Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Case of Adolf Hitler

Most people, including Christians, believe that Hitler should pay severely for his crimes against God and humanity. "God's justice demands it," they say. "Burn him in hell forever", "toss him in hell and throw away the key" and "the worst you can think of is too good for him" are commonly heard expressions.

The Christians in this group would probably change their verdict completely if they discovered that Hitler, on his death bed, repented of his sins and found faith in Christ as Saviour.

Their previous stern judgment would change to rejoicing and celebration - as long as Hitler came to this point BEFORE he died.
 
What about if he came to this point immediately after he died and was confronted with the same Jesus who confronted Paul on the road to Damascus? 
"Too late," most of them would say.
 
I don't think the God of love and mercy would agree that one minute would make such a huge difference to a person's ultimate relationship with him.  I don't think God's love for any of us, including Hitler, changes when our time on this planet is finished.  He is still the prodigal Father waiting with open arms for his wayward children to return.

Where do we get such horrid pictures of a mean, vengeful God when the Bible describes a loving, forgiving and merciful Father who sent his Son to be the Saviour of the whole world?

Indeed, I can't help thinking that if God did torment Hitler forever, or annihilate him, then God would be acting the same way Hitler did.  And that from the One whom Jesus said is our model of kindness and mercy?

It's hard to figure how Christians who have been forgiven their sins and reconciled to their heavenly Father want to limit what God will do for others whose circumstances and history are a bit different to theirs.




3 comments:

  1. Rog here.

    Yes, it is strange how Christians think that all has to be determined in this life alone, and nothing after is possible - quite absurd really. This is probably the central issue that needs to be trashed. The place to start maybe is why Christians are led to believe that this life is where it is all determined. When we know the various arguments, then they can be examined and deconstructed if they are now sound.

    In reference to other posts I've made on God punishing Hitler, if God was to torment Hitler forever, then his punishment would be far worse than anything Hitler ever gave, and for this reason I would see the idea of God punishing Hitler forever as unwarranted and not befitting a God of love. Such as concept I see more fitting to a heart that has not yet fully understood the love of God, and that would be the source of such an idea.

    Annihilating Hitler would be a merciful form of punishment, so I would not have a problem with it, much like a farmer putting down a rabid dog - I see that as very merciful.

    I wonder how many Christians are secretly happy with the thought that grace might not be available for Hitler (if it were true), and other such nasties. It would not surprise me as at times I get clarity on the non-perfect state of what seems to come from my own heart.

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  2. I think we are made with an in-built bias towards justice. This is demonstrated by even the worst of us knowing (and wanting) what is fair or right in our daily lives. So this prevails in all our judgements, and mercy and grace stances taking some learning and practice.

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  3. It has just occurred to me that those who feel people like Hitler should never find forgiveness or be shown mercy might get a real big surprise in heaven.
    Not only will they find Hitler there, saved by the same grace that saved us, but they could find that he is one of the most energetic and vociferous worshippers there. Why should I even suggest that this might be the case?
    Have a read of Luke 7 : 40 - 50. Jesus said that those who have been forgiven most will love the most. So, how about Hitler, and the others many people think will not make it at all?
    Can you imagine the sight? Hitler in full pentecostal worship mode in the front seat. Wow! And why not?

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All relevant comments are most welcome. However, please express any disagreement you might have without being disagreeable and with grace towards those who might not hold your point of view.