The Chancellor of Germany
On January 30th, 1933, Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany. What seems like a horrific historical event to us now was actually a time of great celebration in Germany. When we look back in retrospect at this event, we often do not remember the fact that the German people welcomed him with open arms. Wikipedia reveals the early political moves of the German government,
After only two months in office, and following the burning of the Reichstag building, the Reichstag body passed the Enabling Act giving the Reich Chancellor full legislative powers for a period of four years – the Chancellor could introduce any law without consulting Parliament.
Among the most ecstatic fans of Adolf Hitler were the German youth. Alfons Heck, who was a member of the Hitler Youth, describes his strong emotions during Hitler’s speeches:
We erupted into a frenzy of nationalistic pride that bordered on hysteria. For minutes on end, we shouted at the top of our lungs, with tears streaming down our faces: “Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil!” From that moment on, I belonged to Adolf Hitler body and soul.
Music in Nazi Germany
When reading some of the stanzas of Nazi music literature, one can hardly imagine how such horrific words could have been uttered – not by minority groups – but, by the masses. Here is a song (Blut muss fließen) that a young man like Alfons Heck would have sung in combat:
Sharpen the long knives on the pavement,
let the knives slip into the Jew’s body.
Blood must flow, a whole lot of it,
and we s**t on the freedom of this Jew Republic.
Tug the concubine out of the ruler’s bed,
grease the guillotine with the Jews’ fat.
Blood must flow, a whole lot of it,
and we s**t on the freedom of this Jew Republic.
Hang a black pig in the synagogue,
throw grenades into the parliaments.
Blood must flow, a whole lot of it,
and we s**t on the freedom of this Jew Republic.
In some ways, it is hard to believe that any human being could sing such a song. But… is it really? How is it that lyrics have entered the American culture like this, “Put your hands down B****, I ain’t gonna shoot you, I’ma pull +YOU+ to this bullet, and put it through you…” These lyrics are not from a little rapper group in a back alley. These lyrics are from one of the most popular rap groups in America (this group will go unnamed). How do those Nazi lyrics compare now?
The Influence of Music in a Child’s Heart
We would like to think that we are drastically different than Nazi Germany. But, when it comes to worldview, the Nazis are at our front door… and some people are ready to invite them in through the worldviews they allow to influence their homes. These worldviews are sometimes woven into the music that young people listen to via the composer’s or lyricist’s view of life. The worldviews and ideas that speak to a child’s heart can impact his life in ways that we would never have imagined. Music will either nurture a love and appreciation for all things excellent or it will appeal to the flesh – tempting a child to explore his own depravity.
The music a child listens to will have large implications for his future… a future that could be full of hope through the power of the gospel. Jesus Christ is the only way to drown out the dissonant tune of Nazi Germany.
Brittany
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