Today I went to see the movie “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin”. It was a thought-provoking film. When we look at what was taking place in Germany leading up to World War II and with the rise of Adolf Hitler, we will notice many parallels to the United States today.

For many, comparing the United States to Nazi Germany seems unpatriotic, but watching the Bonhoeffer movie the similarities seem to jump off the screen. It was eerie watching and hearing things that I’ve heard during our latest presidential campaign. What was also interesting was the role the Christian Church played in Hitler’s rise to power.

We as a nation are at an important juncture in America’s history and if we are not careful, future generations may be looking back at us the same way we look back at Germany’s Nazi past, with the “Church” leading the way.

During the movie the famous poem, “First They Came” by Martin Niemoller was quoted. I’ve posted the poem below…

FIRST THEY CAME By Martin Niemöller

First, they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

This poem is a powerful message to those who are willing to stand by and remain silent while others are treated unjustly. If I rewrote the poem today it may sound something like this…

First, he made fun of and mocked the handicapped and I did not speak up because I am not handicapped

Then he mocked and disrespected women journalists (and women as a whole) and I did not speak up Because I am not a woman

Then he lied and spoke negatively about the Haitians in Ohio and I said nothing because I am not Haitian

And now he has his sights set on illegal immigrants with no clear plan.  

And if I do not speak up when it becomes my turn who will be there to speak up for me.

I know my poem needs some work, but I hope you can see the message. We are our brother’s keeper and we are required to love them as GOD has loved us.