Resources/Biblical Perspective/History

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit

Most Americans have grown up with at least a vague idea of what happened during World War II. The basics usually boil down to Nazi Germany’s attempted takeover of Europe, and how America stepped up to the plate and helped stop Hitler’s advance – therefore cementing the U.S., in the aftermath, as the world’s reigning superpower.

Sadly, as with all wars, there is more going on than what meets the eye. And while Adolf Hitler is probably most well-known for being the man who pushed for the genocide of the Jewish people in Europe, it’s easy to miss one startling fact amid this grim chapter of human history: the targeting of any group of people, whether it is based on race, religion, or politics, can happen to anyone, anywhere.

The Holocaust – the systematic, state-sponsored eradication of about six million Jews by the Nazi regime – is not just a chapter of history to be horrified about. It’s also a hard lesson that everyone can sadly learn from. The Jewish people have survived much, and what happened during World War II is a foreshadow of what can happen when any tyrannical regime takes power. Gatekeepers of coveted power, or anyone who poses a threat to that power structure (Christians are uniquely acquainted with this kind of persecution throughout the centuries), becomes a target.

And so, it is integral that we learn from the horrors of the Holocaust and teach our children the harsh truths of this terrible chapter of human history, if only because it may help to stave off future annihilations. If we can recognize the signs, we can resist hatred.

Galatians 5:03-14 says, “‘For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.”

Let love be the driving force behind all we do. Love as defined by God is the antidote to hatred. No matter what happens across nations and within the hearts of leaders, let our hearts be filled with a spirit of service and a passion to help others and protect them from harm.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

*

Against All Odds: 51 Hungarian Jewish Teens Escaped Auschwitz Gas Chamber – Naftali Schiff

Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

Download Our New Counter Culture Mom App to get our trending news and pop culture alert notifications. Connect with other parents in the Parent Chat section to gain helpful ideas on how to counteract the Pop Culture Cult!

Be sure to contact us if there is an issue you would like to have us write about! Our mission is to help parents deal with today’s lifestyle trends and how to biblically navigate them.