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437th out of 1,940 books
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Letters and Papers from Prison (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works #8)
One of the great classics of prison literature, Letters and Papers from Prison effectively serves as the last will and testament of the Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his part in the “officers’ plot” to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
This expanded version of Letters and Papers from...more
This expanded version of Letters and Papers from...more
Paperback, 437 pages
Published
July 1st 1997
by Touchstone
(first published 1951)
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From April 1943 to April 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a prisoner of the Gestapo. Suspected of participating in a plot against Hitler, he was eventually executed in the closing days of World War II. This book is a collection of letters he wrote from prison to his family, his fiancee Maria, and his dearest friend Eberhard.
Bonhoeffer was in his late 30s when he was arrested. He was a Lutheran theologian, who had publicly questioned the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in Germany and was systemati...more
Bonhoeffer was in his late 30s when he was arrested. He was a Lutheran theologian, who had publicly questioned the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in Germany and was systemati...more
Really enjoyed the sections where D talked about the problems of faith in the modern world (now post-modern). The world, according to D, has rejected God as a beginning point for science, philosophy and even theology! Christians are now called to live with Christ in a world that has rejected religion without being religious. In the letters D's ideas were not completely expressed but a lot of interesting thoughts could come out of what he did write. ONe can see where Peter Rollins got a lot of hi...more
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential theologians of our time, had a classical Literature education, and studied under the great theologians of his day. He became a Lutheran Pastor. In 1942. He became involved in the German resistance movement. In April of 1943 he was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Flossenburg Concentration Camp. There he held services and taught his fellow prisoners and contemplated what it means to be good.
A Christian classic, this book contains a collection of...more
A Christian classic, this book contains a collection of...more
"You must never doubt that I'm traveling with gratitude and cheerfulness along the road where I'm being led." -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, letter from prison, Aug. 23, 1944
My sister pointed out how much significant writing comes from people who were incarcerated: The Apostle Paul (several of his epistles), Martin Luther King Jr. ("Letter from a Birmingham Jail"). John Bunyan wrote at least the first part of "The Pilgrim's Progress" while in jail. I'm sure there are many other examples ... and "Letter...more
My sister pointed out how much significant writing comes from people who were incarcerated: The Apostle Paul (several of his epistles), Martin Luther King Jr. ("Letter from a Birmingham Jail"). John Bunyan wrote at least the first part of "The Pilgrim's Progress" while in jail. I'm sure there are many other examples ... and "Letter...more
Jan 02, 2010
Eric
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who live through stories.
Shelves:
christian
This is not particularly dense at the surface level. Bonhoeffer is not spending the bulk of his time digging into theological issues, though he does that occasional, particularly at the end. Instead, he is relating to his friends and family, particularly super-friend Bethge. Over time, it adds up. Bonhoeffer is a person. He's eternally hopeful for his release, but we all know better - there's a certain sadness in reading his letters to his family, friends and fiance. Toward the end, you have the...more
Aug 03, 2011
Weston Mccarron
added it
very interesting musings from a powerful Christian intellect. towards the end, he starts to develop his controversial idea of a post-theism Christianity. unfortunately, his life was cut short by the Nazis before he could fully develop this idea.
"God as a working hypothesis in morals, politics, or science, has been surmounted and abolished; and the same thing has happened in philosophy and religion (Feuerbach!). For the sake of intellectual honesty, that working hypothesis should be dropped, or a...more
"God as a working hypothesis in morals, politics, or science, has been surmounted and abolished; and the same thing has happened in philosophy and religion (Feuerbach!). For the sake of intellectual honesty, that working hypothesis should be dropped, or a...more
One of the great classics of prison literature, Letters and Papers from Prison effectively serves as the last will and testament of the Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his part in the “officers’ plot” to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
This expanded version of Letters and Papers from Prison shifts the emphasis of earlier editions of Bonhoeffer’s theological reflections to the private sphere of his life. H...more
This expanded version of Letters and Papers from Prison shifts the emphasis of earlier editions of Bonhoeffer’s theological reflections to the private sphere of his life. H...more
The letters that are in this book show a different side of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They reveal the depths of his relationship with his family and his friends and his God. I was struck by his naivity towards the government who imprisoned him, seemingly always thinking he would get out soon. The letters are lessons for the reader; we get to see into Bonhoeffer theological thinking and I think many will be surprised. He allows himself the freedom to think on what the scripture says as opposed to liste...more
I wasn't able to finish this book because it had to go back to the library. It's a collection of letters between a German Lutheran minister who imprisoned for over a year (for being part of the German resistance and for roles in plots to assassinate Hitler) and finally executed by the Nazis about a month before he would have been liberated by the Allies.
His letters are in some ways ordinary and in some ways extraordinary. He and his family write back and forth about the practical dealings of his...more
His letters are in some ways ordinary and in some ways extraordinary. He and his family write back and forth about the practical dealings of his...more
I came to this book after listening to Lecture 1 of the Teaching Company Course Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life. Definitely an insightful look into Nazi Germany during the last years of the War. I do think, however, that I might have gotten a little more out of this book if I had read Bethge's biography of Bonhoeffer beforehand. The letters themselves don't make a lot of reference to his actual case or developments generally.
After reading this, Bonhoeffer's murder b...more
After reading this, Bonhoeffer's murder b...more
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Bonhoeffer, the martyr of the Christian resistance to Hitler, writes with eloquence in these letters. He tells us of the doubts and terrors that afflicted him, yet we know of the eerie serenity and equanimity with which he mounted the scaffold to face his own hanging. He speaks of a godless world where god is not an immediate presence to be turned to when we have problems, as he had seemed in earlier times, but that instead we must learn to help ourselves. He also seems to say that the world is...more
Rev. Bonhoeffer's prison writings; written while he was imprisoned by the Nazis. I would recommend any of this great man's writings. However, I would not recommend this as a first book for someone unfamiliar with his work. Because it is largely comprised of his letters, it can be a bit disjointed and confusing to someone unfamiliar with his thought. Best to start with "The Cost of Discipleship" or the "Ethics".
This is a collection of letters, poems, and thoughts by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor who was imprisoned for speaking against Hitler during WWII. It is poignant and difficult to read this inside view of his communications with those closest to him, because he was executed before Germany was liberated.
Proof that the biblical virtue of finding joy in persecution is not limited to the just the setting of the New Testament.
The sermon on marriage should not be missed.
Anti-smoking activists will be disappointed by the multiple requests for smokes and the praises for when they are consumed.
The sermon on marriage should not be missed.
Anti-smoking activists will be disappointed by the multiple requests for smokes and the praises for when they are consumed.
I enjoyed this book, although it was not quite what I expected. The first half of the book was mostly letters back and forth between Bonhoeffer (in prison) and his family members who were not in prison. Fairly banal and bland stuff, where I had been hoping for more theological reflection. I got more of what I was looking for in the second half of the book, but I always felt like I was missing something. I think there must have been other letters that were not included in this collection and yet...more
Books made of correspondence always interest me. I love writing letters myself, and being able to read someone else's correspondence is usually an enriching experience. I didn't select this book purely because it was letters, but to learn more about Bonhoeffer. It was well worth the time and mental effort. His letters span from the very practical requests of his parents, to recounting memories, theological discussions, and his personal feelings and challenges. Some of his shorter writings from t...more
I read this book as part of a class called Prision Literature. I found that I loved how Bonhoeffer's faith sets an example for all Christians, and demonstrates the importance of knowing God's word so that you can draw on it when you need it.
I got this book at the library and I think I want to get it for my kindle and re-read it. Many words of wisdom. Bonhoeffer is very analytical with his thoughts and I enjoyed how he worked his thoughts onto his letters. The letters were very revealing and somber. There were several surprises in the book. He did think about suicide but had claimed that he would overcome by prayer. In one of his letters to his good friend who was a soldier, writing about the baptism of his baby and wanting to be th...more
I reference this from time to time as I reflect on the church today. His work still engages me! A must read to get at the heart of Bonhoeffer's life while in prison, his thoughts, fears, concerns, and hope.
An amazing look into Bonhoeffer's tragically abbreviated life, and the theological thought he didn't live long enough to fully flesh out. This edition contains additional letters to his mentor, Eberhard Bethge, as well as an appendix that re-prints an article for Union Theological Seminary written by his fiance after his execution. That appendix was probably the most difficult for me to read. Bonhoeffer hints at wrestling with the decision that landed him in the Nazi prison here. For anyone inte...more
Jun 25, 2007
Chris
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
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 unfamiliar a...more
I had a religion teacher in high school who challenged us in significant ways. We read about this brave spiritual leader who sacrificed his life in standing up to the Nazis.
I'm not that familiar with Bonhoeffer, so this collection of letters and papers offered a little personal insight into the man and his thought.
Interesting insights into his thoughts during the last days. It includes some poetry and some musings on Christianity without the Church.
That Tom Cruise vehicle about killing Hitler left you kind of ho hum? This guy actually tried to kill Hitler and he's one hell of a writer.
Really wasn't a good read! Read just over 75 pages. Just could not get into reading the letters. Not as good as I tho't it would be. His other books are better than this one.
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A classic how a Lutheran pastor who was involved in a plot to kill Hilter sent his time behind bars.
One of the saddest moments I've experienced when reading a book was when I finished this and read "Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed at the Flossenburg Concentration Camp..." Of course, I knew going in that that was Bonhoeffer's fate, but after spending the time in the book, seeing his utter brilliance and commitment to both his intimate relations with family and friends, it is nothing short of a tragedy that he was taken so young (39!). Seeds of theological ideas are scattered throughout the boo...more
Truly one of the most moving pieces of literature I've ever read.
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian. He was also a participant in the German Resistance movement against Nazism, a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the Abwehr (the German Military Intelligence Office) to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, sho...more
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“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”
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