Bonhoeffer

1. Bonhoeffer's early life shaped his theological journey

From the time I was thirteen years old it was clear to me that I would study theology.

Family influence: Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born into a prominent German family in 1906. His father was a renowned psychiatrist, and his mother came from a line of distinguished theologians. This background provided Bonhoeffer with a rich intellectual environment and a strong moral foundation.

Early academic brilliance: Bonhoeffer displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age. He completed his doctoral dissertation at the age of 21 and became a lecturer at Berlin University shortly after. His academic pursuits were driven by a desire to understand the nature of the church and its role in society.

Spiritual formation: Despite growing up in a largely secular household, Bonhoeffer developed a deep personal faith. He was particularly influenced by his experiences in Rome, where he encountered the universal nature of the Catholic Church, and in Harlem, New York, where he witnessed the vibrancy of African American Christianity.

2. The rise of Nazism challenged German Christianity

It must be made quite clear—terrifying though it is—that we are immediately faced with the decision: National Socialist or Christian.

Nazi co-option of religion: As Hitler rose to power, the Nazi regime attempted to align the German Protestant Church with its ideology. This led to the formation of the "German Christians," who sought to combine Nazi racial theories with Christian doctrine.

Theological crisis: The Nazi influence in the church created a profound crisis for German Christianity. It raised fundamental questions about the relationship between church and state, the nature of Christian obedience, and the role of the church in opposing injustice.

Bonhoeffer's response: From the beginning, Bonhoeffer saw the inherent contradiction between Nazism and Christianity. He was one of the first to speak out against the persecution of Jews and the attempts to exclude Jewish Christians from the church.

3. Bonhoeffer's time abroad broadened his perspective

In New York they preach about virtually everything; only one thing is not addressed, or is addressed so rarely that I have as yet been unable to hear it, namely, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the cross, sin and forgiveness, death and life.

American experience: Bonhoeffer spent a year studying at Union Theological Seminary in New York. While critical of much of American theology, he was deeply impressed by the vibrancy of African American churches in Harlem.

Ecumenical involvement: Through his international connections, Bonhoeffer became involved in the ecumenical movement. This provided him with a platform to raise awareness about the situation in Germany and to seek support for the church opposition to Nazism.

Global perspective: His experiences abroad, including visits to Rome and plans to visit Gandhi in India, gave Bonhoeffer a vision of Christianity that transcended national boundaries. This global perspective informed his resistance to Nazi nationalism.

4. The Confessing Church emerged as resistance to Nazi influence

The question at stake in the German church is no longer an internal issue but is the question of the existence of Christianity in Europe.

Formation and purpose: The Confessing Church was formed in 1934 as a response to the Nazi-aligned "German Christians." It sought to maintain the independence of the church and to resist the intrusion of Nazi ideology into Christian doctrine.

Barmen Declaration: The theological foundation of the Confessing Church was laid in the Barmen Declaration, which affirmed the supremacy of Christ over all areas of life and rejected the claims of the Nazi state to ultimate authority.

Bonhoeffer's role: Bonhoeffer was a key figure in the Confessing Church, helping to articulate its theological position and representing it in international circles. He saw the church struggle as not merely an internal German issue, but as crucial for the future of Christianity in Europe.

5. Bonhoeffer's radical vision for Christian discipleship

The restoration of the church must surely depend on a new kind of monasticism, which has nothing in common with the old but a life of uncompromising discipleship, following Christ according to the Sermon on the Mount.

Costly grace: Bonhoeffer developed the concept of "costly grace" in opposition to what he saw as "cheap grace" in much of German Christianity. He argued that true discipleship required a radical commitment to following Christ, even at great personal cost.

Concrete obedience: For Bonhoeffer, Christian faith was not merely about belief, but about concrete obedience to Christ's commands. This led him to emphasize the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for Christian living.

Community living: Influenced by his experiences in monastic communities, Bonhoeffer envisioned a new form of Christian community that combined rigorous theological study with practical discipleship.

6. Finkenwalde: A revolutionary seminary experiment

Theological work and real pastoral fellowship can only grow in a life which is governed by gathering round the Word morning and evening and by fixed times of prayer.

Innovative approach: At Finkenwalde, Bonhoeffer implemented his vision for theological education. The seminary combined academic study with communal living, regular prayer, and practical ministry experience.

Spiritual disciplines: Daily life at Finkenwalde was structured around spiritual disciplines, including:

• Morning and evening prayers
• Meditation on Scripture
• Communal singing
• Shared meals
• Silent retreats

Practical training: Bonhoeffer emphasized the importance of connecting theology to real-life ministry. Students were involved in local churches and engaged in social outreach.

7. Bonhoeffer's legacy of faith, resistance, and sacrifice

If you board the wrong train it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction.

Prophetic voice: Bonhoeffer was one of the earliest and most consistent voices warning of the dangers of Nazism. His writings and sermons challenged the church to stand against injustice and to remain faithful to Christ above all else.

Resistance involvement: As the Nazi regime became more oppressive, Bonhoeffer became involved in active resistance. He joined a plot to assassinate Hitler, believing that this was the only way to stop the evil of the Nazi regime.

Martyrdom: Bonhoeffer was arrested in 1943 and executed in 1945, just weeks before the end of the war. His death sealed his legacy as a Christian martyr who was willing to sacrifice everything for his faith and convictions.

Enduring influence: Bonhoeffer's writings, particularly "The Cost of Discipleship" and "Life Together," continue to inspire Christians around the world. His life stands as a powerful example of what it means to follow Christ in the face of evil and injustice.

Last updated: November 10, 2024