Exploring the Legacy of Paul Althaus

Lutheran theologian Paul Althaus (1888–1966) was controversial in his own time and has proven controversial since. This is especially the case in some strands of anglophone scholarship, where he has been called “the most evil German theologian of the National Socialist era” due to his initial support for the regime. Yet as early as 1935 Althaus cautioned colleagues not to “believe the appearance” surrounding his political associations. This essay undertakes the historical-theological work necessary to investigate Althaus’ plea and to clear space for a fresh exploration of his legacy. Specifically, it aims to complicate a one-sided scholarly narrative by clarifying his relationship to the infamous Ansbacher Ratschlag, detailing his rejection of the pro-Nazi Deutsche Christen movement, and uncovering instances of his subversion of National Socialist policy. In light of these factors, strategic equivocation—rather than static complicity—should be the controlling motif for understanding Althaus’ relationship to National Socialism.