Book Review: Bonhoeffer

A year or two ago, I read The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and found it to be one of the most challenging, yet encouraging books I had read.  In fact, one of my favorite quotes comes from that book, "Besides Jesus, nothing has any significance. He alone matters." As I tried to learn more about Bonhoeffer, however, it became clear that many academics have not considered him to be an evangelical, but rather that he fits much more in line with liberal theology.  I simply did not see it. 

Eric Metaxas's biography of this man, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (2011) clearly casts Bonhoeffer as an evangelical. By referring to Bonhoeffer's own writings and communications, he shows that Bonhoeffer was committed to a biblical worldview that was more than just by name only.  He read the Bible and he believed it, putting it into practice. 

Still, Bonhoeffer was a controversial character.  Timing and circumstances located him in a well-to-do family in Germany in the 1920s to 1940s. Because of my work as a neuropsychologist, I was interested to discover that his father was a very famous psychiatrist who was trained by Karl Wernicke, one of the most important historical figures in behavioral neurology.  Dietrich, though, decided early in life to be a theologian.  He led orthodox factions of the German church at that time, he discipled other young men, and he called the church to repentance.  He is perhaps most famous, however, for his role in conspiring to assassinate Hitler.  He believed that Hitler was evil incarnate and that it was not counter to his worldview to stop his tyranny.  He did not succeed, but was himself hanged by the Third Reich for conspiring against the fuhrer. 

Though long, this is a very enjoyable read.  It shows evidence of a man guided by his faith and living out a life of biblical principle. 

4 stars.