Are Lutherans
p. 33 · Read in the full issue
Preaching
Hitler-Ism?
A Mission Problem in New Guinea
A GOOD DEAL of criticism of the political activities of German Luth eran missionaries in New Guinea con tinues to be published in Australia.
The best-informed opinion is that the trouble is being caused, firstly, by a few young and newly-arrived German mis sionaries who are enthusiastic Nazis; and, secondly, by a few older men who have recently spent a long leave in Ger many and become affected by the pre vailing idolatry of Adolf Hitler.
The Lutheran Mission should be warned that, if pro-Germanism and Hitler-ism are going to be preached in New Guinea, prompt steps almost cer tainly will be taken to put an end to it.
Hitler and his Nazis unquestionably saved Germany from Communism and revolution, and gave shape and direction to the fine national spirit of the Father land; but that does not mean that British people will accept Nazi-ism, in any shape or form, even if it only is being preached to primitive natives in a former German colony. There is grow ing friendship between Britain and Ger many, but that does not mean that the British will accept Hitler-ism.
The Lutherans would be great fools to allow their political enthusiasms to pre judice their position in New Guinea. They have been treated, ever since 1914, with kindness and consideration, and they have done splendid work in the mission field. But they should try to be mis sionaries all the time, while in New Guinea, and Nazis only when they go on leave.