Does a Nazi fall into the category of “tzelem elokim” (status of being created in the image of G-d) or has he lost that part of his being that would allow that category to apply to him?
The question you have posed is a very interesting one.
The preceeding question, of course is; “What is a tzelem elokim?”
Clearly, the term ‘image of G-d’ cannot be taken literally – G-d doesn’t have an image, G-d is not bound by space.
The term “tzelem elokim” is a very deep idea. It must be understood on different levels. The basic level is, that the name ‘Elokim’ is G-d’s name for ‘the source of all power or energy’ – by creating man to reflect this image, G-d gave man the ability to influence the various forces/energies that G-d sends to the physical world (and all the various non-physical worlds between.)
If man does good actions, more ‘goodness’ is sent to this world. If man does bad actions, the ‘goodness’ is witheld.
Man’s abuse of power, is the abuse of Tzelem Elokim, and constricts the amount of goodness sent to the world.
The Nazis, the embodiment of evil, clearly, abuse their tzelem elokim.
The idea of losing one’s Tzelem Elokim can be found in the writings of the Kabbalists (even though the mishnah in Avot 3:14 clearly describes all Man with a Tzelem Elokim) – that, although the privilege of Tzelem Elokim is bestowed upon man – one can lose this privilege, and then, that individual or group of individuals, have lost their special connection with their creator, both in terms of the Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit) and in terms of being able to affect the levels of goodness bestowed upon the world (shefa).
The topic is very intrigueing and complex – I love learning about it. It seems to be very deep, and very central in terms of our relationship with G-d.
I suggest studying a book called “Nefesh HaChaim” by R’ Chaim of Volozhin (1800’s) – The opening of the first chapter asks the question ‘what is a tzelem elokim’. I know that in my teenage years, the book was very inspirational.
Rabbi Shmuel Kimche