The subtle clues are “the concrete neighbor, as given to me by God” and “risked in faith.” For Bonhoeffer these are not trivial modifiers, but rather defining ones. However, we need not depend simply on such hints. For his framing of these comments is anything but subtle. For all of the key terms for understanding Bonhoeffer’s evocative (and often misunderstood) language—responsibility, vicarious representation, taking on guilt and freedom—are given their meaning in reference to Jesus Christ.385
