Why did the Nazis initially target the Christian churches in Germany?

The Nazis initially targeted Christian churches primarily to reinforce loyalty to the Nazi regime. The regime recognized the influence that churches had over the population and wanted to ensure that Christian teachings aligned with Nazi ideology. By establishing control over the churches, the Nazis aimed to promote their own messages and discourage any form of dissent that could arise from religious leaders or teachings that contradicted state interests.

While the Nazis had a complicated relationship with various religious groups, they sought to co-opt existing institutions to gain greater control over the populace and to promote a sense of nationalism and unity that was in line with their totalitarian ideals. By undermining the authority of the churches and replacing it with loyalty to the state, they aimed to consolidate their power and eliminate any potential opposition.

The other options, such as seeking to eliminate all religions, forming alliances specifically against communism, or promoting a new religion, do not fully capture the Nazis' strategic intent regarding churches. While some individuals within the Nazi Party may have harbored anti-religious sentiments, the overarching goal was to maintain authority and loyalty among the people rather than an outright elimination of all religious practices.