Letters and Papers from Prison
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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Read in January, 1997
Even though it may sound strange, much of what Bonhoeffer wtote from prison was full of joy and poetry. The letters in this volume describe in detail the routines of prison life. And they offer a glimpse of life lived by ordinary civilians during months of aerial bombardments, as the fabric of daily life slowly crumbles. They also reveal the thoughts and emotions of a man whose faith in God and trust in survival are put to the severest test. While he is remembered by those who knew him in his l...more
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Read in June, 2007
recommends it for:
Fans of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I read this book for a class on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This book is very different from Bonhoeffer's other works. As a collection of his personal letters written primarily during his imprisonment, it captures much more of his personality and character. It also contains some of his most controversial thoughts, probably due to the fact that he was writing in shorthand to friends who understood his thinking, and thus did not feel the need to define his terms or explain his concepts to an unfamilia...more
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Read in January, 1998
In prison for his resistance against the Nazi regime, Bonhoeffer struggles with what it means to be a christian in the postmodern world. Here is where he begins to formulate his idea of "religionless Christianity." he writes with the urgency, immediacy, and raw emotion of a man wrestling WITH and at the same time resting WITHIN a real God in a real world gone mad. He writes with the power of kierkegaard and the quiet passion of Buber all at the same time. This book helped me find the c...more
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recommends it for:
pessimists/anxious people
definitely a cure for whining: read how bonhoeffer is full of peace in nazi prison, and your problems gain perspective. but also, he's not annoyingly peaceful--sounds like a real human with real problems, but just isn't melodramatic about it. also, says some really puzzling & provoking things about christianity that makes me wish i could actually speak with him in person for clarification. if i were on facebook, i would add him as a friend. (har.)
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this collection is exactly what the title says it is. this makes it a wonderful way to track bonhoeffer's movement in thinking through the issues of his day theologically. this ensures that it is not a nuanced and well thought out set of responses. instead he is struggling with so many issues at the same time that they come crashing thru the pages at you, roiling together, both hopeful and despairing.
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Read in March, 2007
I love his letters because they correspond much to my own thought and interests. I am not pressured by living in a prison but I loved his desire to make Christ the center of life, of every discussion, of every topic. He includes poems, outlines, songs and prayers that he wrote. I was comforted in reading of another person honestly questioning and leaning on God.
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Read in July, 1998
recommends it for:
anyone
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Bonhoeffer as a real person. His struggles and triumphs come alive here. His love story and the marriage that never happened are also a focus and are well worth reading about.
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This was on Shirley Mullen's recommended reading list under the category of "theology."
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I wish this was required reading for every kid in college. This is VERY relevant TODAY!
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