Articles

Study guides, historical commentary, and theological reflection on the Barmen Declaration.

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church historyGerman Christians movement — the Nazi-aligned heresy the Barmen Declaration rejected

The German Christians: The Heresy Barmen Rejected

The German Christians (Deutsche Christen) were a Nazi-aligned movement within the Protestant church that tried to merge Christianity with National Socialism — and the Barmen Declaration was written directly against them. Understanding what they taught is essential to understanding what Barmen affirmed.

Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.

By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.

Ordained Minister, M.Div.

Date

April 4, 2026

church historyBarmen Declaration document — complete introduction to the 1934 confession against Nazism

What Is the Barmen Declaration? A Complete Introduction

The Barmen Declaration is a 1934 theological confession in which German Protestant pastors declared that Jesus Christ alone — not Hitler, not the state, not any ideology — is Lord of the church. Written by Karl Barth, it stands as one of the most courageous acts of confessional Christianity in the modern era.

Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.

By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.

Ordained Minister, M.Div.

Date

March 21, 2026