Quotes by Martin Niemöller

Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) — Evangelischer Pastor, Widerstandskämpfer · Evangelisch (Bekennende Kirche) · Deutschland

Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) war ein deutscher evangelisch-lutherischer Pfarrer, Kirchenpräsident in Hessen und Nassau sowie eine Leitfigur der Bekennenden Kirche im Kirchenkampf gegen den Nationalsozialismus. Nach anfänglichen deutschnationalen Sympathien widersetzte er sich der staatlichen Gleichschaltung der Kirche, überlebte jahrelange KZ-Haft und prägte nach 1945 das Stuttgarter Schuldbekenntnis sowie die christliche Friedensbewegung. Für Bibelleser steht sein Weg exemplarisch für die theologische Abkehr von politischer Anpassung und die Pflicht des Einzelnen, Unrecht nicht durch Schweigen mitzutragen.

Era: The 20th Century

Recurring topics: Ethical Questions, Guilt & Forgiveness, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Discipleship, Courage & Strength, Freedom & Truth, Service & Love of Neighbour, Justice & Commitment

Quotes by Martin Niemöller

First 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 for me.

Martin Niemöller

God asked me — as once he asked the first man after the Fall, Adam — Man, where wast thou in those years 1933 to 1945? I knew I had no answer to that question.

Martin Niemöller

We must openly declare that we are not innocent of the Nazi murders, of the murder of German communists, Poles, Jews, and the people in German-occupied countries.

Martin Niemöller

We have no more thought of using our own powers to escape the arm of authorities than had the Apostles of old. We must obey God rather than man.

Martin Niemöller

The adoration frequently bestowed on him is only due to God. We ask that liberty be given to our people to go their way in the future under the sign of the Cross of Christ.

Martin Niemöller

The oppression is growing, and anyone who has had to submit to the Tempter's machine-gun fire during this last week thinks differently from what he did even three weeks ago.

Martin Niemöller

For politicians truth and falsehood are unimportant. So I never could become a politician — not even a church politician.

Martin Niemöller

I have never concealed the fact that I came from an anti-Semitic past and tradition. I ask only that you look at my life historically and take it as history.

Martin Niemöller

Sources: bischof-meiser.de, bundesverfassungsgericht.de, brill.com, uni-heidelberg.de

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