Nazi and Vatican Relations during WWII Essay Example for Free

Nazi and Vatican Relations during WWII Essay How was Vatican’s relationship with the Nazi Germany during the War? The seat of the Roman Catholicism lies in the Vatican City- state with the Pope as the head of state and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. As a religious institution the Vatican has internationally been recognized as a powerful and independent diplomatic service capable of forging agreements for peace in behalf of the entire Catholic congregation. In the last twenty years during the reign of Pope John Paul II, the Vatican had aggressively been active in an international promotion of peace thereby denouncing war and hostilities. It’s involvement in international politics had been questioned as the historical sins of the Roman Catholic Church in the past centuries were brought to light. Presently, the Vatican is also heaped with blame for allowing WWII atrocities to befall on the Jewish community during the Holocaust. As the leader is the Catholic Church, the Vatican is supposedly a champion of humanitarian service. Yet it has received much criticism that leads us to question the Vatican’s relationship with Nazi Germany during WWII through a genuine look into the positions taken and deeds committed by the Vatican and its officials. In 1933, the Vatican forged an alliance with Nazi Germany through a Concordat signed and administered by Nazi Vice Chancellor von Papen and Vatican’s Cardinal Pacelli who later became Pope Pius XII according to Conway (2001:17). This treaty authorized the papacy to impose new church law on German Catholics at the same time granting generous privileges to Catholic schools and the clergy Langmuir (1998:9). According to Hen, the church sees this as an effort to curb the expansion of Protestantism in Germany and to secure civil guarantees for the Catholic institutions and their activities (2000: 139). Cardinal Pacelli had already arranged concordats with other individual German states and negotiating a concordat with the Reich’s new government could aid the Catholic Church’s effort to prevent the spread of communism using Nazi as its bulwark in Alvarez and Graham (1997:13). Hen also added that the appeasement treaty asserted to give financial support to the church’s schools and make Catholic religious education available in the public schools by instructors approved by the bishops, was the Church’s reason for a concordat (2001: 41). Catholic priests and leaders who were once vocal in denouncing the Nazi movement took the signing of the treaty as an indication that the Roman Catholic Church had softened their opposition to socialism while some political commentators, journalists and historians believed that this event was a manifestation of Pope Pius XI’s and Cardinal Pacelli’s underlying motives in Langmuir(1998:9). Hitler and the Nazi Party interpreted the concordat’s ratification to mean that they had won the church’s approval thereby allowing them the needed recognition in international politics and showing the world that the German Chancellor was politically reliable and trustworthy in Kick (2002:7). Likewise the Nazi Party relied on the Concordat policy to rise unopposed by the most powerful religious community in the world (Alvarez, 1997: 49). Hitler’s power over churches advanced as he placed the church under administrative control while obligating German bishops to the Nazi state by endorsing Nazism as a positive Christianity in Hen (2002: 165). With the Catholic Church’s withdrawal from social and political action, the concordat policy allowed the most disturbing extermination of the Jews carried out by the Nazi party in Europe in predominantly Catholic region according to Phayer (2000:xiii). The Nazi anti-Semitic values were then fanned throughout Europe as the German Catholic Church movement was subdued by the appeasement terms in the Concordat that Hitler do not wish to honor according to Conway (2001:68). Pius XI underestimated Hitler’s influence with the belief that Germany would honor the appeasement treaties cited in the concordat and started condemning Nazism. Pope Pius XI died in 1939, just a few hours before he could deliver a blunt message condemning Nazism amidst rumors of murder according to Murphy and Arlington (1983:195). Cardinal Pacelli assumed as Pope Pius XII and removed Pius XI’s prior ban on Action Francaise which was an anti-Semitic organization according to Friedlander (1996:223). Pius XII failed to condemn the wave of atrocities committed by the Nazi against the Jews marked the extermination of European Jews after being hunted like animals, robbed of their possessions, homes and loved ones, subjected to physical and mental torture, summarily executed and killed according to Langmuir (1998:8). In 1941, Pope Pius XII reiterated his stand of remaining neutral when consistently asked by US delegates according to Friedlander (1997: 226). Vatican could never feign ignorance on the massacre of the Jews as it had it own diplomatic corps and representatives in many European countries through a papal nunciate (Hen, 2002:165). It was only in late 1942 when Pius XII spoke out against the Nazi while refusing to publicly denounce violence against the Jews. His silence without emitting a condemnation against Hitler’s military aggression is a source of dispute which the church cannot claim ignorance to justify their silence. Conclusion It should be remembered that the Vatican’s interest which lie foremost in the foreign policy of the concordat in 1933 to protect its properties and interests in Germany. Pius XII as Vatican’s Secretary of State harbored fears of loosing the same privileges during the war which served as the background for non-intervention in Nazi affairs. Pius’s self-serving perspective goes beyond moral ascendancy that lies against the teachings of the church as it maintained a modicum of silence while Jews were exterminated en masse. Any condemnation against the atrocities would have carried great weight and would serve as a catalyst for the international committee to act for humanitarian reasons. Works Cited Alvarez,David and Graham, Robert. Nothing Sacred: Nazi Espionage against the Vatican, 1939-1945. Routledge,1997. Conway, J. S. The Nazi Persecution of the Churches, 1933-1945. Regent College,2001. Hen, Chiang. Two Thousand Years with the Word.Institute for Christianity, 2000. Langmuir, Gavin L. Frankel, Jonathan. The Fate of the European Jews, 1939-1945: Continuity or Contingency? (ed. ) Oxford University Press, 1998. Kick, Russell. Everything you know is wrong: The Disinformation Guide to secrets and lies. The Disinformation Company, 2002. Murphy, Paul and Arlington,Rene. La Popessa. New York: Warner Books Inc, 1983. Friedlander, Saul. Nazi Germany and the Jews: The Years of Persecution. New York: HarperCollins, 1997. Phayer, Michael. The Catholic Church and the Holocaust, 1930-1965. Bloomington: Indiana University, 2000.

Culture and Ideology in the Movie, Seven Essay -- Movie Film Essays

Culture and Ideology in the Movie, Seven Samurai Many directors use their films as a means of glorifying, criticizing, or simply depicting, a particular ideological system. These ideologies are especially visible in foreign films, as the viewer is forced to assess the film from outside his or her culture and ideology, and consider the film in its proper context. Director Akira Kurosawa’s Japanese film Seven Samurai allows the viewer to understand several important aspects of Japanese culture and ideology. First, the film depicts the Japanese social class structure and its acceptance by the masses. Seven Samurai also reveals the pride of the Japanese, as well as the utilitarian, collectivist nature of their society. As one of the farmers explains early in the film, farmers are born to suffer, it is their lot in life. This illustrates the Japanese class system, and the lack of upward mobility in it. The characters in the film all accept their place in the class structure, however low, and do nothing to change it. Although the farmers enlist the help of samurai to defend their v...

Reggae Music and Its Influences Essay

One of the world’s iconic figures, Reggae musician Bob Marley(1945-1981) stated that, â€Å"People want to listen to a message, word from Jah(God). This could be passed through me or anybody, I am not a leader, messenger. The word of the songs, not the person, is what attracts people.† Reggae music is gifted to people in Jamaica as their own unique identity. Jamaican musicians are well-known for expressing their Rastafarian beliefs through the music, Reggae. Rastafarian reflects ideologies, attitudes, actions of the people for the better society (Spiker,1998). At this point, they became social commentators, prophets, and messengers who heal the wounds of people affected by social and political injustices (Aimers, 2004).This essay illustrates that reggae music has been successful spreading Rastafarian beliefs in politics, social injustices and cultures. Firstly, Jamaican musicians play essential roles to give the political messages to people based on their Rastafarian beliefs. The political messages shared through the Reggae music are those of peace, love, and brotherhood of mankind for forming a unity to fight for the liberty of people in Jamaica. Musicians gave the message by setting several goals based on general popular interest of the population against any oppression and encouraged people to speak-up. For instance, Bob Marley(1945-1981); the predominant singer strived to bring the awareness for not only in the hearts of Jamaicans, but also in those of Africans and the rest of the world (Abram & Ingrid, 2009). One of his popular songs, â€Å"Get up, and Stand up for your rights† not only defended his religious beliefs but also pointed at political oppression and natural rights of people (Lockard, n.d). Following lyrics is from the song by Bob Marley (1973): We sick an’ tired of-a-your ism-skism-game Dying ‘n’ goin’ to heaven in-a Jesus’ name, Lord. We know when we understand: Almighty god is a living man. You can fool some people sometimes, But you can fool all the people all the time. So now we see the light (What you gonna do?) We gonna stand up for our rights! (Bob Marley Lyrics) Thus, one can conclude that reggae and its musicians are influential as a medium for spreading political messages to enlighten the darkness of people’s mind and brain.   Secondly, People all around the world heard the voice of Rastafarian beliefs against social injustices through the reggae music and by its talented musicians. Their songs’ lyrics were mightier than swords to reveal such issues as racism, colonialism, slavery, and exploitation on colored people in Africa. Rastafarians are attached to the ideas of equality, tolerance, justice, and non-violence. In addition, it is a theology of submissiveness and every Rasta has a right to freedom of expression (Abram & Ingrid, 2009). Particularly, slavery had affected most of Africans’ lives badly for being taken away from one own society and family which could have damaged them physically and psychologically by segregations and hard labors (Novick, n.d). For example, Reggae musician, Peter Tosh(1944-1987)’s famous song â€Å"Mama Africa†(1983)indicated the life of an African slave missing home: Mama Africa How are you doing Mama, Mama Africa Long time me no see you Mama They took me away from you Mama Long before I was born They took me away from you Mama Long before I came on in(Peter Tosh Lyrics) Hence, the reggae music and its musicians had not only led people in Jamaica for Rastafarian beliefs and for fighting against the social injustices but also Africans as a whole for the better survival. Lastly, the Rastafari influence also had contributed to the cultural significance of reggae music and culture of people; it was a symbol for both identity and pride among the Jamaicans. It has also created an understanding of lifestyle and culture in Jamaica for the rest of the world (Aimers, 2004). The reggae music and Rastafarian complemented one another to occupy people’s state of mind to think of it as a part of the Jamaican lifestyle, needless to mention that it has become a tradition and culture for them. In spite of all the difficulties and hardships which came upon people in Jamaica, they had been recognized internationally for their predominant reggae music all over the world. The culture of reggae along with Rastafarian symbols was being introduced to many countries. Reggae musicians’ hair-styles, clothing and accessories which mirror the Rastafari are being imitated by some devoted fans. For example, Thailand’s Khao-San road is full of Rastafarian symbols and its trendy musician, Bob Marley printed-items from head to toe. Therefore, Reggae music and its Rastafarian symbols have enormously impacted on cultures of many different countries, originated from Jamaica. In conclusion, there are many studies which has discussed about the importance of reggae music spreading Rastafarian beliefs and symbols throughout the world. Reggae music has been positively influential to the society by means of political, social, and cultural impacts. In addition, it has not only brought the liberty to people in Jamaica but also mother Africa. Therefore, it is remarkable peak in history that peaceful and non-violent music won over the aggressive wars, fights, and any kind of violence. In fact, peaceful as well as meaningful song lyrics are mightier than sharp and shining swords. References; Aimers, J. (2004). â€Å"The Cultural Significance of Reggae.† ATH175 People of the world. Retrieved from; http://www.units.muohio.edu/ath175/student/petersle/culture.html Abram, V. & Ingrid, H. (October, 2009). â€Å"The Rastafarian Movement.† The Observatory for Religious Phenomena (World Religion Watch). Retrieved from http://www.worldreligionwatch.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=281&Itemid=65 Lockard, Craig A. (June, 2010). â€Å"Bob Marley, Victor Jara, Fela Kuti, and Political Popular Music.†University of Illinois. Retrieved from; http://worldhistoryconnected.press.illinois.edu/7.2/lockard.html Novixk, S. (n.d). â€Å"The Effects of Slavery on Reggae Music.† The Dread Library. Retrieved from; http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/novick.html Spiker, C. (April 1998). â€Å"Reggae As Social Change:The Spread of Rastafarianism.† The Dread Library. Retrieved from; http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/spiker.html

The Impact Of Internet On Our Daily Lives - 1540 Words

The widespread use of internet in our daily lives has brought upon not just positive outcomes, but also negative outcomes an example being cybercrime. We find that the internet is the fastest growing technological infrastructure development in today’s modern world. This is evident due to the emergence of a digital platform trend. The increasing demand of the internet and computers has led to the adoption of computer technology into products that initially used to perform without the use of either. Examples are buildings, vehicles and even trains. ICT in general has been embraced in almost everything from the military to transportation to sales, name it. The introduction of ICT into many of our daily life happenings has acted as a complementing factor in this modern world. Taking an example of technical development in this sector has seen the world go into an ease in the banking sector, online banking is now available, shopping online, telephone services just to mention, but a few. However, with every pro there is a con. The growth of ICT is usually accompanied by serious threats. Since then essential services in most of the countries have operated via the ICT platform, attacks are prone to happen since there is a loophole of threat creation. Introduction What is cybercrime? Generally cybercrime refers to crime that is conducted via the internet portal or with the use of another computer network. Criminal activities that may be categorized as cybercrime mayShow MoreRelatedThe Impact of the Internet in Our Daily Lives4186 Words   |  17 PagesTHE IMPACT OF THE INTERNET IN OUR DAILY LIFE There is a big influence of technique on our daily life. Electronic devices, multimedia and computers are things we have to deal with everyday. Especially the Internet is becoming more and more important for nearly everybody as it is one of the newest and most forward-looking media and surely the medium of the future. 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