Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster Quotes

“Both Barth and Köster regarded the political enthusiasm of their respective churches as a grave danger and urged their readerships to understand that the Christian faith was rooted in God’s word alone. To”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil

“It is terrifying to know that religious and pious talk does not always have to be God’s word, but often is mere godless human chatter.”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil

“Eminent Lutheran theologians like Paul Althaus distanced themselves from the wild claims of nationalist enthusiasts, yet also cautiously welcomed the Nazi government. In a 1935 publication, Althaus interpreted the recent events as God’s healing hands upon an aching nation.”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil

“The historical context of Bonhoeffer’s and Köster’s world was Germany’s Third Reich period. It represented an environment where the intrusion of the state into every aspect of life was coupled with an attempt to demand total allegiance of every citizen. The Nazi state ideology sought to claim total commitment and conformity, thus effectively negating the claim God places on those he calls to follow.”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil

“A policy of accommodation was adopted in order to secure the continued existence of the Baptist churches. The argument was that it was the duty of every Christian to submit to those who are in authority134 (Romans”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil

“Union at a decisive moment in 1933. They thoroughly grilled me for several hours; “What is your argument with National Socialism? Why don’t you keep your mouth shut? After all, you endanger the whole Baptist movement . . .” When I drew their attention to the prophetic word, pointing out that this rising power is but a “fading power,” and that the aim of this political movement is the spread of antichristian thinking—the men of the German Baptist movement laughed at me!”
― Paul Spanring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arnold Köster: Two Distinct Voices in the Midst of Germany's Third Reich Turmoil