The Nazi movement was not a uniquely German event; it is a uniquely human event, and such a movement remains so to this day.
When human beings, for whatever reason and rationale, decide that it is expedient and necessary to put aside their principles and their conscience, and in the pain of their humanity make themselves into beasts, then the will to power and its madness is unleashed upon them, their children, and the world. No one, no people, is safe from this awful tragedy.
I have heard it argued that The White Rose movement was in the wrong, because they did in fact violate the laws of Nazi Germany. They did, clearly, but for the sake of their conscience. I had become interested in them because of the profound influence which the writings of John Henry Newman had on Sophie Scholl and her fiance Fritz Hartnagel, with regard to the necessity and primacy of individual conscience.
It has also been argued that they were foolish, because they were not successful. Success is everything in our world, and it is measured by the material and in the short term.
They could have stayed in University, found good jobs, and adapted themselves to the reality of their society, paying lip service to their principles. Go along to get along. Again, only if they were able to still their own conscience and cast themselves along with the mob into madness and the abyss.
Why think of such gloomy things on such a fine sunny day?
Because the time grows short, shorter for some of us, but with a definite end in sight. And the powers of this world are never at rest, but prowl like ravening wolves, seeking to devour us.
Do not look to the other fellow and what they may be doing, and spend your time judging others, the more harshly the better. When I see a soul that is lost, it is the hardness of their heart that is telling. First save yourselves, by putting your own hardened heart aside.
How do you know if you are saved? Because there is a love of love in your heart, that is unmistakable.
If you have the power to prophesy, if you hold your convictions with a hardness of steel, and engage in remarkable displays of devotion, but you have no love, you are nothing, you are lost.
The night approaches, and it is almost time to come home. So do not be left in the dark.
