„Kämpfet recht!“1 Themen einer evangelischen „Soldatenethik“ im Deutschen Reich während des Ersten Weltkriegs

Abstract

The paper analyses how in German Protestant sermons and devotional literature of World War I an “ethic for soldiers” was drafted. In their writings, the pastors offered the soldiers advice on “righteous fighting” and emphasized the compatibility of Christianity and soldiery. Drawing on the theological tradition, they distinguished between private and public ethics. AsaChristian in private, life a soldierwas fully committed to the gospel and, thus, to loving his neighbour. At the same time, however, due to his profession and as a citizen of the German Reich, he was subject to the German government and obliged to obey this government by killing if necessary. Examining letters offers a further perspective: the complex distinction between private and public ethics was hardly distinguished by soldiers themselves. The letters show also that for some soldiers the idea of following Jesus in their actions did have a meaningful effect during wartime. By comparing the two positions (pastors – soldiers), one can draw the picture ofa multi-layered “ethic for soldiers” during World War I.