The Good Germans

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 24:10-12

              “Good German” is a term that emerged after World War II. There were Germans, probably many Germans, who opposed Hitler’s agenda and politics and were appalled by what was happening in their country yet did nothing. They didn’t actively participate in the evil or support the politics behind it, but neither did they actively resist. They didn’t want to get involved because they knew they might pay a high price to do so. So, they opted to be “Good Germans.” They were nice people who stood by silently as the innocent were led away to the slaughter. Many pled ignorance. “We didn’t know,” was their go-to excuse.

              This Proverb speaks to and about “Good Germans,” whatever their nationality. It points to the real problem. People are weak in the day of adversity (verse 10). It commands strength and courage and describes what that looks like: “rescuing those being taken away to death,” (verse 11). Then, it demolishes the excuse of ignorance: God knows you knew, (verse 12).

              It is easy for us, a few generations removed, to cluck our tongues and condemn the “Good Germans” of yesteryear. But in the face of rising totalitarianism, will we be any different? Will we stand for those whose lives are being destroyed, or will we simply stand on the sidelines, being “Good Christians,” who faint in the day of adversity?