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Bonhoeffer

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 12,437 ratings · 1,372 reviews

From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Amazing Grace," a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler.

A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism.

After discovering the fire of true faith in a H...more

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Published April 20th 2010 by Nelson, Thomas, Inc. (first published August 21st 2009)

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Apr 02, 2011 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-theology

Let me say first that this is a wonderful book. Congratulations Mr. Metaxas.

From an account of Bonhoeffer's life to the overlay of history I was drawn in and followed it. There is (of course) for me a sort of bittersweet sense to the book as Bonhoeffer died just before the end of WWII. He was murdered about 3 weeks before Hitler took his own life more than likely having been murdered on the orders of the mad man himself.

Some will not be as interested in the theological insights that can be found...more Let me say first that this is a wonderful book. Congratulations Mr. Metaxas.

From an account of Bonhoeffer's life to the overlay of history I was drawn in and followed it. There is (of course) for me a sort of bittersweet sense to the book as Bonhoeffer died just before the end of WWII. He was murdered about 3 weeks before Hitler took his own life more than likely having been murdered on the orders of the mad man himself.

Some will not be as interested in the theological insights that can be found here but it was a major part of what I love(ed) about the book. Bonhoeffer has a lot to say and whether a Christian holds with all his insights or not they are still worth reading.

Of course a major part of the book (and why it was selected here) has to do with Bonhoeffer's disgust with the way the Jews were treated in Nazi Germany. Having visited America and expressing his concern over the racial situation here (pre-WWII America) he was relieved that no corollary existed in his own Germany. Having thought this the situation that met him when he returned home from his short visit to America was doubly troubling for him.

I was not aware before I read this book of Bonhoeffer's involvement with the long running conspiracy to kill Hitler. I had been aware of the earlier abortive attempts. These do always seem creepy to me as Hitler always seemed to escape from situations where he shouldn't have. The books account of Bonhoeffer's thoughts and concerns the struggle he has before he moves in that direction. The man moved from being almost a pacifist to participating in a conspiracy. Rather amazing.

I can't possibly give an insight into all you'll find here. Bonhoeffer was an amazing person, a devout and humble Christian and a resource for us still today through his writings. While I can not escape the feeling of loss, outrage and sadness at the death of Bonhoeffer at such a young age, he himself was ready for his death and met it with calmness and faith. A special individual and a good book.

Highly recommended.

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May 20, 2013 John Caneday rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Metaxas's biography of Dietrich Boenhoeffer is a marvelous page-turner of a biography. Metaxas portrays Boenhoeffer in a very heroic manner. He clearly admires Boenhoeffer and his life's work. It is not hard to see why, though his lack of criticism is the most striking failure in the book. Metaxas is an outstanding writer--throughout the book he enlivens the history with his turns of phrase and witty style.

The Boenhoeffer that Metaxas portrays is the kind of man that a good modern-day American...more
Metaxas's biography of Dietrich Boenhoeffer is a marvelous page-turner of a biography. Metaxas portrays Boenhoeffer in a very heroic manner. He clearly admires Boenhoeffer and his life's work. It is not hard to see why, though his lack of criticism is the most striking failure in the book. Metaxas is an outstanding writer--throughout the book he enlivens the history with his turns of phrase and witty style.

The Boenhoeffer that Metaxas portrays is the kind of man that a good modern-day American evangelical church would call to be their pastor. This is an unlikely and hard to believe portrayal of Boenhoeffer, as he was nothing of the sort, growing up in Lutheran Germany in the wake of the higher criticism and liberal theology. To be fair, Boenhoeffer is critical of the German church and theological liberalism, but he's also very much a part of it, as evidenced by Barth's influence on his theology. This is not something that Metaxas studies at all. The uncritical reader would be left under the impression that Barth is a theological conservative which he most certainly was not.

Metaxas seems to go to great pains to not only honor the ecumenical legacy of Boenhoeffer, but to exercise the same ecumenicity himself in this book. The church does need more of this, but the lines need to be defined and issues like Barthianism need to be examined--Metaxas does not do this.

The Boenhoeffer family is utterly remarkable, and in a way that is almost non-existent in the modern world. The Boenhoeffers are an aristocratic, highly educated, and highly influential family in Germany. Boenhoeffer grew up in a very conservative (at least for Germany) family, with a strong Christian influence--particularly in his mother, though they are not a church going family. In fact Boenhoeffer seems to only have begun attending church regularly once he became a pastor.

He was educated at the extremely liberal Berlin University and continued his studies at very liberal Union University in New York City. His influences all seem to be quite liberal. Yet he always takes the Word of God far more seriously than his teachers and fellow students. He seems to have a true Christian calling upon his life and evidences this everywhere he goes, bearing greater fruit in each successive stop along his minsterial journey.

As the Nazis rise in power, he like many in the aristocratic class are alarmed, but confidently believe that Hitler's popularlity will quickly wane. It does not. Boenhoeffer and the Confessing Church are harassed and oppressed constantly by the state church. Metaxas makes one comment stating that ministers fear losing the state funding and this is an obstacle in their speaking out against the Nazis. It seems as though this could have been explored more, though perhaps the influence wasn't as great as one would imagine.

Without knowing much about Boenhoeffer's participation in the plot to assassinate Hitler I was a bit put off by Metaxas's claim that Boenhoeffer was actually a "spy." But it is very clear that he was that and more. He was a conspirator actively working in the resistance movement against Hitler. His role in the assassination plot does not seem to have been great, but he did have a significant role in the resistance and as a spy working for his fellow conspirators. This is one of the more interesting and significant aspects of the book.

Metaxas goes to great lengths to understand and articulate why Boenhoeffer decided to work in the plot to kill Hitler. At first I was very sympathetic to the idea of killing Hitler, but I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea after reflecting upon it more. The fact that so many Christians were involved in the plot gives me pause. Part of honoring our forebearers is in being slow to criticize fellow Christians in such difficult circumstances. That being said, it seems far too bold to attempt to kill the leader of a nation--even one so wicked as Hitler. The conspirators knew that to simply kill Hitler would likely result in one of his henchmen gaining power. They had to accompany the assassination with a coup to seize power in the chaos of the killing. Yet even this was a very frail plan as it hinged on far too many things out of their control. If the nation was not firmly against Hitler and Hiterlism, the attempt was futile, not to mention morally problematic.

Still, one must respect Boenhoeffer and his fellow resisters for what they did under the circumstances. They felt God's leading in their actions and it is easy for modern Americans to criticize their decisions. It is not so easy to know what God would have his people do in such trying times.

Metaxas places Boenhoeffer's legacy firmly in the halls of confessing Christians, perhaps casting the anachronistic evangelical characterization on him. Yet Boenhoffer's words seem clear enough. He was a Christian, living in a different world than modern evangelicals could imagine. Yet he remained true to Christ and is a remarkable example to all who are willing to listen to his words and deeds.
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Aug 27, 2012 Adam Shields rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review at http://bookwi.se/bonhoeffer-pastor-ma...

Short reviews: I keep going back and forth between 4 and 5 stars. I think this was a very good biography. And it left me wanting more, which I think is a good sign. Metaxas did a good job pulling Bonhoeffer out of the boxes that he is often put into. He was more than just a theologian or writer, or part of an assassination plot. But there were some editing errors and lots of strange descriptions. I called them Dan Ratherisms in my full revie...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Melinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, wwii, biography, church-history, 2011, worth-owning

I am reading the library copy of this book, and it is due tomorrow. I have not finished it, but am about 1/2 of the way through. I have read many books on Bonhoeffer in the past, and have read a substantial number of books written by Bonhoeffer himself. He has always fascinated me. A Christian, a pastor, a German, living in the time when Hitler came to power. What did those Christians in Germany see, or not see, about what was coming? If they saw, what did they do? Or not do?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer,...more I am reading the library copy of this book, and it is due tomorrow. I have not finished it, but am about 1/2 of the way through. I have read many books on Bonhoeffer in the past, and have read a substantial number of books written by Bonhoeffer himself. He has always fascinated me. A Christian, a pastor, a German, living in the time when Hitler came to power. What did those Christians in Germany see, or not see, about what was coming? If they saw, what did they do? Or not do?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as the author has aptly written in the title of his book, was indeed a "prophet". Only two days after Hitler was democratically elected chancellor of Germany (Jan. 30, 1933), Dietrich Bonhoeffer gave a radio address on February 1, 1933 called "The Younger Generation's Altered Concept of Leadership" where he examined and dissected the fundamental problems with leadership by a Fuhrer. Bonhoeffer saw, and he acted to inform Christians as he preached and taught. He also was led to act to remove Hitler from power. His courage in speaking as a prophet and in acting led to his arrest and eventual execution in the waning days of WWII. Hitler himself ordered Bonhoeffer's execution, a mere three weeks before Hitler himself committed suicide.

While not finished with the book, I have already ordered it from amazon. This is one book that will be worthwhile to have and read and study. A fascinating book to read in conjunction with Viktor Frankl's books.

I recommend this book with 10 stars.... or more! I wonder how many more stars I'll add when I get to finish it?! I'll update the review when I do.

Some fascinating things about the Bonhoeffer family:
Christel Bonhoeffer, Dietrich's older sister, married Hans von Dohnanyi. Their son Christoph von Dohnanyi was born in 1929 and is a well known German conductor. He was for over 20 years the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Hans von Dohnanyi was a schoolmate and friend of Klaus Bonhoeffer, Dietrich's older brother.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by hanging using piano wire on April 9, 1945.
Bonhoeffer's brother-in-law Hans von Dohnanyi (husband of Christel) was executed by gunshot on April 8th (or 9th), 1945.
Klaus Bonhoeffer was executed by gunshot on April 25, 1945.
Bonhoeffer's brother-in-law Rudiger Schleicheter (husband of Ursula Bonhoeffer) was executed by gunshot April 25, 1945.

Of the 8 children that Karl and Paula Bonhoeffer had, three of their 4 sons died in war. Walter, the 2nd oldest, was killed in WWI. Karl and Dietrich were executed by the Nazis in WWII. Only their oldest son, Karl Friedrich, outlived them. Of their 4 sons-in-laws, two were executed by the Nazis in WWII. Only the daughters Sabine and Susanne had husbands who died natural deaths. (less)

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Feb 08, 2011 Sally Wessely rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is an absolutely amazing book about a man who truly was a pastor, a martyr and a prophet. It is a must read for every Christian. We must examine our own beliefs about how we are to live as Christians in relation to the State, and to each other. The book helps the reader to understand how Nazi Germany happened and the role that the German church played in what happened in Germany after World War I. Someone said that Eric Metaxas has done for Bonhoeffer what David McCullough has done done for...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, biography, non-fiction, christian-life, 2012

I wish I could have taken longer to read this book. It's excellent. Like the subject's "Letters and Papers from Prison", I found myself not wanting to turn pages because I knew they would bring me to the end of his story. Bonhoeffer is one of those rare men whose close following of Christ led him to very difficult places. Yet he went, with boldness and even joy at times, knowing that following God's call was the most important thing. His story personally challenges me through his combination of...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a brilliantly written biography of a true Christian hero, martyr, and saint--if Lutherans canonized saints, Dietrich Bonhoeffer would be among the first, although he would deny that he deserved it. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor in Germany when Hitler came to power and was part of the Resistance (including the Valkyrie plot to kill Hitler). He was from a brilliant and aristocratic family, scientists on his father's side and theologians on his mother's side, and he became a theologian a...more

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Jun 03, 2012 J. rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Just finished my thick skim of Metaxas' book. I enjoyed the flow of his narrative, though the attempt to cram the historical record--kicking and screaming if necessary--into the ideological categories of contemporary politics was troubling and a bit distracting at times. That said, I enjoyed it and may spend more time with it once I'm not quite as busy as I am now.

This paragraph from the review in Books and Culture seems particularly apt:

"What will be the impact of this heroic tale on American...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Gary rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history-wwii, biography, christianity

A tale for our times! This is the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a devout Christian and Lutheran pastor during the 1920s through the 1940s in Hitlers Reich. It details how Bonhoeffer beliefs developed and the steps he came to take in order to serve the truth of orthodox Christianity as he saw it.
These beliefs pitted him against Hitler and the Nazi regime particularly those bishops appointed by Hitler to positions with the Lutheran Church in Germany. Since it was a state church, Hitler had co...more A tale for our times! This is the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a devout Christian and Lutheran pastor during the 1920s through the 1940s in Hitlers Reich. It details how Bonhoeffer beliefs developed and the steps he came to take in order to serve the truth of orthodox Christianity as he saw it.
These beliefs pitted him against Hitler and the Nazi regime particularly those bishops appointed by Hitler to positions with the Lutheran Church in Germany. Since it was a state church, Hitler had control after he was elected.
I am learning many things. First, Hitler despised Christians and Christianity. He would publicly say otherwise as long as it served his power. Second, he set up a 'German Christian' church which adhered to the Nazi beliefs of anti-semitism, euthanasia of ill people, and his infamous pograms. Murder was a political tool for the Nazis as early as 1933. Everyone chose to look the other way. Third, Hitler and Goebbels were actually pagans who wanted to re-establish an ancient Germanic religion of nature worship. Such a religion worshiped as the pre-christian germanic tribes -- astrology, solstices, hedonism and male virility.

This book dovetails nicely with a book I had just finished: In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin

The Garden of Beasts is about Ambassador Dodd, the American ambassador to Germany appointed in 1933 by FDR. Dodd lived and worked in the same neighborhood as Bonhoeffer, the Tiergarten in Berlin. Many of the same secondary characters enter and exit both books. But the stories are told from different perspectives. Dodd from the political side, Bonhoeffer from the religious. Both men opposed Hitler. Dodd was isolated by his diplomatic brethern because he wood not play nice with Hitler. Bonhoeffer was isolated by his religious colleagues for the same reason. Dodd was ultimately relieved of his position because he stepped on too many toes trying to keep FDR apprised of the true nature of the Hitler regime.

Fascinating books that touch on a pivotal time in our history.(less)

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Dec 31, 2012 Susan Ferguson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, biography, nook-owned

excellent book so far - a little over halfway thru. Reading to my husband when we take a trip somewhere as it helps keep us both awake while he's driving.

I have finally finished after being distracted by other books. This is great. I have highlighted and "noted" so much stuff in this book. It is an amazing biography of an amazing person - and it seems so few people know about him. I was aware because I had read another book about him by his best friend Bethge (married to Bonhoeffer's niece). But...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Dougald Blue rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

He gave everything for principle during WWII. The Nazis murdered him while his former fellow Lutherans, the German nationla established church, adopted Nazi liturgy and caved. Bonhoeffer and others founded an alternative denomination that was opposed to national socialism. A great lesson for today's moral relativists in the USA.

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Oct 11, 2012 William rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the start, it appears that this book, despite its length, will be most interesting and an easy read, similar to John Adams which I have recently reviewed.

At the end of the book, I have a love for this man that I could not have imagined from the beginning. A true Christian, in belief, word, action.

It was good to learn about the resistance to Hitler's regime from within Germany itself. And of course, many of these people paid with their lives, and others were aware that that could be the cost...more

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Jan 09, 2012 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: holocaust-wwii, biography, favorites

Throughout history there have been devout Christians who admonish believers for taking their faith lightly. This is the story of one who paid the ultimate price for his beliefs in the midst of the terror that was Hitler's Germany and the Holocaust. Bonhoeffer was among the saboteurs of the plot to assassinate Hitler from the inside. He was living safely in America in 1939, had won praise for being a prominent author and theologian, but chose to return to Germany to defend the Jews against Hitler...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Mark I. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

On a rare occasion I get so involved in a book that it becomes real to me. The characters come to life. The story envelops me with its mental imagery and emotion. And when you finish, it's like emerging from another world that existed for only a short while.

And on an even rarer occasion, a book about real people does the same.

Yesterday, I finished reading "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" by Eric Metaxas. Yesterday, I lost a friend who I won't meet until eternity.

Bonhoeffer was a pas...more On a rare occasion I get so involved in a book that it becomes real to me. The characters come to life. The story envelops me with its mental imagery and emotion. And when you finish, it's like emerging from another world that existed for only a short while.

And on an even rarer occasion, a book about real people does the same.

Yesterday, I finished reading "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" by Eric Metaxas. Yesterday, I lost a friend who I won't meet until eternity.

Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Germany, prior to and during World War II. He was an outspoken critic of the Nazis, and his criticism--and ultimately his actions--were driven by his understanding of Scripture and his convictions about God. He saw great evil in Hitler and his crew, even before Hitler came to power. And as Hitler destroyed the Germany Bonhoeffer loved, Bonhoeffer spoke against Hitler. He spoke and acted in defense of the Jews. He spoke and acted in defense of a biblically-based Church. He spoke and acted against the heretical church of the Third Reich.

And you can't help but ask yourself what would you do in the same situation.

Are you passionate about God's Church, to the point of standing against a tyrannical church-state partnership that wishes to redefine what you believe?

Are you so in love with the Word of God that you will stand against the popular, acceptable claims as to what it means. And are you willing to speak against those who twist God's Word to fulfill their own desires and plans?

And are you so secure in your stand before God, a stand that is based upon faith alone in the sovereign plan of God that existed before time began, that you would calmly face your execution in a way that impacted those who witnessed it for decades to come?

While you may not agree with everything Bonhoeffer stood for, his life is an example to us all. And his life, and death, should force us to go to Scripture to answer these questions and more.

I look forward to meeting Pastor Bonhoeffer when God calls me home. In the meantime, we have to be satisfied with an incredible biography that grips you like a novel and won't let you go until you say goodbye to your new friend.

Thank you Eric Metaxas for writing this book. And thank you Dietrich Bonhoeffer for living it.(less)

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Apr 28, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

On the plus side, Eric Metaxas's biography of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was hung by the Nazis for his participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler (a mere three weeks before Hitler killed himself), is meticulously researched, relying heavily on primary documents and interviews with Bonhoeffer's contemporaries. The story is fascinating, and Bonhoeffer emerges as a man of clear principle and unusual dedication. Metaxas gives you a clear sense of who he was and what he believed. On th...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Paul rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2013

An excellent read. Personally I am more inclined to the parts of the story that detailed the pre Hitler Germany as well as the assassination attempts, his life in the spy world but his personal letters to Maria and other communications as well were fascinating. In fact, I found what was written about Germany prior to 1930 very interesting given that not much is really know about Germany prior to Hitler. At least not much is taught. It was stated at one that "the German people will be burdened wi...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Aaron Ash rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Having read some of Bonhoeffer's writing in the past, I felt I was familiar with his ideas. I had no idea about his life and really only a very surface understanding of his theology. The book did an excellent job of digging into his ideas and following his life to get a sense of where they came from or possibly how they were inspired as they conflicted with his circumstances and/or upbringing. It is well worth the reading time for these reasons.

The reading time for me was extensive, though. The...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Matthew Lindell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are few books that come along that are so powerful as to tilt the direction of your life. This is one of them. There were a number of significant themes that are critical for Christian of the 21st century to understand and not repeat the mistakes of the 20th.

Liberal Theology - The German church of the day was stepping away from the orthodox roots of Christianity and divorcing Jesus from the scriptures. Seminaries got lost in cold academics and lost sight of the hope of the gospel. Bonhoeff...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Ethan Key rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My problems with this book are mostly cosmetic: there are too many instances of the author claiming at this point Bonhoeffer made another famous or infamous statement; there were occasions when I realized the source was a wikipedia page; and at times the book read like a very long high school essay. Any large section in block quotes is welcome. There are also times when a comparison is made to present times which is very much of the author's subjective opinion (which may be offensive to those wh...more My problems with this book are mostly cosmetic: there are too many instances of the author claiming at this point Bonhoeffer made another famous or infamous statement; there were occasions when I realized the source was a wikipedia page; and at times the book read like a very long high school essay. Any large section in block quotes is welcome. There are also times when a comparison is made to present times which is very much of the author's subjective opinion (which may be offensive to those who are not of the same opinion).

Still, this book gives a good sense of how complicated and difficult it was to try and stand against the German Church (in collusion with the National Socialists) and the Nazis themselves. For instance, although this book frequently emphasizes how quick Bonhoeffer was to perceive the enmity of the Nazi Party to Jewish Germans, and how steadfast he was in confronting Anti-Semitism in his sphere of influence, he was anxious about his safety in performing a funeral service for the father of his brother-in-law. After refusing to do it, he immediately regretted it, and asked forgiveness. Nevertheless, when he realized what kind of commitment it would take to oppose an authority that overwhelmed his country and looked to conquer the world, there was no longer any anxiety or hesitation, and he became a source of encouragement and joy for those together with him in dark times.

I suppose my main value of the book is in the man whom it covers. He's someone that, rather than using faith as something to stand on and thus feel superior to others, has it as a place where GOD works on him. Here is someone who, when leaders are clamoring to get more and more, and the rest are seeking shelter, is offering up himself to give those others an opportunity to be safe, because, as he said, many Christian "people neither steal, nor murder, nor commit adultery, but do good according to their abilities. But… they must close their eyes to the injustice around them. Only at the cost of self-deception can they keep their private blamelessness clean from the stains of responsible action in the world. In all that they do, what they fail to do will not let them rest. They will either be destroyed by this unrest, or they will become the most hypocritical of all Pharisees." This is something that the Church always needs to hear.

He is someone who saw suffering of others around him, and it broke him to be like Jesus, and to suffer with them. I want to be like that.(less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Brad rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Dietrich Bonhoeffer is an inspiration and a revelation even to a fallen-away Lutheran like me. When the Nazis co-opted the Lutheran Church in Germany, he helped to organize a new church, called the Confessing Church, to oppose the Nazi's attempted corruption of German Christianity. When it became clear that Hitler had become too powerful to fall politically - as certain influential people in Germany assumed would happen - Bonhoeffer joined the conspiracy lead by Admiral Canaris of the Abwehr an...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Bob Pearson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Courage, courage, courage. If you want to know what it means to latch on to the truth and never deviate whatever the cost, this is the book to read, and this is the life to try to emulate. One must marvel at Bonhoeffer and Eric Metaxas' wonderful retelling of his story. I wonder if I could even come close to having the moral force Bonhoeffer displayed in his path from life to death. Not that I agree with his theology -- that God reaches out to us -- and our duty is to listen to His word to us an...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Cheryl Gatling added it · review of another edition

The prospect of this book was a bit intimidating. I couldn't help thinking that a thick biography of a theologian had to be a at least a little dry, even if that theologian was executed in a Nazi prison. I was surprised at how exciting the story was. Not as in a thriller, for Bonhoeffer's work of thinking and writing and praying was as quiet and steady as he could make it, but the menace that was Nazi Germany hung over everything, growing constantly more dangerous and dreadful. As Bonhoeffer and...more The prospect of this book was a bit intimidating. I couldn't help thinking that a thick biography of a theologian had to be a at least a little dry, even if that theologian was executed in a Nazi prison. I was surprised at how exciting the story was. Not as in a thriller, for Bonhoeffer's work of thinking and writing and praying was as quiet and steady as he could make it, but the menace that was Nazi Germany hung over everything, growing constantly more dangerous and dreadful. As Bonhoeffer and other German Christians struggled to figure out a way to exist with both lives and consciences intact, the noose continued to tighten, and the tension continued to ratchet up and up. But that was for me, the reader. As Bonhoeffer's death became imminent, he became more calm. He was cheerful, uncomplaining, comforting other prisoners and befriending guards. The author made a comment that Bonhoeffer's saintly behavior in prison was not his natural personality. In the outside world he had been prone to depression, and as a youth he had been reserved among others, if not somewhat aloof. His ability to endure was the result of years of discipline, years of meditating on scripture, and seeking God's will for his life. For me this was one of the most inspiring thoughts of the book, that a person need not be born a saint, but may yet become one.

Some are saying that Metaxas misrepresented Bonhoeffer's theology, making him more acceptable to contemporary evangelical Christians, and making him appear less liberal than he really was. I don't have enough knowledge to judge this. I suspect there is something to it, but I also suspect that if Bonhoeffer did not exactly fit the mold of an American evangelical, he would not fit the mold of an American liberal, either. He resists easy classification because his emphasis was not on ticking off a list of correct doctrines, but on living out the gospel through daily spiritual practices, and seeking to know God. It would be wrong to say that Bonhoeffer didn't care what one believed. He cared very much, and that is the reason he broke away from the German Christians and formed the Confessing Church. The Nazis began tweaking the church so that it would better support the needs of the state, changing the central values from humility and forgiveness to those of strength and power, and trying to eliminate all Jewish influences from a religion whose founder, Jesus, was himself a Jew. Bonhoeffer, and others, said, you can't do that. If you mess with Christianity, a little bit here and a little bit there, what you end up with no longer is Christianity. So it was important to believe correctly, but it was even more important to live it completely.

There is a lot in this book. It addresses Bonhoeffer's high-achieving family, the political background of Germany that set it up for Hitler's rise to power, Bonhoeffer's travels, his friendships, his personal thoughts and searchings, his experiences as a student, young pastor, and teacher. It goes from private life to public events, and back again. There is so much in this book, in fact, that I don't know how to summarize it. There was a plot to kill Hitler. It almost succeeded. Men, including Bonhoeffer, were willing to betray their country and risk their lives because they recognized Hitler as evil, because they rejected the Nazi regime's cruelty and brutality. We Americans like to complain that our government oppresses us. We have no idea how great our freedoms really are. Yet we must be vigilant to recognize evil and oppose it. A lifetime spent seeking God's will, as Bonhoeffer's was, can help make this easier.

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Jan 06, 2013 Noelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

to remember...

* Bonhoeffer summarizes important thoughts on the Catholic Church in a short paper, quoted on pg 57.

* I love how he counted the "negro spirituals" as some of his treasured possessions from his time in the States. "...the only real piety and power that he had seen in the American church seemed to be in the churches where there were a present reality and a past history of suffering." (pg 110)

* He comes to understand his conversion: "...My calling is quite clear to me. What God will...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Michael Robinson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Eric Metaxes' biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a powerful read for me. Bonheoffer was a serious theologian and truth seeker. Bonhoeffer was described as someone who continued to ask questions after others stopped asking questions.

It was interesting to me how during Bonhoeffer's first trip to the United States shaped his faith, especially when he visited the black churches in Harlem while in New York City.

Throughout the book, Metaxes presents a very human picture of Bonhoeffer. The part abo...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 stars I had read The Cost of Discipleship, and had heard various bits and pieces about Bonhoeffer's life, but wanted to know more. This book is a very well-written and thorough picture of the man and his times. What an amazing life!
I've wondered what I would have done had I been a citizen of Germany during Hitler's rise to power. It's easy to say, "I would have stood against the horrors being committed", but this book shows how gradually and seductively the people, including leaders of the...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Joselito Honestly and Brilliantly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was said that when he prays it is as if he is really conversing with a God who is listening to him.

His family was rich and influential. He had aristocratic lineage both in the maternal and paternal side. Close relatives occupied high positions in the government, including the military.

He had a real talent for music, but he chose to be a theologian and a pastor of the Lutheran church where he belonged. But he was open-minded insofar as faith and salvation is concerned. He had wanted to visit I...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Lisa H rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I absolutely recommend this book. Also, I must tell you this type of book is not what I typically read. I'm not a big fan of history or biographies, but I have been waiting for this book to come to paperback form for a year. It was on every wish list I have online. It was not a disappointment. The name of the book you ask? Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy : a Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich. by Eric Metaxas.

Eric artfully winds research, personal letters, and history together all in...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Trent rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy Review

From the very first chapter of this book, I knew I would not be able to put it down. The eloquent
yet friendly manner in which Metaxas describes and expounds on the life and works of this
extraordinary individual entices the reader in a way that truly gives life to an already life-changing story.
Of the admittedly few books I’ve read as an adult, I have never been more impressed or intrigued as I
was when reading of the immensely deep thoughts and asser...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My first thought when reading Bonhoeffer was, "I wonder if anyone would have the strength or courage to do the same today." A superbly written biography of a Christian man who was not afraid to not only stand against Hitler but fervently work to remove him from power. With the excerpts from Bonhoeffer's personal letters to friends and family, one can feel the emotions and struggles he faced. An honest look into a devout Christian's world during one of the most horrific periods of history. Eric M...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Howard rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is an excellent read, very engaging. There were a few times when I thought Metaxas was pushing the envelope with his own biases, unnecessarily so because Bonhoeffer is capable of speaking eloquently enough on his own, which for the most part Metaxas allows him to do.

A former prof of mine said of Bonhoeffer's theology that, if you want to be owned by everybody, die young. You don't have time to make as many enemies or narrow your friends. Bonhoeffer had e...more

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About Eric Metaxas

In a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into Albanian, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, and Macedonian.

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Books by Eric Metaxas

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

Socrates in the City: Conversations on "Life, God, and Other Small Topics"

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (but were afraid to ask)

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“...when someone asked Bonhoeffer whether he shouldn't join the German Christians in order to work against them from within, he answered that he couldn't. 'If you board the wrong train,' he said, 'it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction.” — 15 people liked it

“Do not try to make the Bible relevant. Its relevance is axiomatic. Do not defend God's word, but testify to it. Trust to the Word. It is a ship loaded to the very limits of its capacity. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer” — 8 people liked it

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