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A review by holtfan
Mission at Nuremberg: An American Army Chaplain and the Trial of the Nazis by Tim Townsend
4.0
4.5 stars
If you want a shorthand for the ultimate embodiment of evil, you usually mention the Nazis. Their crimes against humanity were so great that the world held an international tribunal to sentence and condemn the leaders. Imagine being charged with their spiritual needs.
Yet that's exactly what happened to Henry Gereck--a middle aged, Midwest Lutheran pastor.
This is the fascinating biography of the man who served as chaplain to the Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg trials. It runs rather dry, especially initially, but tells a truly inspiring story. The best parts are the occasional glimpses of family life that clearly come from the direct interviews done with Gereck's sons. Or maybe even better, the glimpses we get of Gereck's inner turmoil as he tries to show the love of God to men who oversaw atrocious acts of genocide.
Besides quotes from Gereck and some of the unique pressures he faced, this book delves into the backstory of the leaders of the Third Reich, the arguments for and against the Nuremberg trials, and even the Christian's response to evil and suffering. I am not entirely sure I understood or agreed with this author's portrayal of Christian doctrine, but it certainly adds an interesting dimension.
Definitely recommend.
If you want a shorthand for the ultimate embodiment of evil, you usually mention the Nazis. Their crimes against humanity were so great that the world held an international tribunal to sentence and condemn the leaders. Imagine being charged with their spiritual needs.
Yet that's exactly what happened to Henry Gereck--a middle aged, Midwest Lutheran pastor.
This is the fascinating biography of the man who served as chaplain to the Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg trials. It runs rather dry, especially initially, but tells a truly inspiring story. The best parts are the occasional glimpses of family life that clearly come from the direct interviews done with Gereck's sons. Or maybe even better, the glimpses we get of Gereck's inner turmoil as he tries to show the love of God to men who oversaw atrocious acts of genocide.
Besides quotes from Gereck and some of the unique pressures he faced, this book delves into the backstory of the leaders of the Third Reich, the arguments for and against the Nuremberg trials, and even the Christian's response to evil and suffering. I am not entirely sure I understood or agreed with this author's portrayal of Christian doctrine, but it certainly adds an interesting dimension.
Definitely recommend.