Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians

by Stephen R. Haynes; Lori Brandt Hale

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2009

Overview

This volume in the ever-popular W. J. K. Armchair series turns its sights on contemporary theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945). Born in Breslau, Germany, Bonhoeffer led quite an intriguing life. This book, with dozens of illustrations by artist Ron Hill, highlights Bonhoeffer’s background and theological education; his time at Union Seminary in New York City; his involvement in the resistance movement against Adolf Hitler; and his participation in the plot to assassinate Hitler.

Key Features

• Highlights the way Bonhoeffer lived his life from beginning to end
• Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
• Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill

Contents

• Life
• Christ Existing as Community
• Costly Grace
• Stellvertretung and Ethics as Formation
• Religionless Christianity
• Legacy
• Notes
• For Further Reading
• Index

Top Highlights

“The most difficult theological pronouncements, Bonhoeffer wrote at the time, were worthless if they could not be explained to children.” (Page 14)

“its theological crux is the statement that ‘only the believer is obedient and only those who are obedient believe.’” (Page 44)

“Christ is not the bringer of a new religion, but the bringer of God.’” (Page 16)

“Christ exists as community.’ As the congregation gathers and experiences together God’s grace in word, sacrament, and service, the church as community becomes the presence of Christ in the world.” (Page 78)

“Life under cheap grace, in fact, does not differ from life under sin; there is no following after Christ because cheap grace justifies the sin without transforming the sinner.” (Page 104)

Product Details

• Title: Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians
• Authors: Stephen R. Haynes and Lori Brandt Hale
• Series: W. J. K. Armchair
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 176

About the Authors

Stephen R. Haynes is professor of religious studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon: Portraits of a Protestant Saint and The Bonhoeffer Legacy: Post-Holocaust Perspectives.

Lori Brandt Hale is associate professor of religion and director of general education at Augsburg College in St. Paul, Minnesota.