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Great Conversations
El Cordero y el Fuhrer: Conversaciones de Jesus con Hitler
Adolf Hitler shed the blood of millions for his own benefit. Christ shed His own blood to benefit millions of people. Hitler created a furnace for the masses. Christ suffered hell to save the masses. Hitler's name is synonymous with power, evil and genocide. The name of Christ means love, peace and life. In this book you will find the answers to fundamental questions about life and death, the cruelty of violence compared to the value of human life and other difficult topics that modern society deal with daily.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
33 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Ravi Zacharias
255 books1,657 followersFrederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias was an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian evangelical minister and Christian apologist who founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). He was involved in Christian apologetics for a period spanning more than forty years, authoring more than thirty books. He also hosted the radio programs Let My People Think and Just Thinking. Zacharias belonged to the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), the Keswickian Christian denomination in which he was ordained as a minister. After his death, allegations of sexual harassment against him emerged, were investigated, and found to be true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 2, 2018
I love these books - Read this in one day. (two cups of coffee - in different locations.)
Ravi is just about my favorite human being on this planet - don't tell my dog (he won't understand) and i'm attempting to read all of his books. I'm getting there.
This book is one of the few that i'm not sure I totally agree with. Ravi has Jesus saying "I would like to take you to My Father Adolph. He awaits all who will come to Him. Just follow Me."
Would Jesus really say that? The Calvinist in me shouts "Not likely". But In a twisty kind of way perhaps this could happen. similar to His comment "Why do you call me Good? Nobody is good except God alone."
So Yes, Jesus can be a bit trixie at times. See - He does have a sense of humor...only Adolph won't be laughing.
But that's the only challenge for me in this book. Ravi even shows that Hitler does not change. His very nature is set and stubborn, as I think all people's will be when they stand before God (as the demons will be also). Non-christians won't all of a sudden become perfectly humble Jesus lovers when they stand before God to be judged. They will probably all claim to defend their actions and EVEN accuse God of doing a poor job of revealing His truth: as Hitler does here.
Personally I don't know if there's much difference between Hitler and most of the other Nazi's, or even people today who hate Jesus and the Bible - yet claim to use a more altruistic humanitarian means of removing Jesus from this planet. Is abortion and women's freedom really much different than the Nazi's mass murders and Germany's pride?
It was a joy to see Dietrich Bonhoeffer confront Hitler. I look forward to reading this book again - SOON!
I was trying to think who else would be a good chat with Jesus: Muhammad perhaps, or the Mormon's Joseph Smith, or Benny Hinn (He's not dead yet - but who cares!) or Maybe Christopher Hitchens...yeah, that would be enlightening - Ravi's too nice a guy to do that one. Maybe I'll do that myself.
Ravi is just about my favorite human being on this planet - don't tell my dog (he won't understand) and i'm attempting to read all of his books. I'm getting there.
This book is one of the few that i'm not sure I totally agree with. Ravi has Jesus saying "I would like to take you to My Father Adolph. He awaits all who will come to Him. Just follow Me."
Would Jesus really say that? The Calvinist in me shouts "Not likely". But In a twisty kind of way perhaps this could happen. similar to His comment "Why do you call me Good? Nobody is good except God alone."
So Yes, Jesus can be a bit trixie at times. See - He does have a sense of humor...only Adolph won't be laughing.
But that's the only challenge for me in this book. Ravi even shows that Hitler does not change. His very nature is set and stubborn, as I think all people's will be when they stand before God (as the demons will be also). Non-christians won't all of a sudden become perfectly humble Jesus lovers when they stand before God to be judged. They will probably all claim to defend their actions and EVEN accuse God of doing a poor job of revealing His truth: as Hitler does here.
Personally I don't know if there's much difference between Hitler and most of the other Nazi's, or even people today who hate Jesus and the Bible - yet claim to use a more altruistic humanitarian means of removing Jesus from this planet. Is abortion and women's freedom really much different than the Nazi's mass murders and Germany's pride?
It was a joy to see Dietrich Bonhoeffer confront Hitler. I look forward to reading this book again - SOON!
I was trying to think who else would be a good chat with Jesus: Muhammad perhaps, or the Mormon's Joseph Smith, or Benny Hinn (He's not dead yet - but who cares!) or Maybe Christopher Hitchens...yeah, that would be enlightening - Ravi's too nice a guy to do that one. Maybe I'll do that myself.
September 24, 2016
I want this book on my shelf.
If this hadn't been a library book, it would have been almost totally highlighted. Ravi Zacharias's writings never ceases to cause me to stop and think. I'm literally not even sure what to say about this. If you want to see and better understand the huge difference between the religion taught in Nazi Germany and the Gospel of Christ, then you need to read this.
I'm not sure what else to say. It's amazing. Read it!
If this hadn't been a library book, it would have been almost totally highlighted. Ravi Zacharias's writings never ceases to cause me to stop and think. I'm literally not even sure what to say about this. If you want to see and better understand the huge difference between the religion taught in Nazi Germany and the Gospel of Christ, then you need to read this.
I'm not sure what else to say. It's amazing. Read it!
March 24, 2022
Some time ago I read a book, Between Heaven & Hell. It is a fictional conversation between Aldous Huxley, John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis "just on the other side" of death (the three all died on the same day). It was an insightful read and is one I like and even value.
This book is supposed to be a fictional account between Jesus and Hitler (with Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a sort of witness). Sadly this book wasn't really up to what I'd hoped to find. While it will to some be an uplifting read (at least I suppose it will) it's more of a group of doctrinal statements placed in the Saviour's mouth. Hitler is more of a straw man screaming diatribes and simply there as a foil.
You might try this one for yourself. I was really hoping for more (and I mean no disrespect to the writer or his ministry). Maybe try it for yourself if you're curious. Wasn't what i was hoping for.
This book is supposed to be a fictional account between Jesus and Hitler (with Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a sort of witness). Sadly this book wasn't really up to what I'd hoped to find. While it will to some be an uplifting read (at least I suppose it will) it's more of a group of doctrinal statements placed in the Saviour's mouth. Hitler is more of a straw man screaming diatribes and simply there as a foil.
You might try this one for yourself. I was really hoping for more (and I mean no disrespect to the writer or his ministry). Maybe try it for yourself if you're curious. Wasn't what i was hoping for.
September 9, 2024
Do you want to know what the word “irony” means? Hitler, the man, the monster, and the maniac put a bullet through his skull in 1945 when Allies forces were closing in. In that moment, the man who slaughtered millions of Jews stepped out of time into eternity to meet his Judge and Jury: Jesus Christ of Nazareth, a Jew…
Hitler did not bring about a 1,000 year reign of the Aryan race. He did not bring about a “Final Solution”. He did not bring about a German Utopia that took over the world. Then, what did he do?
Ever so slowly, he took away the rights of the German people. Doing it slowly, he found he received little resistance. He invaded the Church by setting up “yes men” pastors who educated the people by the NAZI fascist doctrine, rather than thousands of years of Church doctrine. He set up teachers who morphed young minds to “Hail Hitler”, rather than glorifying Christ. In every facet of society he set up his NAZI cronies and seduced a nation that was broken by the First World War.
When assuming power, he mass assassinated opposing politicians and leaders. There were 42 assassination attempts upon his own life, mostly by Christians who thought the world to be a much better place if Hitler wasn’t in it! He dragged the world through six long hellish years of war, and slaughtered millions.
“When the British ruling class was accustomed to take weekends in the country, Hitler takes his countries in the weekends!”
- Winston Churchill
“A man who sought himself to be god with a single self-inflicted gunshot [wound] suddenly finds himself to be face-to-face with the real God, and every answer he gives to the questions he’s asked must withstand the scrutiny of truth.”
Though weaker than his some of his other titles in this series, theologian and apologetic teacher Ravi Zacharias shows us just what a conversation Hitler may of had with Christ after that final gunshot.
Enter the Court of Heaven. Call the witnesses, especially the legendary Bonhoeffer. And witness the glory of the habitation of the throne of Heaven: Justice and Righteousness. Finally, a man who built a nation that would never hold him accountable for his crimes against humanity was finally accountable.
"…you have to stop considering them as a political party. They called themselves Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei-the National Socialist German Workers' Party-but in reality, they were really a cult… A spiritual leader who could not be questioned, disciples who wore matching clothes, rituals and blood oaths performed in secret, and most important of all, the creation of a potent totem to worship. The Hakenkreuz. The Broken Cross, also called the swastika. A symbol to supplant the crucifix and the Star of David."
-James Rollins, The Black Order
Hitler did not bring about a 1,000 year reign of the Aryan race. He did not bring about a “Final Solution”. He did not bring about a German Utopia that took over the world. Then, what did he do?
Ever so slowly, he took away the rights of the German people. Doing it slowly, he found he received little resistance. He invaded the Church by setting up “yes men” pastors who educated the people by the NAZI fascist doctrine, rather than thousands of years of Church doctrine. He set up teachers who morphed young minds to “Hail Hitler”, rather than glorifying Christ. In every facet of society he set up his NAZI cronies and seduced a nation that was broken by the First World War.
When assuming power, he mass assassinated opposing politicians and leaders. There were 42 assassination attempts upon his own life, mostly by Christians who thought the world to be a much better place if Hitler wasn’t in it! He dragged the world through six long hellish years of war, and slaughtered millions.
“When the British ruling class was accustomed to take weekends in the country, Hitler takes his countries in the weekends!”
- Winston Churchill
“A man who sought himself to be god with a single self-inflicted gunshot [wound] suddenly finds himself to be face-to-face with the real God, and every answer he gives to the questions he’s asked must withstand the scrutiny of truth.”
Though weaker than his some of his other titles in this series, theologian and apologetic teacher Ravi Zacharias shows us just what a conversation Hitler may of had with Christ after that final gunshot.
Enter the Court of Heaven. Call the witnesses, especially the legendary Bonhoeffer. And witness the glory of the habitation of the throne of Heaven: Justice and Righteousness. Finally, a man who built a nation that would never hold him accountable for his crimes against humanity was finally accountable.
"…you have to stop considering them as a political party. They called themselves Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei-the National Socialist German Workers' Party-but in reality, they were really a cult… A spiritual leader who could not be questioned, disciples who wore matching clothes, rituals and blood oaths performed in secret, and most important of all, the creation of a potent totem to worship. The Hakenkreuz. The Broken Cross, also called the swastika. A symbol to supplant the crucifix and the Star of David."
-James Rollins, The Black Order
October 7, 2008
This book had some interesting facts about the Third Reich and made solid points about how Hitler's violent actions were totally consistent with a naturalistic worldview. It also contrasted God's view of relationship, as demonstrated in the eternal, perfect relationship between the persons of the Trinity, and Hitler's view: that relationships, and people created in God's image, were disposable and only a means to self-exaltation and achieving his own designs.
The book also wrestled with a seeming contradiction in the life of Bonhoeffer, a pacifist Christian, who was involved in a plot to kill Hitler. Zacharias comes to the conclusion that Bonhoeffer's attempt to kill Hitler was a morally correct choice in a fallen world, as it was actually a defensive strategy designed to save lives and stop killing. He compares it to Rahab hiding the Israelite spies.
All in all, though, I felt that the "literary device" of having Hitler defend his life to Jesus, with Bonhoeffer joining in as a witness, was one that made me uncomfortable. Ultimately, the point is made that Hitler was not being given a second chance to repent after death but rather that Jesus is just revealing to him (and to us) that he would never have repented no matter how long he would have lived. Certainly, this conclusion is true, but I was not able to suspend my disbelief about the unlikely scenario enough to enjoy the book without feeling ill at ease. I kept thinking that Hitler should just be on his face before the radiant Son of God worshiping Him and acknowledging His rightful Judgments.
The book also wrestled with a seeming contradiction in the life of Bonhoeffer, a pacifist Christian, who was involved in a plot to kill Hitler. Zacharias comes to the conclusion that Bonhoeffer's attempt to kill Hitler was a morally correct choice in a fallen world, as it was actually a defensive strategy designed to save lives and stop killing. He compares it to Rahab hiding the Israelite spies.
All in all, though, I felt that the "literary device" of having Hitler defend his life to Jesus, with Bonhoeffer joining in as a witness, was one that made me uncomfortable. Ultimately, the point is made that Hitler was not being given a second chance to repent after death but rather that Jesus is just revealing to him (and to us) that he would never have repented no matter how long he would have lived. Certainly, this conclusion is true, but I was not able to suspend my disbelief about the unlikely scenario enough to enjoy the book without feeling ill at ease. I kept thinking that Hitler should just be on his face before the radiant Son of God worshiping Him and acknowledging His rightful Judgments.
April 26, 2014
This is another work by Ravi Zacharias where he writes of an imaginary dialogue between famous people in history. In this book, it centers on the conversation between Hitler and Jesus. I've enjoyed other works by the author in the similar vein as this book, but I thought it was not as superb as the one Zacharias wrote on Jesus and Buddha titled, The Lotus and the Cross. It is hard to situate a realistic setting of Jesus dialoguing with Hitler, and the beginning of the book begins with an American tourist in Germany with his German friend touring historical World War Two sites in a contemporary context. They end up imagining what the last moments of Hitler's life was like, and then Hitler waking up to face Jesus. Jesus ushers in other witnesses such as Hitler's henchmen and victims. I thought the book had quite a long dialogue with Bonheffer with Hitler in the presence of Hitler. In fact, it seems Bonhoffer spoke more than Jesus! I know that the book's main point was not to articulate a political philosophy, but I thought some of the dialogues would provoke the readers to think more deeply about a Christian theology of the State. The question of whether or not Hitler could have repented and become a Christian is raised at least twice throughout the book, and that sets it up with a dramatic ending of Hitler going to hell because he can't imagine his own enemy being forgiven and going to heaven. Ravi has done well in his other books that are similar to this book, though this time I do think there were some cheesy parts that I don't think appeared in his other works.
May 25, 2019
Fazia um tempo que eu via seguidamente os quadrinhos da Editora 100% Cristão no site Guia dos Quadrinhos, e sempre ficava curioso para saber sobre seu catálogo, suas intenções e, principalmente o conteúdo das suas revistas em quadrinhos. Mas não as via para vender. Descobri, então, que grande parte do conteúdo é produzido nos Estados Unidos, pela editora KingStone, e vertida para o português. Resolvi adquirir as revistas e, quando tiver lido todas que adquiri, farei um post no blog sobre elas. Esta aqui, O Cordeiro e o Lobo, com uma capa AlexRossesca é - em palavras do fandom -, um crossover ente Jesus Cristo e Adolf Hitler no juízo final. Tem um texto bastante interessante e com uma análise histórica das atrocidades do nazismo bem executada. Os desenhos, diferente da capa, ainda são meio precários e o letreiramento da 100% Cristão bastante amador, com letras diferentes, I's com riscos, pouco espaçamento entre os balões. Mas levando em conta tudo, não é um quadrinho ruim e nem exageradamente doutrinário. Tão doutrinário como um quadrinho de super-heróis poderia ser acusado. Portanto, se fosse avaliar, diria que ele é mais um quadrinho filosófico do que religioso e o estratagema de colocar Adolf Hitler frente a frente com Jesus Cristo foi algo bem pensado. Vamos ver agora o que os demais quadrinhos da KeyStone/100% Cristão têm a nos dizer.
April 14, 2021
Peter Kreeft is good at these sort of books containing fictional dialogues between historical people. Unfortunately, Ravi Zacharias not so much in this book. Zacharias' Jesus doesn't really sound anything like Jesus as he rolls off dry apologetics and polemic statements. About a third of the way into the book, Dietrich Bonhoeffer joins the conversation and it becomes a double team.
Of course, the challenge with doing Hitler is that he's so indisputably evil, there's no one to reach through niceties. It might be interesting to read Zacharias' conversation between Jesus and Buddha. At the end, while the book was theologically sound, it was very weak in presentation.
Of course, the challenge with doing Hitler is that he's so indisputably evil, there's no one to reach through niceties. It might be interesting to read Zacharias' conversation between Jesus and Buddha. At the end, while the book was theologically sound, it was very weak in presentation.
December 9, 2013
Ravi Zacharias clearly lays out in conversational tone some of the main tenants of the Gospel and scripture. What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Why is human life important? What is the true pursuit of glory? What is the purpose of the church? What does the separation of church and state look like from a scriptural point of view?
A great read for an introduction into the philosophical underpinnings of the Bible through conversation with an imposing figure in scripture.
The writing itself leaves something to be desired, but the way it unpacks complicated philosophies and makes them approachable to all easily makes up for any shortcomings. Worth the read.
A great read for an introduction into the philosophical underpinnings of the Bible through conversation with an imposing figure in scripture.
The writing itself leaves something to be desired, but the way it unpacks complicated philosophies and makes them approachable to all easily makes up for any shortcomings. Worth the read.
August 18, 2015
A veces necesitamos de libros como estos para abrir más nuestros ojos.
La historia de lo que pasó en Alemania durante la vida de Hitler, es realmente terrorífica.
Este libro, es grandioso, no quiero hacer spoiler, así que no daré detalles, pero sí debo decir que debemos de arrepentirnos antes de que seamos llevados al final de la vida y nos encontremos con Aquél quien nos creó.
Abramos nuestro corazón hacia él y amémonos los unos a los otros como Jesús lo hizo.
La historia de lo que pasó en Alemania durante la vida de Hitler, es realmente terrorífica.
Este libro, es grandioso, no quiero hacer spoiler, así que no daré detalles, pero sí debo decir que debemos de arrepentirnos antes de que seamos llevados al final de la vida y nos encontremos con Aquél quien nos creó.
Abramos nuestro corazón hacia él y amémonos los unos a los otros como Jesús lo hizo.
August 12, 2008
very creative and thought-provoking read, but not life changing.
August 25, 2015
Una increíble historia!
July 28, 2013
Dull Platitudes that Ignore the Reality of Christianity
Ravi introduces his book by comparing Jesus to Adolf Hitler. What he forgets to mention is the blood-soaked history of Christianity, especially over the thousand years that were the Dark Ages. He ignores the true meaning of the word sacrifice (a permanent loss given up for the greater good) and lumps Jesus in the same category as Bill Gates and Doctors Without Borders. They sacrificed far more than Ravi's mythological figure, who, according to his own bible, is in heaven enjoying eternal bliss. Could he get any more petty and condescending to victims of human and natural tragedies? Probably so, but such is not the subject of this book.
I have to give Ravi credit, however, for being honest enough to wear his motivations on his sleeves. Not only does he concede that this book is an open attempt to convert non-Christians to Christianity (although the specific brand of his religion seems deliberately nebulous, only described in nebulous terms such as "love" and "justice"). Again, he ignores the many verses in the bible used to justify slavery and genocide. If you are familiar with his book The End of Reason, Zacharias is happy to dismiss Jesus' silence on the issue of slavery simply by stating "Jesus was silent on a lot of issues." Wow. That's it? No explanation of why slavery was unimportant for a loving god to denounce? Good grief. People like Ravi deserve no respect on this issue.
Ravi's thinly veiled attempt to present Christianity as the best moral framework is pathetic. The Ten Commandments are mentioned near the play's outset. What he forgets to mention are the numerous genocides carried out in the Old Testament (and which are frequently dismissed by apologists using special pleading). He also dismisses the well-documented studies that show non-religious countries (Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium etc) as having the lowest rates of murder, theft, rape and abortion. Where does good old Christian America sit in? As one of the most violent first-world countries existing today. Google the information. Google Nation Master if you doubt me. The facts are irrefutable. Religion allows people to justify anything with the get-out-of-hell free card that is "repentance." That destroys moral accountability before Christianity is even out of the gate.
Even as a play, this book fails utterly. The dialogue is boring and trudges along at an appalling pace. Anyone who has read any of Zacharias' more lengthy pieces can see the conclusion and babbling diatribes a mile away.
Lastly, I would like to comment on Ravi's comparison of Jesus and Hitler. According to Ravi, Hitler epitomizes evil, hatred, pride and destruction, while Jesus exemplifies peace, love, humility and life. Bunkum. Complete and utter bunkum. What could be more arrogant than claiming that one is the son of god? Little save claiming to be god himself. And would a loving god not start and end creation with heaven? Why set two beings up to fail? Christianity was used to justify slavery, as most honest individuals will admit.
Ravi introduces his book by comparing Jesus to Adolf Hitler. What he forgets to mention is the blood-soaked history of Christianity, especially over the thousand years that were the Dark Ages. He ignores the true meaning of the word sacrifice (a permanent loss given up for the greater good) and lumps Jesus in the same category as Bill Gates and Doctors Without Borders. They sacrificed far more than Ravi's mythological figure, who, according to his own bible, is in heaven enjoying eternal bliss. Could he get any more petty and condescending to victims of human and natural tragedies? Probably so, but such is not the subject of this book.
I have to give Ravi credit, however, for being honest enough to wear his motivations on his sleeves. Not only does he concede that this book is an open attempt to convert non-Christians to Christianity (although the specific brand of his religion seems deliberately nebulous, only described in nebulous terms such as "love" and "justice"). Again, he ignores the many verses in the bible used to justify slavery and genocide. If you are familiar with his book The End of Reason, Zacharias is happy to dismiss Jesus' silence on the issue of slavery simply by stating "Jesus was silent on a lot of issues." Wow. That's it? No explanation of why slavery was unimportant for a loving god to denounce? Good grief. People like Ravi deserve no respect on this issue.
Ravi's thinly veiled attempt to present Christianity as the best moral framework is pathetic. The Ten Commandments are mentioned near the play's outset. What he forgets to mention are the numerous genocides carried out in the Old Testament (and which are frequently dismissed by apologists using special pleading). He also dismisses the well-documented studies that show non-religious countries (Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium etc) as having the lowest rates of murder, theft, rape and abortion. Where does good old Christian America sit in? As one of the most violent first-world countries existing today. Google the information. Google Nation Master if you doubt me. The facts are irrefutable. Religion allows people to justify anything with the get-out-of-hell free card that is "repentance." That destroys moral accountability before Christianity is even out of the gate.
Even as a play, this book fails utterly. The dialogue is boring and trudges along at an appalling pace. Anyone who has read any of Zacharias' more lengthy pieces can see the conclusion and babbling diatribes a mile away.
Lastly, I would like to comment on Ravi's comparison of Jesus and Hitler. According to Ravi, Hitler epitomizes evil, hatred, pride and destruction, while Jesus exemplifies peace, love, humility and life. Bunkum. Complete and utter bunkum. What could be more arrogant than claiming that one is the son of god? Little save claiming to be god himself. And would a loving god not start and end creation with heaven? Why set two beings up to fail? Christianity was used to justify slavery, as most honest individuals will admit.
March 10, 2017
Others have rightly compared this book to the one by Peter Kreeft on a postmortem encounter between Lewis, Huxley, & Kennedy, which I have also read. It definitely wasn't as good as Kreeft's book and I didn't think that was that great, but it was better than this one. So as for this book - not terrible - not great - somewhere in between. Zacharias had some good ideas such as working in Bonhoeffer's "Who Am I" but unfortunately all the characters, including Jesus, still seemed rather flat. They all seemed more like personifications of ideals than as persons. But at least it is an easy and quick read so it's not a big time investment. Some reviewers really liked it, so I'd say that if you are interested go ahead and read it.
July 10, 2008
I first heard of Ravi Zacharias when I lived in India. The Christians there highly esteemed him as a great man of God and could not believe that I had never heard of him. Since then I have read several of his books and had an opportunity to hear him speak at University Presbyterian in Seattle. He is renown in the field of apologetics/worldview and, as an East Indian, brings a unique perspective to the field. His teachings and writings are deeply profound. In his "Great Conversations" series, Zacharias creates a series of "what if" dialogues between Jesus and various thinkers/leaders of our time. In this little book, Jesus "talks" with Hitler and includes Dietrich Bonhoeffer (marytred under the Third Reich regime). They touch on many philosophical topics such as the value of human life, unity in diversity, and issues of life and death. All of Zacharias' books will cause a person to think deeply about fundamental topics. Highly recommended.
Also in the series: The Lotus and the Cross (Jesus talks with Buddha), Sense and Sensuality (Jesus talks with Oscar Wilde), and New Birth or Rebirth (Jesus talks with Krishna). Zacharias also has some significant books on the subject of Islam. I have several in my library.
Also in the series: The Lotus and the Cross (Jesus talks with Buddha), Sense and Sensuality (Jesus talks with Oscar Wilde), and New Birth or Rebirth (Jesus talks with Krishna). Zacharias also has some significant books on the subject of Islam. I have several in my library.
December 21, 2012
I've read the other books in this series, the with Krishna and Buddha have both been good. This was an interesting book to read, howeve I feel Mr. Zacharias failed to allow Hitler to rebut to Jesus talk about the Old Testament and how God allowed the Israelites to smite whole nations (including women and children.)
Though he did a good job of presenting how Jesus can speak to Hitler, and included Bonhoeffer, I think that Ravi did a poor job of presenting a more in-depth conversation that I really think could have been beneficial.
Though I was disappointed with this book, I think there is much to say in terms of having this kind of conversation, and I am intrigued by the series of imaginative conversations between past figures/religious figures and Jesus.
Though he did a good job of presenting how Jesus can speak to Hitler, and included Bonhoeffer, I think that Ravi did a poor job of presenting a more in-depth conversation that I really think could have been beneficial.
Though I was disappointed with this book, I think there is much to say in terms of having this kind of conversation, and I am intrigued by the series of imaginative conversations between past figures/religious figures and Jesus.
April 18, 2013
Normally, I really like Zacharias' writing, but the first half of this book did not impress me. I felt it was awkward and disjointed. All of a sudden you're in the middle of the conversation of two modern day people but there's no introduction to them. Eventually you figure out they're setting the scene for the rest of the book, but I really wish Ravi had done it differently. Thankfully, the second half of the book is much better. When we finally got around to the three-way conversation between Jesus, Bonhoeffer and Hitler, Zacharias had some great points on how worldview can greatly impact how one treats humanity (and what one even considers humanity). I recommend the book for that portion. I’d even just skip the Erik & Daniel discussion at the beginning, and even the first part of Hitler’s discussion with Jesus. Until Bonhoeffer showed up I didn’t find it very poignant.
August 21, 2014
This very brief book is an imagined conversation following Hitler's death at the judgment seat of Jesus with a few witnesses called, but mostly Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Zacharias uses the conversation to expound his version of the Christian role in politics. I enjoyed it although some find the whole genre highly suspect. It is most reminiscent of Peter Kreeft's "Between Heaven and Hell" with overtones of C. S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce." If you don't mind the imaginative and intellectual nature of this political and spiritual discourse, it would be worth the brief amount of time it takes to read.
December 28, 2016
Vaya cómic. Verdaderamente una interesantísima obra sobre cómo sería la conversación entre Hitler y Jesucristo. Esto es para aquellos que creen que el cristianismo es sólo una creencia tonta sin fundamentos, se equivocan, todo trae una consecuencia y explicación teológica profunda e interesante que deberíamos averiguar en vez de criticar y creernos intelectuales por hacerlo. De verdad que Dios habla a través de estas obras que despejan muchas dudas metafísicas y existenciales que se tienen a la hora de decidir creer en alguien tan sabio como Dios.
May 18, 2010
"The reconciliation of liberty with law can be accomplished only when the heart is in tune with a higher law than merely man's law. When a people who have recognized their sin turn to God's grace, His law is seen a defining for the soul and for the well-being of a nation. Without redemption the law only serves to condemn them and draw attention to their shortcomings." (page 80)
Well written, easy to read book, but full of deep truths.
Well written, easy to read book, but full of deep truths.
April 8, 2013
Not knowing what to expect, I found a plausible interpretation of heaven, judgment, and a multitude of other topics from Ravi Zacharias. It provides some interesting details from Adolf Hitler's life, particularly during his time as Fuhrer. Near the end, the dialogue and reasoning became much clearer than earlier on, talking about power, love, and church/state relations. Zacharias definitely explains the Scriptures well in this little book about Hitler and Christ.
September 16, 2013
Ravi has a way of communicating that resonates with most individuals. For me, this dialogue between Jesus and Hitler was what I would imagine it to be in reality. It wasn't all that deep in theology or philosophy but it seemed to bring a vivid personal sense that outstripped the academic depth that many apologetic books are known for. In my opinion, it was a very enjoyable short book on Ravi's perspective on how Hitler's encounter was when he met Jesus.
August 18, 2014
Awesome evangelizing tool
Awesome evangelizing tool
This comic is full of the theology of God's love written in a way that is easy to understand. The comic book format lends an entertainment aspect that could get people to read it when they might not initially want to read the Bible and then lead to a thirst for further Bible study and their subsequent salvation.
Awesome evangelizing tool
This comic is full of the theology of God's love written in a way that is easy to understand. The comic book format lends an entertainment aspect that could get people to read it when they might not initially want to read the Bible and then lead to a thirst for further Bible study and their subsequent salvation.
May 2, 2024
Intelligent speculative fiction blended with a solid non-fiction Christian apologetics (4 stars)
Ravi Zacharias is a noted apologist and Christian philosopher, and in this work of imagined fiction he takes on the premise: what would a conversation between Jesus and Hitler at the instant after Hitler's death have been like? Zacharias would probably be the first to acknowledge that he's not trying to simulate a real conversation, but that he's using this as a literary device to make important points about worldview and apologetics.
Unlike some critics that might be uncomfortable with this notion, I don't find the premise blasphemous, especially because it's presented within the larger framework of a dialogue between two individuals (an American tourist and his German friend), one of which suggests this imagined conversation. So it's very evident right from the outset that this is never intended to represent an actual divine conversation, and personally I found that the whole concept was handled respectfully and carefully. Zacharias often puts the words of Scripture in the mouth of Jesus, which also helps ensure that he presents a possible narrative that is true to the Bible in terms of the ideas he presents.
This book is part of the "Great Conversations" series, and the audio version I listened to lends itself very well to the intended concept of a conversation, although I did find the performances of a couple of the voices slightly lacking. If I had a criticism, it would be that since Jesus is divine, there should be no room for the kind of whining and attempted self-justification that the Hitler persona gets away with at times. Surely a confrontation with the Almighty God would make him cringe in worship and honour like the prophet Isaiah does (Isa 6) rather than accuse God of injustice or even question Him. Hitler's hubris, pride, and lack of humility may have characteristic of his life, but I can only imagine that it would have immediately evaporated when coming into the presence of the God he rejected lifelong. But I can suspend some sense of disbelief here by recognizing that Zacharias is merely using the Socratic method as a literary device.
The story doesn't immediately commence with the imagined dialogue between Jesus and Hitler, and I found the background information presented by Zacharias himself and his initial two characters very helpful. It does a good job of setting some of the historical context for Hitler, leading up to the moment of his suicide, and the type of thinking that drove Hitler to this point. For Hitler this act was not an act of surrender but of defiance, and it confirmed that he wanted to live life on his own terms, as his own god. Many direct quotes from Hitler are used along the way, so we get to hear the voice of evil in his own words throughout.
Zacharias is good at sifting through Hitler's propaganda and persuasive speech, and analyzes the philosophy underlying it. I especially enjoyed how he exposes the many inherent contradictions in Hitler's thinking, especially the inconsistency in how he wants others to treat him, in direct contrast to how he treated them. I also loved how this was contrasted with the divine King Jesus Christ, whose kingdom and rule had a style diametrically opposed to what was evident in Hitler's reign.
The concept of divine judgment is also very profitable to ponder on, and this story really helps one reflect on that. Hitler made so many judgments on others, but in the end he and we all must face God who judges. And before God, all that stands is truth. I was appreciative of how Zacharias made me think about my eternal appointment with God, but also the fact that due to our moral corruption we are all capable of evil like Hitler was, and we all need Christ's redeeming work for our sin of rebellion. This gospel message made for a fitting finale.
Even so, the final segment of the story descended more and more into deep philosophizing and apologetics. For example, Zacharias even takes on the ethics of philosophers like Nietzche. He also covers the charge against the persecuted pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer for being philosophically inconsistent in plotting to assassinate Hitler, although I found the reasoning here somewhat unresolved and unconvincing. Even so, it did a good job of exposing Hitler's moral bankrupcy, because he cannot claim that his own life is sacred or insist that it must be preserved by others, because then he is borrowing from the Christian worldview he explicitly rejects. Bonhoeffer - who was executed for a failed assassination attempt - also becomes a party to the discussion at this point, and his own works are quoted as part of these exchanges.
In all this, much will perhaps go over the heads of the average reader, since it's intellectually deep at times. But that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile, because the basic message comes through loud and clear. It's a intelligent message we need especially in our current world, where God has been dethroned. When reflecting on the holocaust that Hitler defends, I couldn't but help think often of the masses of babies that are murdered today via abortion, and the self-justification that modern man provides for this horrendous atrocity. More than ever today, we need to follow the voice that Zacharias wants us to submit to, which is the voice of the Lamb, because the consequences are eternal.
Ravi Zacharias is a noted apologist and Christian philosopher, and in this work of imagined fiction he takes on the premise: what would a conversation between Jesus and Hitler at the instant after Hitler's death have been like? Zacharias would probably be the first to acknowledge that he's not trying to simulate a real conversation, but that he's using this as a literary device to make important points about worldview and apologetics.
Unlike some critics that might be uncomfortable with this notion, I don't find the premise blasphemous, especially because it's presented within the larger framework of a dialogue between two individuals (an American tourist and his German friend), one of which suggests this imagined conversation. So it's very evident right from the outset that this is never intended to represent an actual divine conversation, and personally I found that the whole concept was handled respectfully and carefully. Zacharias often puts the words of Scripture in the mouth of Jesus, which also helps ensure that he presents a possible narrative that is true to the Bible in terms of the ideas he presents.
This book is part of the "Great Conversations" series, and the audio version I listened to lends itself very well to the intended concept of a conversation, although I did find the performances of a couple of the voices slightly lacking. If I had a criticism, it would be that since Jesus is divine, there should be no room for the kind of whining and attempted self-justification that the Hitler persona gets away with at times. Surely a confrontation with the Almighty God would make him cringe in worship and honour like the prophet Isaiah does (Isa 6) rather than accuse God of injustice or even question Him. Hitler's hubris, pride, and lack of humility may have characteristic of his life, but I can only imagine that it would have immediately evaporated when coming into the presence of the God he rejected lifelong. But I can suspend some sense of disbelief here by recognizing that Zacharias is merely using the Socratic method as a literary device.
The story doesn't immediately commence with the imagined dialogue between Jesus and Hitler, and I found the background information presented by Zacharias himself and his initial two characters very helpful. It does a good job of setting some of the historical context for Hitler, leading up to the moment of his suicide, and the type of thinking that drove Hitler to this point. For Hitler this act was not an act of surrender but of defiance, and it confirmed that he wanted to live life on his own terms, as his own god. Many direct quotes from Hitler are used along the way, so we get to hear the voice of evil in his own words throughout.
Zacharias is good at sifting through Hitler's propaganda and persuasive speech, and analyzes the philosophy underlying it. I especially enjoyed how he exposes the many inherent contradictions in Hitler's thinking, especially the inconsistency in how he wants others to treat him, in direct contrast to how he treated them. I also loved how this was contrasted with the divine King Jesus Christ, whose kingdom and rule had a style diametrically opposed to what was evident in Hitler's reign.
The concept of divine judgment is also very profitable to ponder on, and this story really helps one reflect on that. Hitler made so many judgments on others, but in the end he and we all must face God who judges. And before God, all that stands is truth. I was appreciative of how Zacharias made me think about my eternal appointment with God, but also the fact that due to our moral corruption we are all capable of evil like Hitler was, and we all need Christ's redeeming work for our sin of rebellion. This gospel message made for a fitting finale.
Even so, the final segment of the story descended more and more into deep philosophizing and apologetics. For example, Zacharias even takes on the ethics of philosophers like Nietzche. He also covers the charge against the persecuted pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer for being philosophically inconsistent in plotting to assassinate Hitler, although I found the reasoning here somewhat unresolved and unconvincing. Even so, it did a good job of exposing Hitler's moral bankrupcy, because he cannot claim that his own life is sacred or insist that it must be preserved by others, because then he is borrowing from the Christian worldview he explicitly rejects. Bonhoeffer - who was executed for a failed assassination attempt - also becomes a party to the discussion at this point, and his own works are quoted as part of these exchanges.
In all this, much will perhaps go over the heads of the average reader, since it's intellectually deep at times. But that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile, because the basic message comes through loud and clear. It's a intelligent message we need especially in our current world, where God has been dethroned. When reflecting on the holocaust that Hitler defends, I couldn't but help think often of the masses of babies that are murdered today via abortion, and the self-justification that modern man provides for this horrendous atrocity. More than ever today, we need to follow the voice that Zacharias wants us to submit to, which is the voice of the Lamb, because the consequences are eternal.
November 10, 2007
What would it have been like...that first moment Hitler was standing before His Maker a nanosecond after his earthly life was done? What might he have said to Jesus Christ? What answers might he have received? Zacharias--a brilliant thinker--imagines just that conversation...and it brings great issues and ideas to light.
September 18, 2016
Wow, Ravi certainly took on a heavy topic, but I felt he did it with truth and sensitivity. Of course, we can't know what an actual conversation between these two would look like, but Ravi has given us a picture of a possibility. Ravi seems to know who Jesus is in his portrayal of him. A great read. I am glad to have read it.
August 29, 2012
I actually learned some interesting facts about Hitler that I didn't know as well as getting an easy to digest philosphical investigation into the conflict between Hitler and the true teachings of Christ. Well worth the read.
November 1, 2012
A very interesting look at what Christ might have said to Hitler when he was judged. What's sad is how likely his attitude (as portrayed in the book) would be to the real one and to other atheists' outlooks.
March 12, 2015
I love Ravi. His intelligence along with his gift to teach really comes through in this great conversation between two very different characters from history. I love the guest appearance of Dietrich Bohoeffer!
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