[r9etb]

1) Hitler was not an atheist, he was a theist. He used Christian imagery to build his race religion, and believed that the Aryan race was the perfect special creation of the Creator.

He did "use" that imagery, like any good propagandist would. The question is whether this was the reason for his actions, and the answer to that is no, as you state yourself:

2) He wasn't *insane*, he was evil. *Insane* people are not accountable for their actions, they do not know what they are doing. Hitler knew damn well what he was doing.

Huh. And how do you, an atheist, define evil? Can "evil" possibly exist?

As it happens, one can be both "insane" (a rather squishy term) and aware of their actions. The legal question of insanity is not one of awareness, but rather whether one can be held accountable for his actions. As any mental health worker will tell you, insane people are often meticulously logical, and even rational within the confines of their own worlds; it's just that the boundaries of their worlds don't reach out very far from their own heads.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

" He did "use" that imagery, like any good propagandist would. The question is whether this was the reason for his actions, and the answer to that is no, as you state yourself:"

No, I stated no such thing, and your quote doesn't back you up in the least. There is no reason to think he didn't believe what he said. He certainly acted upon it.

" Huh. And how do you, an atheist, define evil? Can "evil" possibly exist?"

He initiated force against others. That's always an evil.

" As it happens, one can be both "insane" (a rather squishy term) and aware of their actions."

You can't be aware of the consequences of your actions if you are insane. That's the definition of insanity.

"As any mental health worker will tell you, insane people are often meticulously logical, and even rational within the confines of their own worlds; it's just that the boundaries of their worlds don't reach out very far from their own heads."

You are talking about mental illness, not insanity. Insanity is a legal term. I do not believe that Hitler was insane. He was just evil. If he were truly insane, then he was not responsible for his actions.