Recommended Reading on Bonhoeffer
A Guide for Laypeople (from an Amateur Fan)
Recommended Reading on Bonhoeffer
The news has been circulating that the Bonhoeffer family has spoken out strongly against how Eric Metaxas has been misusing the name and legacy of Bonhoeffer to further his political agenda. I agree with the Bonhoeffer society and the Bonhoeffer family that EM’s views and (mis)use of Bonhoeffer’s theology is an abomination.
Like many others, I read EM’s biography of Bonhoeffer, at first impressed, until I realized that (1) it is riddled with errors (loads) and (2) twists the story of Bonhoeffer to make him look like an evangelical saint.
Now, I am not a Bonhoeffer expert, but I am a huge fan of Bonhoeffer and he is one of the top influences on my Christian theology and thought. Folks online have asked me what I recommend that they read, since EM’s work is not ideal for getting to know the real Bonhoeffer. While acknowledging that I am not an expert, I do feel comfortable making some recommendations.
Before I list them, I want to say, from my own reading of Bonhoeffer’s works, that he would not be happy with the state of conservative evangelicalism in the US today. Note the following:
Bonhoeffer strongly believed in the compassion of God, and God’s special care for the least of these.
Bonhoeffer believed the state could be corrupted and mixing religion and politics can lead to a deadly cocktail
Bonhoeffer was deeply troubled by how the wealthy and upperclass turned church into a private club
Bonhoeffer valued discipleship that patiently and passionately follows the man of the cross, not pundits making pronouncements from on high
Bonhoeffer was not xenophobic, he respected and valued multiculturalism and diversity, he travelled and had a thirst for learning about other cultures
Bonhoeffer fell in love with the black church, including black gospel music
In some of his darker moments (in prison), he was convinced that the state of the church (in his time) made it harder to know Jesus rather than easier
So, when you read Bonhoeffer, let him be himself, don’t put him in a box.
Top Three recos for the uninitiated: read Haynes/Hale, then read Discipleship, then A Testament to Freedom. Then read as much of his work as you can!
ALSO: watch a good documentary with interviews from people that knew him.
Beginner Level
A great place to begin learning about Bonhoeffer. Read this with your family, short and insightful.
Other Notable Biographies
The classic is by Bonhoeffer’s friend and student, Eberdhard Bethge
The “new classic” is Marsh’s Strange Glory. I read Marsh, very well written, meticulously researched; but focuses on the lifestyle and personality of Bonhoeffer, not as much his theology and politics.
Going deeper
If you want to take your study of Bonhoeffer to the next level, read the Cambridge Companion. (A little dry, but great scholarship)
Primary Sources
Don’t just read about Bonhoeffer, actually read his works, he was a fantastic thinker, writer, preacher, and theologian.
Discipleship
Obviously a great place to begin is his classic, Discipleship. But read a short biography first so you understand the context and stakes of his message.
Testament to Freedom
A great selection of excerpts from various writings, gives you breadth.
Life Together
One of my favorites.
Christ the Center
This is a reconstruction of his lecture notes on Christology, from student study notes.
Letters and Papers from Prison
By far my favorite work of Bonhoeffer is this one, his raw, often darker thoughts about religion, the Bible, and Christianity. But some of his most profound thinking is here. Ummm…maybe don’t start with this.
Sermons
Some other great reads
I see that Angel Productions has a movie coming out about Bonhoeffer. The name alone causes alarm to me. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin. I am concerned and hope to hear from others who are educated in regard to him and can verify, vouch for accuracy of his character portrayal.
I fear it will be used as another case of co-opting DB for the agenda of Christian Nationalists.
Thank you for your recommendations and speaking out during this time.
What a great list, and it's especially helpful to have a pared-down selection for Bonhoeffer newbies. I read the chilling link you shared at the start, and it left me wondering why so many devoted followers of Jesus try to make "CHRIST" rhyme with "GUN." The list you've shared is a fantastic gateway into Bonhoeffer's universe; I didn't dive in sooner simply because I wasn't sure where to start, and I struggled to make sense of his association with the bomb plot. This really helps—thanks so much!