Daring, Trusting Spirit: Bonhoeffer's Friend Eberhard Bethge

by John W. de Gruchy

How did Bonhoeffer's fame and influence happen? Much of the credit goes to Bonhoeffer's close friendship with his student and colleague Eberhard Bethge, says theologian John de Gruchy. In this important and fascinating work, de Gruchy narrates the course of that friendship, building on interviews and newly available primary sources.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

252 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ann Olszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a rather academic biography, extremely moving. I coincidentally finished it on the anniversary of Eberhard Bethge's funeral, and am full of admiration for this great and good man.

Truly this was one of the most important and unique friendships of the 20th century. The book makes clear that while Bethge's lifelong faithfulness to his best friend led him to become Dietrich Bonhoeffer's chief theological interpreter, to the world's great benefit, he had his own role to play in the 55 years after Bonhoeffer's murder in a Nazi concentration camp. Both men are wonderful examples of what a Christian should be in a "world come of age."

[Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great bio of Bonhoeffer's closest friend and confidant, and confessor. Essential to those who want to understand the life of Bonhoeffer, and the role Bethge played in it as well as the life of Bethge and the role Bonhoeffer played in it.