Dietrich Bonhoeffer has long been recognised as one of the 20th centuries most significant theologians. Executed at the age of 39 in a German concentration camp right near the end of World War 2, it is tempting to wonder what theological heights Bonhoeffer would have scaled had he lived for another 30 years. At the same time, Bonhoeffer was also very much a man ‘made’ and defined by the crisis of WWII and his stand against Hitler. As author Eric Metaxas makes clear in this brilliant biography, Bonhoeffer stood head and shoulders above his peers because the situation required it of him. The darkness brought by Hitler and his Nazis required clear thinking, principled leadership and courageous opposition from the church - something that only Bonhoeffer and a minority of other German pastors managed to do.
Guided by Metaxas’ passionate narrative, ‘Bonhoeffer’ tells the story of this young theologian, beginning with his upbringing in a highly intellectual, musical family. The brilliant Bonhoeffer, so far above most of his fellow theologians, was really only average in a family of ten where every member distinguished themselves intellectually, beginning with his father who was the renowned pyschiatrist Karl Bonhoeffer. Yet, this was also a deeply loving family environment that enabled Bonhoeffer to grow into a formidable thinker who was also extremely empathetic. Bonhoeffer was never interested only in the intellectual aspects of Christianity, but also in how faith is practically lived out, in how discipleship is formed in the dust and dirt of daily routine, and in how Christians learn to live in sacrificial, giving communities.
Using abundant source documentation including letters, sermons and journal entries, Metaxas brings to life not only Bonhoeffer and his family, but also a historical age that started out with so much hope before disintegrating into madness. As a child Bonhoeffer was taught never to enter into debate without first clearly processing both sides of the situation, and as an adult he was one of the few who understand the danger of Hitler well before his peers. Bonhoeffer found himself battling fellow Christians, many of whom fell too easily under the sway of a Nazi quasi-theology that Hitler’s government perpetuated. Before and during the war, Bonhoeffer organised resistance to this form of Christianity, and to Hitler himself. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Bonhoeffer’s life is his great internal struggle over whether to involve himself in an assassination attempt on Hitler. It is fascinating to see how a man who believed so emphatically in the Jesus way, eventually came to believe that killing one man for the sake of millions was justified.
As a biography ‘Bonhoeffer’ is comprehensive yet completely riveting, which is why it was ranked first in the 2011 Christian Book Awards. Metaxas makes history fairly leap out of the pages as he writes with insight, humour and a deep understanding of the people behind the events. Bonhoeffer’s vibrant mix of intelligent faith, humble approachability and emotional empathy are deeply attractive; while his courageous and self-sacrificial journey through the darkness Hitler caused is inspiring. Metaxas certainly does justice to one of the greatest Christian leaders of the last century in a book well-worth reading.