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A new comprehensive biography of this hugely important Christian martyr, 60 years after his execution at the hands of the Nazis Bonhoeffer has gained a position as one of the most prominent Christian martyrs of the last century. His influence is so widespread that even 60 years after his execution by the Nazis, Bonhoeffer's life and work are still the subject of fresh and lively discussion. As a pastor and theologian, Bonhoeffer decided to resist the Nazis in Germany, but his resistance was not solely theological. He played a key leadership role in the Confessing Church, a major source of Christian opposition to Hitler and his anti-Semitism and was principal of the secret seminary at Finkenwalde in Pomerania.It was here that he developed his theological visions of radical discipleship and communal life. In 1938, he joined the Wehrmacht's "Abwehr", the German Military Intelligence Office, in order to seek international support for the plot against Hitler. Following his inner calling and conscience meant that Bonhoeffer was continually forced to make decisions that separa

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The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This volume provides a comprehensive resource for those wishing to understand the German theologian, pastor, and resistance conspirator Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) and his writings. During his lifetime he made important contributions to many of the major areas of theology: ecclesiology, creation, Christology, discipleship, and ethics. The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer surveys, assesses, and presents the field of research and debates of Bonhoeffer and his legacy, as well as of previous Bonhoeffer scholarship. Featuring contributions from leading Bonhoeffer scholars, historians, theologians, and ethicists, many essays draw attention to Bonhoeffer's positive contributions, while several essays also identify limits and problems with his thinking as it stands. Divided into five parts, the first section provides a detailed outline of Bonhoeffer's biography and the contexts that gave rise to his theology. The contributors explore the dynamic relationship between Bonhoeffer's life and theology. Section two provides rigorous engageme

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Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“A Spoke in the Wheel”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Breslau, the sixth of eight children of the prominent psychiatrist Karl Bonhoeffer and his wife Paula. After completing high school, Dietrich Bonhoeffer began to study Protestant theology and received his doctorate in 1927. He completed his graduate training for the ministry in Barcelona. Next he obtained his qualifi cations to become a professor and completed an academic year in New York. Until 1933, Dietrich Bonhoeffer worked as a lecturer and university pastor in Berlin. He worked with disadvantaged youth in the working-class district of Wedding. A convinced opponent of the National Socialist regime, Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke in a radio address on February 1, 1933, shortly after the seizure of power, asserting that “leaders and governments that worship themselves make a mockery of God.” The radio transmission was interrupted because of its unmistakable criticism of the National Socialist principle of leadership. That same year, Dietrich Bonhoeffer accepted a foreign appointment as a pastor in London. H