Book Review - When a Nation Forgets God

***DISCLAIMER - If I read/review a book, it does not necessarily mean that I endorse all actions and beliefs contained therein. I am a big fan of eating the chicken and throwing away the bones. If a particular book is far out in left field, I will note the issues accordingly (or you will likely not see it on this site). ;-)

It is no secret that we are living in a post-modern world has removed God and truth from almost every aspect of society. There are consequences to this decision! This book takes a historical look at Germany before/during WWII and draws some chilling parallels to the current state of our own country.
 

Here is a quick review of the book:

Bread Over Freedom?

Years ago, a cartoon appeared in a Russian newspaper picturing a fork in the road. One path was labeled freedom; the other path was labeled sausage. As we might guess, the path to freedom had few takers; the path to sausage was crowded with footprints. When given a choice people will choose bread and sausage above the free market and individual liberties. The promise of bread gets votes, even if the bread is at the expense of freedom.

The people of Nazi Germany weren’t any more barbaric, uncivilized, or depraved than any other Western nation of the early Twentieth Century, yet the Nazi regime will forever serve as an example of brutality and extreme racism run amok. What led so many people to such extreme ends?

According to Dr. Lutzer, the German people’s progression from civility to barbarity was not extraordinary, and more than a few benchmarks from their transition can be observed in present day American society (Do any of these sound familiar?):

- The Church is silenced
- The economy is king
- The lawmakers determine behaviors
- The media controls beliefs
- The Gospel and nationalism become inextricably tied to each other
- And yet, heroes still have power

This short, manageable book does not suggest the United States is definitely marching toward authoritarian oblivion, but that we — especially we believers — must be vigilant in our stand for truth, justice, and righteousness.

We must take note of these lessons from history. The parallels are real, but the conclusion is not a foregone one.

My .02:

I do not agree with much of the author's doctrine. He is Arminian in his belief system. Having said that, this book is not about his doctrine. It is a look at a some of the attitudes that permeated the churches of Germany at the time of the rise of Hitler and Nazism, and the lessons that we can learn from their mistakes.

What was particularly interesting to me was the manner in which Germany separated God from government. They did not make church illegal, but they worked intensively to marginalize God and the truth. This was a gradual, yet successful tactic that desensitized the vast majority of the German Christians to the horror of the holocaust and other barbaric practices of the Nazi party. It is shocking to see how quickly people were willing to put aside their previouslt held biblical convictions for national safety and security. Sadly, I believe that this is being replayed in our current society.

Another important parallel is drawn from the Nazi government's insistance that it was the state's resonsibility to train the youth, not the parents. Hitler passed a law that made public education compulasry and banned homeschooling. Darwinian evolution was heavily promoted in public education. Moral relativism was expounded and attitude was preferred over facts. Hitler knew that the key to power was capturing the hearts of the youth. Again, the author makes several chilling comparisons to our modern-day educational system in the US.

There is also a chapter about the use of propoganda. Lutzer also addresses the fact that God (not man) is the ultimate lawgiver. He emphasizes that we are to take a bold stand for the truth in the midst of modern-day misinformation. The warning is clear that if we do not stake a stand for that which is right, then we might find ourselves in the same predicament as Germany of old.

When a Nation Forgets God is not a feel-good read. But it tells a story that we need to hear. There are dire consequences when God's people cease to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. As Americans we are no less succeptable to compromise than the German people. We are not immune to complaceency. The author rightfully states that the preaching of Jesus Christ and firm obedience to the word of God is the answer to such wickedness.

The Bible clearly states that this world is not our home. However, we should be careful to stand upon the promises of God and fight for what is right in the midst of spritiual darkness. This book helped remind me of this important fact and examine several areas of my life that needs improvment in this realm. We might be discouraged about the current state of affairs in our nation, but we must remember that God will bless us when we repent, turn from wickness, and seek his face.  This book very nicely illustrates the truth of Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”