I recently added a disclaimer on my website:
“Writing German-perspective fiction and history, particularly with regard to the Second World War, does not indicate an adherence to any political ideology. Instead, it is an effort to understand the past through the eyes of those who lived through it, as well as preserve history, and share an appreciation of the culture and heritage of the German people, which transcends all eras of politics and regime.”
The question I have been asking is, how can the philosophy which caused things to go so horribly wrong in Germany remain attractive to some today?
The simple answer is: the same thing that made it attractive to them back then.
In the beginning of the film Munich: The Edge of War, there is an insightful scene where one of the main characters turns to a group of young men sitting behind him in a beer hall and asks what they think about Hitler. The answer? “He makes me feel proud to be German again!”
In the 1920s and early 1930s, Germans were living under the shame of defeat in the First World War. Today, the nation lives under the memory of defeat in two wars and the crimes of the Third Reich. Time and again, I read quotes by modern Germans about how they are not proud to be German.
At the same time that they are being hindered from celebrating their own nation and culture, there is an influx of immigrants who are ushering in a different culture. It’s not that they despise foreigners, and it’s not about glorifying an infamous and defunct regime. For many, it’s simply a fear of losing something dear to them: their identity.
Though the debate over immigration rages in America, we can’t easily relate to feeling ashamed of our culture. We wave our flag everywhere. We honor our veterans and cheer them when they march in our parades. We sing patriotic songs, and are proud when our sons and daughters join the military.
I understand the concern of the majority of Germans. When it comes to Heimatliebe (love of the homeland) and patriotism, they fear a slippery slope. That is where God longs to step in:
He created every people group in the world. He gave them each their individual characteristics, languages, and skills. He gave them an affinity for their particular type of music, art, and architecture. He gifted them each with a set of cultural norms that set them apart from other groups. God shows off His creativity in the variety of people groups He has made. In Heaven, there will be people from every nation, tribe and tongue. Though we are one in Christ and citizens of heaven, He wants to sit back and enjoy the unique praise of every people group.
What I hope is reflected in my writing is that Germans should be proud of their nation, culture and ethnicity, just as every culture should. Yes, the past is there, but that is not who God made them. It is there to be learned from, and that is why the German government advocates a culture of remembrance.
Is there a way to balance Heimatliebe with heeding the lessons of the past?
A German friend told me she was very moved by the way I blended old German songs into my books. Songs she hasn’t heard since she was a child. She also told me that she is glad Americans take an interest in the German past. Americans are willing to talk about things that Germans are not yet able to. However, I do see evidence of these conversations taking place in Germany. Even those who do not identify themselves with the right wing often admit to a concern that they are losing their cultural identity.
It breaks my heart because I am of German ancestry myself, and I’ve discovered that I love the culture and the people. It has awakened in me a sense of hope for all people: that each of us would discover everything God created us to be. We can trust Him with our identity, and to provide balance between our temporal identity and what is of eternal value.
Sani: The German Medic, which celebrated two years this month, echoes the thoughts above:
Can a soldier stand for his country without bowing his knee to evil?
American-born Frederick Smith has left everything he’s ever known to return to his German homeland. While he tries to remain uninvolved in the terror that surrounds him, his thirst for adventure and camaraderie draw him into the army of the Third Reich.
Spurred by the friendship of the Battalion Chaplain and a newfound faith, Freddie begins to find a new meaning in the words Gott Mit Uns (God with us). But as tide of the war turns, his closest comrades begin to fall. Will he live to serve Germany?
Whether you love resistance fiction or war stories, you won’t want to miss this story from behind German lines. Purchase it in print, eBook, audio format, or Google books.
After creating stories prolifically as a child, Aubrey experienced a renewed interest in writing as she entered her 40s. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children, and enjoys reading, playing music, crafting, sketching, exploring the outdoors, and traveling whenever possible. She is a lover of Jesus, the Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats, and has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety and depression.
Thanks again for having me Jennifer!