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The Cost of Discipleship
One of the most important theologians of the twentieth century illuminates the relationship between ourselves and the teachings of Jesus in this classic text on ethics, humanism, and civic duty.
What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to say to us? ...more
What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to say to us? ...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
September 1st 1995
by Touchstone
(first published 1937)
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Yes, Hardcover.
Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
I went into Discipleship thinking that I would really hate it. I love the early academic theology of Bonhoeffer, and I'm really interested in Bonhoeffer studies, but I figured that a book couldn't be that interesting and ground breaking if so many fundamentalists love it. I was so wrong.
Bonhoeffer puts forth a lot of very radical ideas here. The idea of the Church being the physical manifestation of Christ, and therefore vicariously representing Christ on earth is brilliant. Bonhoeffer completel ...more
Bonhoeffer puts forth a lot of very radical ideas here. The idea of the Church being the physical manifestation of Christ, and therefore vicariously representing Christ on earth is brilliant. Bonhoeffer completel ...more
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 good c ...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 good c ...more
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 authors, Pope Bened ...more
Bonhoeffer's eclectic approach to the Gospels reminds me very much of his German compatriot and one of my other favorite authors, Pope Bened ...more
I have spent most of my life attending what are generally called the mainline Protestant denominations in the US. I grew up in the United Methodist Church and I'm now a PCUSA Presbyterian. I have heard this book quoted or referenced In sermons and bible studies more times than I can count. But I had never actually read it myself so I decided to as part of a Lenten discipline of reading only books on religion during Lent.
Having now finished, I am surprised at its popularity among liberal Christi ...more
Having now finished, I am surprised at its popularity among liberal Christi ...more
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 the end when he was hung
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I'm not going to attempt to "review" such a classic work. Rather, I thought I would comment on what I thought were some striking themes in Bonhoeffer's work.
One thing is the theme of unqualified obedience to Christ. One of Bonhoeffer's chapters is "The Call of Discipleship" and I think that may have been an even more appropriate title for the book. The call is both a gracious call, one we need but don't deserve, and a call to implicit, unqualified obedience in following Christ, as in the case of ...more
One thing is the theme of unqualified obedience to Christ. One of Bonhoeffer's chapters is "The Call of Discipleship" and I think that may have been an even more appropriate title for the book. The call is both a gracious call, one we need but don't deserve, and a call to implicit, unqualified obedience in following Christ, as in the case of ...more
Ever since reading the remarkable Bonhoeffer biography by Eric Metaxas last year, I’ve been eager to read more of Bonhoeffer’s own writings. Discipleship is of particular interest to me, so I decided to start with this book. As was alluded to in the biography, the book deals not primarily with the concept of discipleship in regards to discipling others, but primarily with the individual’s role and responsibilities as a disciple of Christ. I copied down many excerpts from various chapters, but es
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Having read Eric Mataxus's brilliant biography of Bonhoeffer... 5 stars... skip this review... go read the biography... I had to read more of what Bonhoeffer wrote. It is tough reading. Good food, but vegetables when my brain occasionally wanted chocolate!
The book is divided into 5 sections:
1) Grace and discipleship
2) The Sermon on the Mount
3) The messengers
4) The Church of Jesus Christ and the life of discipleship
The book is worth your time if you're interested in deepening in discipleship. Se ...more
The book is divided into 5 sections:
1) Grace and discipleship
2) The Sermon on the Mount
3) The messengers
4) The Church of Jesus Christ and the life of discipleship
The book is worth your time if you're interested in deepening in discipleship. Se ...more
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 Jesus
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Whew! My brain is mush.
It has been really helpful for me to read this book alongside my friend and mentor. We have gotten together over the past three weeks (and once more this Friday) to discuss what we've read and how our lives as disciples differ from Bonhoeffer's definition of a disciple.
I am a work in progress.
It has been really helpful for me to read this book alongside my friend and mentor. We have gotten together over the past three weeks (and once more this Friday) to discuss what we've read and how our lives as disciples differ from Bonhoeffer's definition of a disciple.
I am a work in progress.
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 which is "coming
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"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."
As a Christian this book was deeply challenging and moving to me. It's difficult to put into words the effect that this book has. Someone of another faith or belief system may find it hard to sympathize, but reading the text will have a similar effect on anyone. Bonhoeffer lived out the radical faith he preaches in this work, and proved it with his life. This forum is too short a medium to convey everything unique and valuable about this work, ...more
As a Christian this book was deeply challenging and moving to me. It's difficult to put into words the effect that this book has. Someone of another faith or belief system may find it hard to sympathize, but reading the text will have a similar effect on anyone. Bonhoeffer lived out the radical faith he preaches in this work, and proved it with his life. This forum is too short a medium to convey everything unique and valuable about this work, ...more
Glad to have finally gotten through this classic. The opening of the book was very edifying and I enjoyed the way how the author tackled on the problem of cheap grace theology. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is truly a Lutheran and one get that feel in the book. It is a call to believers to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to be one faithfully. An excellent book for a believer to read to count the cost and one in which the readers must keep in mind that for the author who lived in Nazi Germany had to pay t
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Within the first few pages of the first chapter, I fell in love with this book. The first chapter, entitled “Costly Grace,” caught me hook, line, and sinker. This is not to say, however, that Bonhoeffer keeps me fastened to his words. Actually, quite the opposite happens. I find that his thoughts become repetitive, and unnecessarily provocative. Themes are repeated over and over. This is not to say that The Cost of Discipleship does not offer a good read, rather it was unnecessarily repetitive i
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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 by Metaxas, and ...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 by Metaxas, and ...more
This book begins with a devotional and challenging coverage of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew's Gospel. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was jailed in World War II because he resisted Nazi influence in the Church and elsewhere. He was hung just before the prison camp was liberated by the Allies.
I used to read this book once per year, especially the material about what Bonhoeffer calls "Cheap Grace." As a New Testament Professor, I also assigned it as part of a seminary course on Matthew's Gospel, so th ...more
I used to read this book once per year, especially the material about what Bonhoeffer calls "Cheap Grace." As a New Testament Professor, I also assigned it as part of a seminary course on Matthew's Gospel, so th ...more
Some final thoughts here after reading Cost of Discipleship. I give it 4/5 stars, but I would almost rather knock it down to 3/5. However, I suspect that its worth grows on future re-readings. I hoped for better exposition of Scripture, but I was also very taken with Bonhoeffer's theological courage and often exacting pull-no-punches arguments. For brevity's sake, I'll leave my comments as an itemized list:
What about joy and resurrection? Bonhoeffer barely develops this central aspect of the dis ...more
What about joy and resurrection? Bonhoeffer barely develops this central aspect of the dis ...more
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 his e
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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 to decide whether they will be the salt o ...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 to decide whether they will be the salt o ...more
In this book, Bonhoeffer coined the term cheap grace. Justification by grace alone is arrived at as the answer to a sum, not as the initial data in man's spiritual quest; here is a relevant quotation from the book:
At the end of a life spent in the pursuit of knowledge Faust has to confess:
"I now do see that we can nothing know."
That is the answer to a sum, it is the outcome of a long experience. But as Kierkegaard observed, it is quite a different thing when a freshman comes up to the university ...more
At the end of a life spent in the pursuit of knowledge Faust has to confess:
"I now do see that we can nothing know."
That is the answer to a sum, it is the outcome of a long experience. But as Kierkegaard observed, it is quite a different thing when a freshman comes up to the university ...more
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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What is the cost of discipleship? What is cheap grace? What is the Christian walk wherefrom we have stolen what is most holy and subsequently profaned? Bonhoeffer tackles such tough issues that were prevalent in Lutheran Germany previous to National Socialist Germany and WWII in his 'Cost of Discipleship.' Hung in the gallows as a prisoner of the Nazis at the end of the Second World War, Bonhoeffer alone stands as a testament - this book is living proof. "When Christ calls a man, He bids him com
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One of the most personally challenging books I've read; this is not 'family-friendly', soft-hearted, mush-minded evangelicalism but a hard, robust Christianity that recognises the true 'cost': suffering and death in the hope of being raised to new life. I only wish he had drawn even a little from Wesley, rather than largely from Luther on the matter of sanctification (which didn't go nearly far enough, and remained somewhat in despair of sin).
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 faith.
Story of the young ric ...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 faith.
Story of the young ric ...more
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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Yes: He tried to kill Hitler, and was martyred for it. If you know nothing else about Bonhoeffer, you just might know that. So no one truly reads Bonhoeffer apart from his biography. As a pastor and theologian, he is always a tyrannicide and martyr first, and I don't apologize for reading him accordingly.
This does not limit the force of his writing. Nothing about his biography would explain how he got to where he ended up. How does a Prussian aristocrat become an anti-racist activist in Germany ...more
This does not limit the force of his writing. Nothing about his biography would explain how he got to where he ended up. How does a Prussian aristocrat become an anti-racist activist in Germany ...more
This book deserves to be read, primarily for the first section on grace and discipleship. Bonhoeffer challenged my thinking in regards to radically pursuing Christ. The second section of the book proved to be encouraging, though I am not sure that I quite agree how Bonhoeffer uses the text of the Beatitudes. His conclusions are great, I'm just not sure if I would get there the same way. The final section, the Church, proved to be a bit more difficult to read. This section seemed ethereal, becaus
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A great thought provoking read setting forth Bonhoeffer's thoughts on the Word as it relates to discipleship. I particularly appreciated his thoughts on "cheap" vs. "costly" grace: "cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ." While Gods grace is freely given it isn't free, and while you could never earn God
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"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." For Bonhoeffer, this phrase sums up what one pays when he/she decides to answer the call of Christ.
It isn't the lukewarm affection displayed by many churchgoers. Bonhoeffer wrote this book before World War II when Europe and North America were considered "Christian." The lack of a Christianity, however, that cost, may be one reason Nazism was able to grow in a country that had known Christian theologians and intellectuals. The country had beco ...more
It isn't the lukewarm affection displayed by many churchgoers. Bonhoeffer wrote this book before World War II when Europe and North America were considered "Christian." The lack of a Christianity, however, that cost, may be one reason Nazism was able to grow in a country that had known Christian theologians and intellectuals. The country had beco ...more
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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| Reformed Readers: The Basics - 2011 - The Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer | 12 | 64 | Jul 26, 2012 05:53PM | |
| Reformed Readers: Blurbing - 2011 - The Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer | 1 | 30 | Sep 08, 2011 06:11PM |
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
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“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”
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“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
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