admirableThe town Jagerstatter resided in did not share his view. Religion, from my reading of the text, appeared to be more cultural than actual faith. Jagerstatter’s community thought he had become mentally unstable from being overly religious. The community felt that his first priorities should be his family and his farm. They felt that he should serve for his family’s sake and out of duty. The community also felt that his wife was largely responsible for his stand. His wife of course denied this claim. Interestingly, Jagerstatter’s church shared the point of view of his community. Church officials felt he should “ render onto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” While his church told him that his stand was not a sin, they believed it was advisable to accept service in the German army.Jagerstatter’s family also felt that he should accept service. His mother was particularly adamant about him serving. His wife accepted his stand though she preferred that he accept service.It was only the strength of Jagerstatter’s faith that enabled him to stand against the advice of family, friends, community, church and state. He was firm in his belief based on his understanding of scripture. He was also encouraged in his stand knowing that a priest was executed for a similar reason.Jagerstatter was alone in his stand because most, even if they did not agree with the Nazi regime, were afraid to resist. His church took a path that was politically expedient. I believe that if his church had stood on its principles, it too, would have resisted and spoke out against the war. His church appears to have been more concerned about its own survival than its principles. Perhaps they were right at one level. Taking a stand against the Nazis would probably have brought persecution. However, it is possible that the church’s resistance could have actually buffered the Nazi regime.Jagerstatter’s life a...
