In 1934, due to the rise of the German Christian movement, the church in Germany had officially become the Reich Church. A group of theologians who opposed the movement, gathered during a synod, in Barmen, Germany, to sign the Barmen Declaration, which was a document that withdrew the church's participation in towing the Nazi party line. Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth drafted much of the declaration, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the signors, (although he critiqued it for not speaking out more clearly against exclusion of the Jewish people), and all those who signed, saw it as an act of "divine obedience". It is very important to be sensitive to the ways in which contemporary details are different from the details of that time, but it is also important for us to examine elemental similarities that should give us pause. Here are just a few. - The Barmen Declaration was drafted at a time when much in the day to day was still "normal" in comparison to the scope of horror that would eventually occur in Germany and around the world (we are still trauma carriers from that time... especially the descendants of holocaust survivors). - The German Christian movement that became the Evangelische Reichskirche, was extremely anti-socialist and conservative in nature. - Without the church aligning with the politics of Nazi Germany, the impetus for unspeakably unfettered power, would have been significantly lessened. - Those who saw themselves as true Germans began to resent the "alien" Jews, who they saw as taking up space in their damaged economy. - Those who sounded the warning in the early years, were seen as making a big deal out of nothing. I was recently invited to compose and produce a song inspired by the Barmen Today: a Contemporary and Contemplative Declaration, which is a very well-crafted, ecumenical document written in the spirit of the original Barmen Declaration. It has been drafted and signed by leaders from varying faith traditions (and that is possibly what is most heartening to me... that today's declaration is "one deep calling to another", is a real beacon of hope.) Why I believe the Barmen Today Declaration and the original declaration were drafted and signed in a similar spirit, is because when Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke of the "secularization of the church" he was not worried about the church choosing to include those who had previously been excluded, he was worried about who the church was excluding, and who was exercising the authority to do so. So this Sunday Song and Rumination is a call. To listen to the song. To read the Barmen Today Declaration. To search your own heart. And to consider signing. No matter where you are in the world. I hope this song will serve the declaration and instill courage... as time moves forward, I can see this declaration is more deeply needed, than I can say I wish. Also, here is a link to read the letter Fr Richard Rohr has written, in support of Barmen Today.
18 Comments
Roy Hoagland
10/20/2018 11:46:41 am
What an inspired piece for our times today. Thank you for investing your gifts and talents in the message of Barmen Today.
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Leslye Colvin
10/20/2018 01:28:39 pm
Alana, thank you for using your gift of word and song to amplify the essence of Barmen Today.
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Judy
10/20/2018 02:51:56 pm
Thank you for this clear and beautiful lens. Hope
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Frances Hruska
10/20/2018 04:21:10 pm
Thank you for this vision, beautifully stated.
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Roy Hoagland
10/21/2018 10:57:18 am
I have listened to it repeatedly and find it only touches more and more deeply ...
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John Chase
10/22/2018 04:55:21 am
I would commend folks to read the original in contrast to this one for "today". There are many differences in content, theology, intent, and intellectual muster. Let us be careful when we ascribe "divine obedience" to anything, whether red, blue, or purple.
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Jim Deuser
10/22/2018 08:09:55 am
I signed it back in August at the CAC symposium and then sent it to a lot of people. I'm going to send it to a lot of people AGAIN with your song which is so helpful! Thank you,
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Kristen Saacke Blunk
10/29/2018 07:23:20 am
With deep gratitude for Divine Obedience in these times.
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alana
10/30/2018 07:21:57 am
Hi Kristen! Thanks so much!
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Roy Hoagland
10/29/2018 12:12:22 pm
My subscription got canceled somehow ...
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Roy Hoagland
10/30/2018 07:34:06 am
Just released how I have been repeatedly unsubscribing by error ... dumb!!
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Melody Brown
7/13/2019 07:49:41 am
I keep hearing the scripture: so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). Matthew 24:24.
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Dodie Brown
7/13/2019 07:57:56 am
I have always been a Baenhoeffer fan--and proud to support the message of the Barman today--------------Dodie Brown
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Carol A Aschenbrener MD
7/14/2019 10:31:21 am
Thank you for this, Alana. I have been feeling so powerless in the face of increasing oppression in the US, the ICE raids to round up families of "illegal" immigrants being the latest. Your song and the opportunity to sign (actually resign) Barman Today is a reminder to look for the small things; they can add up.
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Mary Jo Garrett
7/14/2019 09:35:36 pm
I discovered your anthem and the Batman Today through Richard’s meditations. Your song haunts and lifts me at the same time. I’ve sent it along to my minister and music minister to be stirred. Deep gratitude, to you, Alana. Peace .
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Deborah Wald
7/16/2019 05:47:35 am
So powerful and beautiful!! I have recently become acquainted with Fr. Rohr's books and I receive daily emails from the CAC. His loving message has opened up a whole new world for me. His works have introduced me to many profound ideas, people and organizations.
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Julia Ann
11/17/2020 11:55:28 am
Thank you!!! I am adding this to my reflection paper for my professor at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Richmond, Va. I hope he adds it to his PowerPoint presentation for his next class. Today is our final class on Reformation Theology and History. I am not Presbyterian but will be pastoring a Presbyterian church beginning in Jan, 2021. Barmen’s Declaration was the only confessional statement I could relate to. My main statement is that it could have been written in USA 2020. Thank you!!! Blessings
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Alana
11/18/2020 11:30:28 am
Hi Julia Ann!
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AuthorAlana Levandoski is a song and chant writer, recording artist and music producer, in the Christian tradition, who lives with her family on a regenerative farm on the Canadian prairies. Archives
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