Journeying with Bonhoeffer: Six Steps on the Path to Discipleship

by Katherine Firth, Andreas Loewe

Join the Dean of Melbourne, Dr Andreas Loewe, and academic and poet Dr Katherine Firth, for six weekly reflections as we journey through what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus today. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a theologian for our times: who worked across the barriers of race, denomination and language. For his role in heading an underground seminary, and his work with the resistance against the Nazi regime, he was imprisoned, interned in concentration camps and executed. Bonhoeffer’s inspiring writings invite us to ask about what discipleship really means, and what it is to live out our faith. In 2020, it will be 75 years since Bonhoeffer was martyred.

These reflections, which were first delivered as Dean Andreas’ Lent Addresses in 2019, draw on the Gospel of Luke and Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship. Dr Katherine Firth has written a compelling new biography of Bonhoeffer, first presented at St James’ King Street Sydney, and her translations of the poems and prayers bring out the spirituality, the politics and the craft of Bonhoeffer’s works.

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Print on Demand (Paperback)

First published November 6, 2019

Reviews

[Elizabeth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Firth and Andreas Loewe deliver a timely, accessible guide to one of Christianity's most courageous witnesses. Structured around six weekly reflections originally delivered as Lent addresses, this volume combines Loewe's pastoral voice as Dean of Melbourne with Firth's scholarly and poetic gifts, including her compelling new biography and fresh translations of Bonhoeffer's poems and prayers. The authors understand that Bonhoeffer matters not as distant martyr but as theologian for our times: one who crossed barriers of race, denomination, and language, who asked what discipleship costs when faith confronts political evil. The 75th anniversary of Bonhoeffer's execution provides necessary historical anchor without allowing commemoration to replace challenge. Firth's translations deserve particular praise for capturing the spirituality, politics, and craft of Bonhoeffer's often-quoted but rarely understood corpus. Occasionally the dual authorship creates slight tonal shifts between pastoral reflection and academic biography. Still, for readers seeking to move beyond cheap grace toward costly discipleship, for communities asking what faithful following means in fractured times, this offers six steps worth taking. A worthy companion for Lent or any season of intentional faith.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this small lenten study book. Bonhoeffer's way of explaining what it means to be a disciple and the cost of grace paired with great commentary and scripture. I would highly recommend as it can be read at any year and if you need little reminders of discipleship there are ways to read it throughout the year.

[Melinda Seed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Bonhoeffer and an excellent book for Christian groups to study. I like theological/religious works to be accessible as well as profound as this meets the brief. I can't wait to study this text in a discussion group.

[Floyd K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not much chop. It helps to speak fluent Australian Anglican (ie a lot of waffle and some nice sentiments, a little bit of learning).

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book that engages with bonhoeffer's theology and life grounding it in the everyday of now. It is written as a series of 6 sermons/studies with questions for reflection. The author Andreas Loewe has completed post doctoral work on Bonheoffer as well as writing extensively on Bach, Luther and the Reformation. Katherine Firth is an expert in translation, literature and music and atogether they provide both a poetic, hostoriacl and theological reflection on Bonhoeffer in this very accessible book.
5 stars