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Nietzsche, God, and the Jews: His Critique of Judeo-Christianity in Relation to the Nazi Myth
Combining biography and a careful analysis of Nietzsche's writings from 1844-1900, this book explores Nietzsche's critique of Christianity, Judaism, and antisemitism. The first part of the book is concerned with psychological aspects and biographical elements. Part Two focuses on the ethical and political aspects of Nietzsche's views as presented in his mature writings: Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Toward the Genealogy of Morals, and the Antichrist.
"The chronological approach enlightens Nietzsche's developing views toward Jews. The so far neglected subject of Jewish-Christian relations in nineteenth-century Germany in reference to Nietzsche's thought is illuminated and interestingly discussed. The topic is vital for Nietzsche studies and central for understanding the intellectual, political, and historical categories that pre-existed in Germany in the nineteenth century." -- Jacob Golomb, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
"The existential-vital appropriation of Nietzsche's work is an interesting and a refreshing alternative to many contemporary analyses of Nietzsc he. The book traces some of the roots of twentieth-century German philosophical connections with Nazism and responses to Judaism, a topic of much recent interest, especially in relation to Heidegger' s philosophy and politics. With the boom in Nietzsche scholarship over the past decade or so, this book is a most welcome addition to the field." -- James P. Cadello, Regis University
"The chronological approach enlightens Nietzsche's developing views toward Jews. The so far neglected subject of Jewish-Christian relations in nineteenth-century Germany in reference to Nietzsche's thought is illuminated and interestingly discussed. The topic is vital for Nietzsche studies and central for understanding the intellectual, political, and historical categories that pre-existed in Germany in the nineteenth century." -- Jacob Golomb, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
"The existential-vital appropriation of Nietzsche's work is an interesting and a refreshing alternative to many contemporary analyses of Nietzsc he. The book traces some of the roots of twentieth-century German philosophical connections with Nazism and responses to Judaism, a topic of much recent interest, especially in relation to Heidegger' s philosophy and politics. With the boom in Nietzsche scholarship over the past decade or so, this book is a most welcome addition to the field." -- James P. Cadello, Regis University
- GenresPhilosophy
232 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1994
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 5, 2024
A REJECTION OF THE NAZIS' USE OF NIETZSCHE AND HIS PURPORTED ANTISEMITISM
Donna "Weaver" Santaniello is also the author of 'Nietzsche and the Gods' and 'Zarathustra's Last Supper: Nietzsche's Eight Higher Men.' She wrote in the Introduction to this 1994 book, "I will analyze Nietzsche's critique of the Christian religion by exploring his personal and intellectual history in relation to Judaism, antisemitism, and the political climate of nineteenth-century Germany... Because I am concerned with Nietzsche's ethical critique of Christianity, and view Nietzsche as one who wrote to encourage critical thinking and individual transformation, my stance can be labeled existential-apolitical. However... political dimensions are indispensable to this project which seeks to fuse both political and religious components in discerning Nietzsche's analysis of Judeo-Christianity." (Pg. 1-2)
She points out, "The failed relationship with [Lou] Salomé and the loss of his seven-year friendship with [Paul] Rée helps to explain why Nietzsche's attitude toward women changes after 'The Gay Science')... Although Nietzsche has positive things to say about women before 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra,' from this work on virtually all of Nietzsche's remarks about women are derogatory... the reason for the drastic shift ... comes as a result of his experience with Salomé and his anger at [his sister] Elisabeth. Even so, Salomé was not the CAUSE of Nietzsche's misogyny, but rather, the occasion FOR it." (Pg. 34-35)
She argues, "Nietzsche was not an antisemite... the Nazis claimed that he was, all the while knowing he was not. That Nazi leaders exploited terms such as the 'superman' and the 'blond beast' to deceive millions into thinking that Nietzsche hated the Jews; that they frightened many (well intentioned) people AWAY from his works and virtually destroyed his reputation while committing their heinous crimes in his name, should thus be HIGHLY suspect." (Pg. 42)
She goes on, "Nietzsche was repulsed by antisemitism because of its hostility toward spiritual and cultural values... Nietzsche regarded the Jews as creative geniuses who made great contributions to morality and culture..." (Pg. 50) Later, she adds, "that he raved against antisemites during the hours of his transition to insanity, make clear that the issue ... was not a passing phase nor peripheral to his existence. However, the question as to why Nietzsche identified with the Jews, who only composed one percent of the population, remains unclear." (Pg. 138)
She concludes, "I rather hold that the Nazis understood Nietzsche all too well and THAT is precisely why they attempted to destroy him---and sever a vital part of Jewish history. The Nazis were not attracted to Nietzsche, they were repulsed and enraged by him precisely BECAUSE he upheld the Jews and dared defy many precursors of the Third Reich... The Nazis use of Nietzsche... was based on a twisted sense of spite and was an act of retaliation." (Pg. 150)
This is a fascinating study, even if one does not accept 100% of her arguments. Anyone studying the life and ideas of Nietzsche will be immensely interested in this book.
Donna "Weaver" Santaniello is also the author of 'Nietzsche and the Gods' and 'Zarathustra's Last Supper: Nietzsche's Eight Higher Men.' She wrote in the Introduction to this 1994 book, "I will analyze Nietzsche's critique of the Christian religion by exploring his personal and intellectual history in relation to Judaism, antisemitism, and the political climate of nineteenth-century Germany... Because I am concerned with Nietzsche's ethical critique of Christianity, and view Nietzsche as one who wrote to encourage critical thinking and individual transformation, my stance can be labeled existential-apolitical. However... political dimensions are indispensable to this project which seeks to fuse both political and religious components in discerning Nietzsche's analysis of Judeo-Christianity." (Pg. 1-2)
She points out, "The failed relationship with [Lou] Salomé and the loss of his seven-year friendship with [Paul] Rée helps to explain why Nietzsche's attitude toward women changes after 'The Gay Science')... Although Nietzsche has positive things to say about women before 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra,' from this work on virtually all of Nietzsche's remarks about women are derogatory... the reason for the drastic shift ... comes as a result of his experience with Salomé and his anger at [his sister] Elisabeth. Even so, Salomé was not the CAUSE of Nietzsche's misogyny, but rather, the occasion FOR it." (Pg. 34-35)
She argues, "Nietzsche was not an antisemite... the Nazis claimed that he was, all the while knowing he was not. That Nazi leaders exploited terms such as the 'superman' and the 'blond beast' to deceive millions into thinking that Nietzsche hated the Jews; that they frightened many (well intentioned) people AWAY from his works and virtually destroyed his reputation while committing their heinous crimes in his name, should thus be HIGHLY suspect." (Pg. 42)
She goes on, "Nietzsche was repulsed by antisemitism because of its hostility toward spiritual and cultural values... Nietzsche regarded the Jews as creative geniuses who made great contributions to morality and culture..." (Pg. 50) Later, she adds, "that he raved against antisemites during the hours of his transition to insanity, make clear that the issue ... was not a passing phase nor peripheral to his existence. However, the question as to why Nietzsche identified with the Jews, who only composed one percent of the population, remains unclear." (Pg. 138)
She concludes, "I rather hold that the Nazis understood Nietzsche all too well and THAT is precisely why they attempted to destroy him---and sever a vital part of Jewish history. The Nazis were not attracted to Nietzsche, they were repulsed and enraged by him precisely BECAUSE he upheld the Jews and dared defy many precursors of the Third Reich... The Nazis use of Nietzsche... was based on a twisted sense of spite and was an act of retaliation." (Pg. 150)
This is a fascinating study, even if one does not accept 100% of her arguments. Anyone studying the life and ideas of Nietzsche will be immensely interested in this book.
May 11, 2022
When you thought it wasn't possible to hate Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche any more than you already did...
May 7, 2026
Essential reading for anyone interested in Nietzsche.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews