of the Spirit,” which shows one is a Christian. These traits are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (self-control). Did you see any of these in Hitler’s life? Me neither.
Hitler’s life showed no evidence of Jesus being a part of it at all. He was clearly NOT a Christian.
*** For a number of quotes that show how Hitler truly hated Christianity, see the book “Secret Conversations,” also called “Hitler’s Table Talk.” You can find excerpts online.
