Just a Question

[AnnieLupin4Jesus]

Okay, so in English class, my friend (who's been a believer longer than me and I think knows way more about this whole thing than I do) and I have to do this little project where we decide who was responsible for the Holocaust. We have to decide which group/single person gets the most blame, in the form of percentages. They include Hitler, the SS officers who helped hatch the genocide plan, the civilians nearby the death camps who knew about them and did nothing, the numerous low ranking Nazis who followed orders and did most of the killings, etc., etc. However, the last choice is God. Now, my friend believes it's 100% God, which I can see the point of, since He has everything planned and must have planned the Holocaust from the beginning of time. However, couldn't it also be argued that since people were given free will, it was, in the end, Hitler and everone else's choice to kill, commit genocide, or stand by and watch passively and everything? Doesn't that mean they'd really be responsible since it was their choice? Is my friend right (I'm just going along with her for the assignment because I figure she's been doing this longer), or are my doubts justified? I'm not looking for help on the assignment, it's just a little insignificant worksheet, but I'd be really interested to see everyone's thoughts for my own benefit. Thank you!!

 

[LegomasterJC]

Job's a good book to read concerning this but I just think it is interesting that the devil was not a choice. Even if he was my answer would still be the same. Yes God knew it would happen, let it happen, etc. sure. But we can not put blame on Him. He is God. As far as the people who were a part of the killing, they had their own free choice to do what they did and are just as much to blame as the devil. People who didn't do anything about it... Depends on if they could have done something about it. America finally put an end to it because they could. I never liked assignments like that. They corner you into giving a certain kind of answer instead of what you really believe. I would not choose one to place the bulk of the blame on.

 

[EmSchmem]

I think this is a sticky area. I can't back this up scripturally but maybe someone else can. God didn't DO everything that happens but he ALLOWS things that happen. God is not there to take the blame for fallen, sick, broken people. If you intend to use Scriptural back up for any parts of your paper I am sure there is a book out there that talks biblically about the Holocaust.

 

[WashedClean]

I agree with Legomaster. My first response was, why isn't Satan an option. Of course, I dont' know if you're in a Christian school, probably not. And they may not let you answer with this way. But I say it's Satan's work (using people who were willing to do evil).

 

[JJM]

God doesn't plan everything he knows it will happen but doesn't decide what will happen. I can't give you an answer but consider that.

 

[LegomasterJC]

Even the things that the devil does for evil God turns to bring out Good. Example being Christ's death. I would say that God does plan everything to happen how it happens but that He brings out the good in all the bad things that he allows the devil to do.

 

[Endure2]

...since He has everything planned and must have planned the Holocaust from the beginning of time.

well that isnt true really...

the bible says God desires for all to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth, that he wills for no man to perish, yet hell is filled more and more everyday.

God is not in complete control of what goes on earth, he did not plan everything that has ever happened from the beginning, everything that has happened wasnt planned to happen by God.

or we wouldnt have things like disobedience... and sin at all. becuase God did not plan those things and he doesnt want those things.
we have free will, and like the bible says a man can die BEFORE HIS TIME.
just becuase people die, it doesnt mean its how God wanted them to or when God wanted them to.


God never wanted the hollocaust or 9/11 to ever happen.

but we have not becuase we ask not... and things like that.
just becuase God isnt doing things, it doesnt mean he doesnt want to or wouldnt if he could.

 

[akascottb]

we cannot blame God for mankind's sin

 

[Rafael]

Blaming God for the holocaust is wrong and imagining evil of God. The evil is obviously done by men and the devil who influences and promotes such activity, and if a person wants to associate the evil to God just because He created man and then gave man a choice, then that is a corrupt erroneous way of viewing things. Even a child can understand who did wrong. God gives us life - He is the Father of lights and all good things, while the devil is evil and those who follow him are "children of disobedience". God has said that He has given men the power to become Sons of God. Those who refuse are left to themselves by inaction and the influences of the devil who is a powerful being - the antithesis of God and the contrast to His light. Inaction is the same as siding with the devil and not joining the battle for good. See how the regular hard working people of Germany were deceived and did the evil will of a mad man? Even those who claimed the name of Christ were afraid to speak up because of the danger. Before they knew it they were responsible for atrocities that will never be forgotten in this world. The whole thing goes to show the power of evil and warns us of what lies in store for the future, when satan again brings the greatest deception to the world that is so powerful that the Bible says even the elect could be fooled if not for the Lord's return and the days shortened. There may again come a time when Christians will be given a choice between life and death, just as did those who were thrown to lions by the Romans who demanded they deny their faith in Jesus. Therefore, arm yourselves with knowledge and the truth of the scripture so that you will be able to stand in faith on that day or any situation that arises. The confession we make before men and what we say about God is very important. Stand up for God and put down imaginations of evil.

Mt 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect‘s sake those days shall be shortened.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 6:1 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.
12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
13 Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

 

[CWLite]

Here's my take. I think that Hitler was a puppet. Hitler was a pawn of satan him-self. I mean actually posessed. I think that the speeches and the direct attack of GOd's chosen people is a tell tale sign that evil its-self was in charge. Once a demon is inside someone, they have no control of their behavior. Hitler's built up anger and rage must have been candy to the devil, a prize candidate for a world war against God. Later on in Hilter's defeat, he comitted suicide, just like judas did after satan had his use out of him. Today, anyone looking back at the holocaust, couldn't deny that Hilter's actions were the apitimy of evil genius. Satan's halmark. That is what I believe.

 

[WashedClean]

Here's my take. I think that Hitler was a puppet. Hitler was a pawn of satan him-self. I mean actually posessed. I think that the speeches and the direct attack of GOd's chosen people is a tell tale sign that evil its-self was in charge. Once a demon is inside someone, they have no control of their behavior. Hitler's built up anger and rage must have been candy to the devil, a prize candidate for a world war against God. Later on in Hilter's defeat, he comitted suicide, just like judas did after satan had his use out of him. Today, anyone looking back at the holocaust, couldn't deny that Hilter's actions were the apitimy of evil genius. Satan's halmark. That is what I believe.

Excellent point, and I don't disagree. But I still think Hitler is culpable because one cannot be possessed by a demon if they don't already have a hardened heart toward the things of God. I'm not saying you implied this, just my opinion.

 

[God_follower]

Satan had a role in the guiding of Hitler and definitly demons in himself, but not possesion, cuz its not like the movies, they have a certain level of control over a person, otherwise the person becomes like a madman, which is similar to some movies. The blame goes on Hitler fully because as the leader, he was in control and therefore the blood is on his hands.

 

[squeak]

God isn't responsible for all things like this. He knows that his people are sinners. He does however allow things to ahppen, this is the reason that some poeple think he is a fake.