Eugenics and the Church: A Dark Chapter Revisited in Dresden
Published: [Current date]
Unearthing a Troubling Past: the Evangelical Church and Eugenics
in May 2025, a conversation at the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden will delve into the complex and disturbing relationship between the Evangelical church and eugenics during the nazi era. The event, a collaboration with the Saxon State Center for Political Education and the Evangelical University of Dresden, is part of the “Memorial Year 2025 – 80th anniversary of the end of the war.”
Did You Know?
The German Hygiene Museum, established in 1912, played a meaningful role in disseminating ideas about eugenics through its exhibitions and publications. This historical context makes it a particularly poignant venue for this discussion.
The discussion will focus on the church’s involvement in forced sterilization, abortions for eugenic reasons, and the horrific “euthanasia” programs that resulted in the murder of over 200,000 people by the National Socialists.
The Church’s Complicity: A Timeline of Involvement
- Early 1930s: Evangelical theologians, doctors, lawyers, and care workers from diaconal institutions began engaging with eugenic ideas.
- Pre-1933: A “specialist committee for Eugenik” initially required consent for forced sterilization.
- July 1933: The introduction of the “law on the contraception of inherited youngsters” eroded these protections.
- By 1935: Evangelical hospitals had performed 3,000 abortions and 5,754 sterilization operations.
- post-1939: Thousands of sick murders occurred within church institutions.
Analyzing the Opinion Formation: New Research and Perspectives
Church historian Prof. Dr. Jochen-Christoph Kaiser and historian Dr.Uwe Kaminsky will present their analysis based on their new source edition of the “Specialist Committee for Eugenik” from 1931-1938.their work aims to illuminate the opinion formation process within the Evangelical Church during this period.
Julia Bienholz-Radtke of the German Hygiene Museum will provide context on how eugenic topics were disseminated through the museum’s exhibitions and publications. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Roland Löffler, director of the Saxon State Center for Political education, and Prof. Dr. Anja Katharina Peters of the Evangelical University of dresden.
The National Socialist Eugenics Program: A “People’s Community” Purged
from 1933, the National Socialists implemented eugenic policies aimed at creating a “people’s community” free from those deemed “hereditary inferior.” This resulted in devastating consequences, including compulsory sterilization and the systematic murder of the sick and disabled.
Pro Tip
Understanding the historical context of eugenics requires examining the broader social and political climate of the time. The rise of nationalism,scientific racism,and social Darwinism all contributed to the acceptance and implementation of these policies.
The event promises a critical examination of a dark chapter in history, prompting reflection on the role of institutions and individuals in perpetrating atrocities.
Event Details
- Date: Tue, May 13th, 2025
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: German Hygiene Museum Dresden
- Tickets: €3 / reduced €1.50
- Information: http://www.dhmd.de/kalender
The Weight of History: Confronting the Past
The event underscores the importance of confronting arduous historical truths. By examining the Evangelical Church’s involvement in eugenics, the organizers hope to foster a deeper understanding of the dangers of ideological extremism and the importance of safeguarding human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is eugenics?
Eugenics is the pseudoscientific belief and practice of improving the genetic quality of a human population.
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What was the Evangelical Church’s role in eugenics?
Some members of the Evangelical Church supported and participated in eugenic policies, including forced sterilization and “euthanasia” programs.
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Why is this event vital?
The event aims to critically examine a dark chapter in history and promote understanding of the dangers of ideological extremism.
