Perspective: England vs Germany

Germany has some interesting "facts" every school child must know.  For instance, we we were taught that doctors KNOW the main cause of death in America is people choking on ice.  Hence, no iced drinks in the Germany I grew up in!

Well, after 47 years here, I still have to hear of anyone choking on their ice!  But, that is just one example and easy to enjoy and laugh at.  Others are a bit harder ...

I try to read my Bonhoeffer books every decade or so, but since I have no mind now, I have no idea when the last time was.  So, with my unexpected free time last week (as I waited for a friend whom never came) I reread his, Letters From Prison.

And, I do have a bit of problem with Bonhoeffer, he has been canonized by the American Lutheran Church, their only saint.  Yeah, it bites at me.  Someone whom decides to become involved in the attempted murder of a national leader, even if it is Hitler, has no right to be declared a saint or martyr.  They are guilty of murder.  And he paid the price for that, as God claims is His right.  It was unfortunate that Bonhoeffer could not have lived his faith, a part of which states that God raises up rulers and authorities.  So even if you believe your leader to be the anti-Christ, as Bonhoeffer and many others did, you need discernment - and Germany had none at the time.

So, I am reading along and stumbled on a phrase, "English - hypocrisy"
This was then immediately contrasted with, "German - honesty"
That one took some thought!

I actually had to go to Kant to understand what was being said here.  Bonhoeffer was a big fan of Kant!  I think Kant ... never mind, I will be nice here ...

German philosophical thought says, good or bad, all is disclosed.
English philosophical thought says, that bad is to be hidden.

So, now from a German perspective, it is easy to see why the English (and Americans) can not be trusted - they will lie to cover up anything which is decided to be an unpopular viewpoint.

However, as we know, post-World War II has show light in the dark recesses of the Third Reich - the Germans are hardly honest in their dealings with one another or anyone one else ...  Bonhoeffer did not know, no one knew, of the depth of evil Germany had become.

Which does not negate the statement that those of the English culture are hypocrites.
Indeed, the requirement for our leaders to bury anything and everything under layers of secrecy - most of which are just embarrassing to the current administration!  Self preservation, not national interest, is a real problem in my book for secrecy's usage.  It is one thing to not wish to broadcast your weapon's capabilities, it is entirely another to hid behind National Interest because you are hiding your sin before God (as if you could!).

So, okay, it took a full day to grasp what Bonhoeffer was saying and why.
Truth is over rated, there must be discernment.
Secrets are meaningless, when all must be kept secret.

Driving home again the importance of DISCERNMENT in this culture!