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 Christians. Don't get me wrong, I liked a lot it but the message of this book is that the gospel is true, that it is urgent that it be proclaimed, and that all men need to repent and follow it. This is so very different from the Stuart Smalley like "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me" school of preaching that I hear more Sundays than not. Here's a couple of sentences from Bonhoeffer: "Nothing could be more ruthless than to make men think there is still plenty of time to mend their ways. To tell men that their cause is urgent and that the kingdom of God is at hand is the most charitable and merciful act we can perform, the most joyous news we can bring."

Now maybe your PCUSA or United Methodist (or Episcopal Church or ELCA Lutheran) church is different from mine, but that's not the message I'm hearing every Sunday. (How I wish I did.) So why is Bonhoeffer quoted so often? I think it is mainly that his heroic life and martyrdom while struggling against the Nazis has made his biography more prominent than his theology. And the phrase cheap grace makes a nice sound bite for those who've never really taken the time to read what Bonhoeffer meant by it. And that's a shame because there is much here that we in 21st century America need to hear.

Anyway, I have the book 4 stars. On message and theology, I'd give it 5 but it is pretty thick and not easily readable in parts. How much of that is due to translation issues from the original German and how much is due to it being just a very academic writing styleI don't know. I had the same issue when I read Pope Benedict's book on the life of Christ. Perhaps I just have a problem reading German theologians. I would also note that this probably isn't the best book for a non-Christian or someone who has been away from church a while. It presupposes a pretty good grasp on the bible and basic concepts of theology. CS Lewis' Mere Christianity would be a better introductory kind of book. But if you're looking for a meaty, substantive theological treatise, this is a good one.