Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of the most remarkable theological documents in the world is the Theological Declaration of Barmen. Responding to the emergence of National Socialism, Reformed and Lutheran Christians met in May 1934, to consider a response to Nazi claims identifying Christianity with their movement. The Nazis asserted that the exaltation of "race, folk, and nation" was God's will. Unable to reconcile the lordship of Christ with such claims granting the nation sway over the church, several European Christians began calling for a synod of all Lutheran, Reformed, and United churches.