This book is a compelling statement of the demands of sacrifice and ethical consistency from a man whose life and thought were exemplary articulati...
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May 18, 2011
booklady
rated it: 
Listened to the audio version of this book and found it very compelling. It challenged me in ways I didn't know I needed challenging, which is why it earns 5 stars from me. As a lifelong cultural Catholic and for the last twenty years (or so) actively striving-to-be-Christlike Catholic, I need books which help me to look at my faith from a fresh perspective.
Bonhoeffer's eclectic approach to the Gospels reminds me very much of his German compatriot and one of my other favorite autho More...
Bonhoeffer's eclectic approach to the Gospels reminds me very much of his German compatriot and one of my other favorite autho More...
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Dec 30, 2009
Sandy
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Where does one begin?
This is a book that will profoundly change your understanding about what it means to be a person of faith in the world. Bonhoeffer challenges us to look beyond the values of this world, and asks us are we willing to embrace the true cost of discipleship? His analysis of cheap grace, and its corrupting influence reminds us that there are times that we have to challenge the powers of this world, that there are times when to be a good Christian means we can't always be a g More...
This is a book that will profoundly change your understanding about what it means to be a person of faith in the world. Bonhoeffer challenges us to look beyond the values of this world, and asks us are we willing to embrace the true cost of discipleship? His analysis of cheap grace, and its corrupting influence reminds us that there are times that we have to challenge the powers of this world, that there are times when to be a good Christian means we can't always be a g More...
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Sep 22, 2011
Emily
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I loved this book! Some passages were more difficult than others, but I found it to be time well spent to think through what Bonhoeffer had to say.
I disagree with some of Bonhoeffer's pacifist views. He mentioned that he differs from the Reformers on those points, and I think I'd side more with them. Considering that he was a part of the plot to assassinate Hitler, I'd be interested to know how he reconciled the plot with what he proposes in The Cost. I am reading his biography b More...
I disagree with some of Bonhoeffer's pacifist views. He mentioned that he differs from the Reformers on those points, and I think I'd side more with them. Considering that he was a part of the plot to assassinate Hitler, I'd be interested to know how he reconciled the plot with what he proposes in The Cost. I am reading his biography b More...
May 08, 2011
Will
rated it:
The cost of discipleship was an important one for me-turned a new corner with this one. Here are some of my notes from it:
The seemingly dischotomous problem of the clals to faith through grace with the call to obedience as well.
* they are not divorced but are united--the story of Peter and the boat.
* he must be called to obey -- they faith in Jesus exists and he obeys the call to it.
* to the sinner who struggles with faith he must obey Jesus' way then he will find fai More...
The seemingly dischotomous problem of the clals to faith through grace with the call to obedience as well.
* they are not divorced but are united--the story of Peter and the boat.
* he must be called to obey -- they faith in Jesus exists and he obeys the call to it.
* to the sinner who struggles with faith he must obey Jesus' way then he will find fai More...
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Jan 27, 2011
John
rated it: 
This is an important book, addressing an unintended result of the reformation, which was a wide spread attitude that "I can do whatever I want and live my own life, because I'm covered by his grace." This what he calls "cheap grace". Bonhoeffer is insistent that without active obedience there is no faith and without faith there is no obedience, the two are intertwined. That grace cost Jesus and it cost us everything, but the exchanged is good (our worthless life for His etern
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Jul 27, 2011
Kurt
rated it: 
I just don't see the appeal of this book. In the opening pages, Bonhoeffer introduces readers to the idea that grace is free but not cheap, and following Jesus is an all-consuming choice that involves a Christian's entire life. Which is important, and true, and something that should be established early. From there, though, Bonhoeffer writes for chapter after chapter in a style that at times is academic to a point of incomprehensibility and at times simple enough that his exegetical efforts amou
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Aug 07, 2011
Jeanie
rated it:
Bonhoeffer was only a few that understood that National Socialism was godless and in my opionion stripping men of dignity, liberty and freedom. I think this is a good read because the enemy of cheap grace is so rapid in our churches today. Bonhoeffer lived in a time where cheap grace could not be afforded and so do we. The book gives a clear understanding of grace thru discipleship. Bonhoeffer goes on to say that this cheap grace is what we give ourselves instead of being given by God thru J
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Nov 10, 2009
Amy
rated it:
One of the best Christian books I've ever read. Tons of insight on what it should mean to be a modern Christian. I dog eared almost every single page with significant amount of underlining throughout. So obviously I can't include all my favorite quotes here, so I'll have to only pick a few.
"The future in modern society depends much more on the quiet heroism of the very few who are inspired by God"
"Every moment and every situation challenges us to action a More...
"The future in modern society depends much more on the quiet heroism of the very few who are inspired by God"
"Every moment and every situation challenges us to action a More...
Jul 28, 2009
Brett
rated it: 
This book will mess you up, and you will be better for it - at least it should. Bonhoeffer combats what he coins "cheap grace" (i.e., grace with no demand, no cost, no cross). He demonstrates that the life of discipleship is the life of crucifixion. But this is not from some pussified metrosexual pastor, wearing his tight button-down, throwing around terms like "imitatio christi." No, this is from a man who did it, who faithfully followed and bore witness to Christ until
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Dec 25, 2011
Tim
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What is the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ? Well that is what this book explains. Bonhoeffer makes nit plain that the price is high. Ther cost means we must die to self! I few quotes from the book:
Jesus asks nothing of us without giving us the strength to perform it. His commandment never seeks to destroy life, but to foster, strengthen and heal it. p. 40
"Ye are the salt." Jesus does not say: " You must be the salt." It is not for the disciples More...
Jesus asks nothing of us without giving us the strength to perform it. His commandment never seeks to destroy life, but to foster, strengthen and heal it. p. 40
"Ye are the salt." Jesus does not say: " You must be the salt." It is not for the disciples More...
Aug 27, 2011
Lorna
rated it:
I wish I could have read this book in its original language - German - because I'm just just a bit of the brilliance is lost in translation. However, the necessary content has remained well intact and it is the content which makes it a book for all seasons, nations, and peoples. In Bonhoeffer's work, he describes the many ways in which the Christian will have to sacrifice himself in order to follow Christ. He deals seriously with topics such as "the Enemy," speaking of the time wh
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Sep 21, 2011
Kayla
rated it:
Bonhoeffer has some incredible things to say. In the first part of his book, he compares “costly grace” and “cheap grace.” How often we cheapen God’s grace! I underlined a lot in that section. In the second (and longest) of the three parts, he goes through the Sermon on the Mount in depth. Some of what he mentioned, I’d heard before; some I hadn’t. It was interesting to look at it with a different perspective. His third section is mostly about the Church and what we should look like in the world
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Jul 20, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
I read this as a senior in college and became convinced of the personal price that we must pay as followers of Jesus. However, upon further reflection and life experience, I have come to deeply question the theology that this book supports. While we find ourselves at odd with the Powers That Be, we may indeed find ourselves at great risk. Questioning dominating and oppressive systems (and the human beings who embody such systems), we who are rooted in a faith that does justice are often in dange
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Feb 08, 2012
C. Hollis
rated it:
Put simply: grace is not cheap, and Christ's followers are called to imitate Him and practice the God-ordained ethics presented in the Law and elaborated in the Beatitudes.
Bonhoeffer calls us to abandon the heretical notion of "free grace" in the sense of "grace that requires nothing of the recipient." While this is technically true in the sense that no one is saved through his or her good works, it's also absolutely true that God calls us to repentance and new li More...
Bonhoeffer calls us to abandon the heretical notion of "free grace" in the sense of "grace that requires nothing of the recipient." While this is technically true in the sense that no one is saved through his or her good works, it's also absolutely true that God calls us to repentance and new li More...
Jul 18, 2010
Barry
rated it: 
This book is chock full of wisdom and deeply profound insights, but it took me almost two months to get through it simply because its readability is quite low. Perhaps this is because of the translation, or because Mr Bonhoeffer wrote in a different era, but whatever the reason, it's a tough read. Compounding the problem of poor readability is the injection of strong opinions about non-essential Christian beliefs. Writers are entitled to their opinions like everyone else, and I'm entitled to dis
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Jun 18, 2009
Jed
rated it:
Well, Bonhoeffer is WAY over my head. I liked what I understood, or thought I liked what I thought I understood. I am confused and distressed about some of what I thought he was saying, though: there's no salvation outside the visible church? There can be no vice in a true Christian? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure that makes me a non-Christian, and I have generally felt things that unchurch me to be somewhat distasteful.
I did like some of his expostitions, though, especially that " More...
I did like some of his expostitions, though, especially that " More...
May 05, 2010
Matt
rated it:
This is a very challenging and real book written by a legitimate theologian. Bonhoeffer really hits home to the real calling of Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ. While the statements and challenges made from indepth studies of the Bible carry weight, perhaps Bonhoeffer's tone at certain points may make his assertations hard to swallow as a Christian you cannot deny the call he makes is real.
A definite read for Christians of all stages and even non-Christians wishing to More...
A definite read for Christians of all stages and even non-Christians wishing to More...
Nov 22, 2011
Ben
rated it:
I think this has been my reaction to pretty much everything I've read by Bonhoeffer, but this book was an absolutely life changing read. The call to obedience to Christ at the beginning was extremely profound and is one that forces you to really reexamine your life.
To really appreciate what he's saying, this needs to be read alongside Ethics. There are several parallel ideas between the two that complement each other well. That said, this is a much easier read than Ethics. Not every More...
To really appreciate what he's saying, this needs to be read alongside Ethics. There are several parallel ideas between the two that complement each other well. That said, this is a much easier read than Ethics. Not every More...
Sep 15, 2011
Chad
rated it:
The Cost of Discipleship is written from a man that all modern Christians should know about. A man of God who correctly understood the evil of Hitler and stood up against him actively which eventually lead to his execution. This book is written to be a from a perspective that is similar to the American mantra of "Freedom is not free" and where Bonhoeffer argues that "Grace is not without responsibility" (since after all, grace is free). Just remembering this book that I read
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Feb 09, 2011
Schroder
rated it:
Still trying to figure out how to take this deeply cutting material. Bonhoeffer's take on the sermon on the mount is worth a side study, taking a chapter day by day. The material is thick and challenging to the heart to comprehend or believe. I'm no theology buff, but he definitely seems to be challenging certain waywardisms of the Reformation. He also distinguishes words Jesus directed at the disciples and words directed toward the rest of the crowd... which leaves me at a crossroads as to
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Jan 27, 2012
Jonathan
rated it:
A fairly intense read that will provide insight in to Bonhoeffer's theology developed during the early days of Germany's Nazi rule. Perhaps more importantly, his ideas regarding "cheap" grace and "costly" grace should challenge any reader to take stock of his or her own faith-informed actions. If the book has any weaknesses they would be the shear volume of the theological subject matter tackled and the resulting difficulty of the read. Nonetheless, the treatment and discu
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Jan 12, 2012
David
rated it:
I truly enjoyed this book! Bonhoeffer speaks powerfully and convincingly on the topic of true discipleship. Starting with the topic of "cheap grace" and it's effect of the Church, what it truly means to respond to God's call, then moving onto the Sermon on the Mount. Bonhoeffer's no nonsense, get right to the point writing style is refreshing and challenging. A quick biography of Bonhoeffer's life also brings validity to his statements as he seems to have lived the life he promotes
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Nov 02, 2011
Benjamin
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This is simply a classic of theological writings. A must-read for anyone interested in theology. Bonhoeffer is responsible for introducing many key terms and phrases, and brings to the fore the idea of coming to Christ and dying. Discipleship means total and complete radical commitment. The life of discipleship is complete sacrifice, complete severance from the world, complete dedication. Bonhoeffer writes with eloquence and power. The prose are succinct and poignant. I highly recommend this as
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Jan 17, 2012
Kelly
rated it:
A wonderful book and rather difficult. Difficult in form, and difficult in content. Bonhoeffer was able to pack so much truth into each chapter. I'll tell you, though, that by the end I was tired, and didn't give him the concentration he deserves. It may have been a better strategy to give myself a long break between the reading of each part of the book.
What stands out to me in hindsight is Bonhoeffer's explanation of how Christ stands as mediator between his follower and everything p More...
What stands out to me in hindsight is Bonhoeffer's explanation of how Christ stands as mediator between his follower and everything p More...
Sep 02, 2011
Jay
rated it:
Book Closing:
There are a few books out there that should be read annually. ”The Cost of Discipleship” is one of those books. This, Bonhoeffer’s most popular work, walks through what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ through exploring the Sermon on the Mount and a few topics of central to Christianity such as what it means for us to be saints and what the Body of Christ is.
Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor living in the times of Hitler, shows that the life of a Christian disc More...
There are a few books out there that should be read annually. ”The Cost of Discipleship” is one of those books. This, Bonhoeffer’s most popular work, walks through what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ through exploring the Sermon on the Mount and a few topics of central to Christianity such as what it means for us to be saints and what the Body of Christ is.
Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor living in the times of Hitler, shows that the life of a Christian disc More...
Feb 19, 2011
Jeremy
rated it:
I'm rating this a 5 mostly due to the personal significance I derived while reading, as well as for the enormous theological insight Bonhoeffer's book gave me, in particular about what the Beatitudes actually mean. I put this in the 'life-changing' heading of my personal library, and I'd estimate that about 25% of my copy is now underlined. As for readability, it was a bit of a slog at points as Bonhoeffer's style is quite academic, though his insights are broadly relevant. Overall I found hi
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Jul 15, 2010
Hannah
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Wow. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is THE MAN. (And not the one who's always trying to keep us down, either.) That thought kept replaying in my mind as I read the memoir that G. K. Bell, the bishop of Chichester, wrote for him at the beginning of the book. Just amazing that he was so willing to stand up to Nazis and Hitler's power at a time when so few were openly doing so, by working to get the Church to publicly condemn the Nazis' actions, by refusing to serve in the army, and by even plotting to bring
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Jun 29, 2010
Maggie
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while reading this extremely worthwhile book on christianity, i was reminded of an episode of west wing where the character toby ziegler is asked "do you believe in the literal interpretation of the bible?" he paused for a fairly long time (for a television show) and then responded "yes. but i don't think we are intelligent enough to figure it out."
okay. wow. perfect response. first-blush interpretations of God's word usually don't serve in the long run and someti More...
okay. wow. perfect response. first-blush interpretations of God's word usually don't serve in the long run and someti More...
