Summary
The book focuses on a German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose theology is showcased until the time of his death in the hands of the Nazis. It manages a successful interplay between Bonhoeffer’s biography and his spirituality and creates a relationship with the everyday Christian. His entire belief system is reflected in a way suggesting a demonstration of his character (Nichols 11). A personality that wholly emulates that of Christ, both in life and death, with complete trust in God’s will. The book covers various chapters covering extensive issues such as confession, prayer, and ecclesiology. Accordingly, it expresses the willingness to live in Christ and bear suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
The book expresses that Bonhoeffer’s writings are not the only activities that made him extraordinarily unique, especially the context of the 20th century. He lived the life he described in his letters, as expressed by the biographical details presented (Nichols 18). The book opens with an overview about him, almost typical of biography, yet, it equally introduces his work. It is remarkable how the book allows Bonhoeffer to speak by using various personal writings of Bonhoeffer expressing his fundamental ideologies.
The subsequent sections focus on the principal drivers of Dietrich’s theology, society’s significance to a Christian’s life, and his Christological emphasis. The two elements are continually explored until the end of the book, capturing Bonhoeffer’s relevance to the world and not just to Germany. Other significant elements discussed in the following sections regard areas such as prayer and Bible reading (Nichols 35). The role of freedom is equally discussed alongside suggestions for any readers who wish to know more about him.
Reflection
The book covers various issues affecting the contemporary Christians as it were in the 20th century. The doctrine of the church is deeply connected to Bonhoeffer’s life, demonstrating the essence of confession to one another. Moreover, it shows the immense willingness to suffer for Christ and the attainment of spiritual discipline. Accordingly, it reminds Christians that living lives as the one he chose while on earth is possible. Bonhoeffer’s life was filled with events that put him at risk during Hitler’s time, and he lost his brother, was arrested, and hanged later on. However, he remained steadfast throughout the challenging experiences he had to endure (Nichols 42). Essentially, most of his theology was developed during this period, offering insights to other Christians during tribulations.
Another salient thematic manifestation is the relationship between Christ and the Church. The book shows how Bonhoeffer believed that Jesus is the center of correct theology and inadvertently begins with prayers. He effused to separate the historical Jesus from that of faith preached by Paul. He continually references Christ in the Scriptures, who healed the sick and died on the cross for humanity for our deliverance from sin. Each of the roles that Christ played relates directly to the doctrine. For instance, his incarnation demonstrates God’s love for people, while his crucifixion shows God’s judgment on transgression. Therefore, the historical account and analysis provide useful insights on the understanding of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, there is an intimate relationship between Jesus and the church where him being a man for others explains the church’s role to be there for individuals (Nichols 57). Accordingly, serving the purpose of God involves fulfilling the needs of the church and the people.
Myriads of other concerns that the book addresses are Christian-living and ethics, faith, and obedience. Christians should understand that the revelation is concrete and Christ’s existence is highly stressed. He became flesh and dwelt among humans, died on the cross, and resurrected from the dead freeing all from the bondage of sin. Unlike many Lutherans, Bonhoeffer was interested in the Old Testament and the gospels and chose to follow the teachings of Christ strictly in complete obedience and submission to God (Nichols 61). Theologically, faith comes before obedience, however, he insisted that the two are inseparable, and none exists without the other. On Christian living, the book shows that just like self-justification and judging others go together, so does and grace and service.
Critique
The author presents Bonhoeffer as a conservative and orthodox evangelical with a relatively high view of the Bible. The descriptions overhype the orthodoxy and whose belief solely stemmed from the inerrancy of Scripture with archaic Christology. For instance, he is separated from Barth, although his writings demonstrate a relatively high critical view of the Old Testament, especially regarding the historicity of its first three chapters (Nichols 31). Hence, the summary left out other crucial elements of Bonhoeffer’s theological presuppositions. The book takes the path of evangelical perspectives on prayer, devotions, and preaching. It lacks constructive criticisms of his views, explanations of how his perceptions changed, or interpretation of Bonhoeffer’s language and style of writing.
The book accurately outlines Bonhoeffer’s life and theology, however, it should have provided critical details about an element that would help shape readers’ perspective on him. For instance, how Lutheranism influenced his perception of proper theology without the author’s ideals to paint a perfect image overshadows it (Nichols 22). The book should have exhaustively mentioned sacraments such as the Lord’s Supper and baptism, which he firmly believed in throughout his theology. Accordingly, it would wholly expound the reader’s scope for appropriate contextualization. However, the book was well written with an exceptional balance between Bonhoeffer’s theology and life practically.
Application
It is vividly evident that as a Christian, I may never be asked to pay a similar price to the one Bonhoeffer had to pay for his faith, but a similar commitment is expected. This book directly relates to my Christian life and offers practical examples through Bonhoeffer’s life. Some of the most important teachings to apply both in the present and future are sincere prayer, persistence, obedience, and loyalty to God’s commandments. Accordingly, service should guide the ministry alongside accountability and responsibility for spreading God’s love.
In analyzing the life of Bonhoeffer, there are numerous ways the ministry can benefit. The most apparent lesson is standing against oppression of whichever kind and visibility of the church. We need to follow Bonhoeffer’s guidance to enforce the ministry so that the presence of the church can be felt to minimize conformity to the ways of the secular world. Thus, we should integrate these lessons in its operations and realign the purpose to the ideal church of God. From my personal experience, the state of the church is shocking, and it is shifting focus from righteousness and steadfastness in the ways of the Lord. I can apply this book in defining the congregation’s primary role which is to be the light of the world through which Christ’s life and glory. Moreover, I can defend justice in the same way Bonhoeffer did against racial discrimination by Hitler and the Nazis.
Work Cited
Nichols, Stephen J. Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life: From the Cross, for the World. Crossway, 2013.