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The Collected Sermons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Preaching, according to Bonhoeffer, is like offering an apple to a child. The gospel is proclaimed, but for it to be received as gift depends on whether or not the hearer is in a position to do so. Offered here are thirty-one of Pastor Bonhoeffer's sermons, in new English translations, which he preached at various times of the year and in a variety of different settings. Each is introduced by Bonhoeffer translator Isabel Best who also provides a brief biography of Bonhoeffer. The foreword is by Victoria J. Barnett, general editor of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, English edition, published by Fortress Press, from which these sermons are selected.
In his preaching, Bonhoeffer's strong, personal faiththe foundation for everything he didshines in the darkness of Hitler's Third Reich and in the church struggle against it. Though not overtly political, Bonhoeffer's deep concern for the developments in his world is revealed in his sermons as he seeks to draw the listener into conversation with the promises and claims of the gospela conversation readers today are invited to join.
In his preaching, Bonhoeffer's strong, personal faiththe foundation for everything he didshines in the darkness of Hitler's Third Reich and in the church struggle against it. Though not overtly political, Bonhoeffer's deep concern for the developments in his world is revealed in his sermons as he seeks to draw the listener into conversation with the promises and claims of the gospela conversation readers today are invited to join.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
92 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
368 books1,773 followersWorks of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Protestant theologian of Germany, concern Christianity in the modern world; for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, people executed him.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer served as a Lutheran pastor. He, also a participant in the movement of Resistance against Nazism and a member, founded the confessing church. Members of the Abwehr, the military intelligence office planned his involvement, which resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent hanging in April 1945 shortly before the end of the war. His secular view influenced very many people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietric...
Dietrich Bonhoeffer served as a Lutheran pastor. He, also a participant in the movement of Resistance against Nazism and a member, founded the confessing church. Members of the Abwehr, the military intelligence office planned his involvement, which resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent hanging in April 1945 shortly before the end of the war. His secular view influenced very many people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietric...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 16, 2013
The sermon....
usually this is the point of the church service that everybody falls asleep during. The pastor drones on and on about nothing and whatever they say seems to be irrelevant to your life or the real world.
However, if we were in a church where Dietrich Bonhoeffer was preaching, I think that very few people would fall asleep. This man had such a way of preaching, of constructing words and sentences together that not only made sense, but made you want to pay attention.
For instance:
"Memorial Day in the church! That means that God in the cross is near to us. That means pointing to Christ on the cross, who won the victory through the cross. Memorial Day in the church means knowing that Christ alone wins the victory! Amen." From 21 Feb 1932
"The overcoming of fear--that is what we are proclaiming here. The Bible, the gospel, Christ, the church, the faith--all are one great battle cry against fear in the lives of human beings." Jan 15, 1933
"The thing that most hinders us from God be Lord, that is, from believing in God, is our cowardice." Feb 26, 1933.
This book, The Collected Sermons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a collection translated by members of the Bonhoeffer Society and published by Fortress Press. The sermons cover the crucial period from 1928-1939 and are published in Chronological order.
Bonhoeffer's sermons show his concern for the church, the faith, his people and the nation of Germany during a tumultuous time. When we read Bonhoeffer, we are constantly reminded that you have to take into account his historical context and the struggles he was engaged with.
While we cannot simply take Bonhoeffer and 'apply' him today, we can examine the way his faith and life both reacted to the German crisis and think about the consequences of the Gospel for us in our lives.
This volume is extremely useful for those who want to know Bonhoeffer better. It is also great for those who want to develop their faith and theological thinking.
I highly recommend this book for all Christians, or people who are interested in life in Germany during the Nazis.
Grade: A
usually this is the point of the church service that everybody falls asleep during. The pastor drones on and on about nothing and whatever they say seems to be irrelevant to your life or the real world.
However, if we were in a church where Dietrich Bonhoeffer was preaching, I think that very few people would fall asleep. This man had such a way of preaching, of constructing words and sentences together that not only made sense, but made you want to pay attention.
For instance:
"Memorial Day in the church! That means that God in the cross is near to us. That means pointing to Christ on the cross, who won the victory through the cross. Memorial Day in the church means knowing that Christ alone wins the victory! Amen." From 21 Feb 1932
"The overcoming of fear--that is what we are proclaiming here. The Bible, the gospel, Christ, the church, the faith--all are one great battle cry against fear in the lives of human beings." Jan 15, 1933
"The thing that most hinders us from God be Lord, that is, from believing in God, is our cowardice." Feb 26, 1933.
This book, The Collected Sermons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a collection translated by members of the Bonhoeffer Society and published by Fortress Press. The sermons cover the crucial period from 1928-1939 and are published in Chronological order.
Bonhoeffer's sermons show his concern for the church, the faith, his people and the nation of Germany during a tumultuous time. When we read Bonhoeffer, we are constantly reminded that you have to take into account his historical context and the struggles he was engaged with.
While we cannot simply take Bonhoeffer and 'apply' him today, we can examine the way his faith and life both reacted to the German crisis and think about the consequences of the Gospel for us in our lives.
This volume is extremely useful for those who want to know Bonhoeffer better. It is also great for those who want to develop their faith and theological thinking.
I highly recommend this book for all Christians, or people who are interested in life in Germany during the Nazis.
Grade: A
October 24, 2014
In my mind I often compare Dietrich Bonhoeffer with Martin Luther King Jr. and I don't often think of one without eventually thinking of the other. They both had wonderful gifts for exegesis. Both spoke life, love, and hope into brutally evil situations. They stood firm against oppressors even until they were imprisoned and murdered. They were more than great Christians, preachers, and writers, but great humans who called us all out on our own inhumanity.
Bonhoeffer's love for people drips off of these pages. This is book is very pastoral, and being a temporary member of Bonhoeffer's flock will fill you with both hope and conviction. You will feel compelled to look correctly at your fellow human, and convicted of your judgmental nature and your lack of forgiveness. You will also be filled with trust for God and hope for humanity.
My only regret is trying to read this straight through. It serves better as a devotional, there is a lot to digest in every chapter and you miss something when you jump ahead to the next chapter without meditating on the last. This is definitely a great tool to help anyone's faith and understanding grow.
Bonhoeffer's love for people drips off of these pages. This is book is very pastoral, and being a temporary member of Bonhoeffer's flock will fill you with both hope and conviction. You will feel compelled to look correctly at your fellow human, and convicted of your judgmental nature and your lack of forgiveness. You will also be filled with trust for God and hope for humanity.
My only regret is trying to read this straight through. It serves better as a devotional, there is a lot to digest in every chapter and you miss something when you jump ahead to the next chapter without meditating on the last. This is definitely a great tool to help anyone's faith and understanding grow.
April 10, 2013
These are sermons mostly from Bonhoeffer's early years. They are short and to the point but definitely contain the seeds of his later works. (It would have been easier to work through his later works if I had read "Collected Sermons" first.) Still, Bonhoeffer does a great job of disentangling tradition, even long-held tradition, from truth and I think we all need to spend more time pondering that. I am particularly interested in D.B's views on community and the nature of truth. He developes these concepts in "Life Together" and "Ethics" and they are also ruminated over in "Letters and Papers From Prison". But he plants the ideas in these early sermons. Excellent read!
February 13, 2023
In short, these little sermons (homilies) are beneficial for theological, pastoral, and historical study, but above all they are devotional texts, providing help for the worship and faith of one in Christ.
Having known and appreciated Bonhoeffer as a theologian and professor, this book provided an excellent place to meet Bonhoeffer the pastor. These sermons are doctrinally and scripturally rich, contextually positioned, and devotionally directed. Bonhoeffer consistently directs people away from themselves and the world and to Christ for salvation, yet he never lets them forget Christ’s call for them with regard to the world. In other words, Bonhoeffer brings Law and Gospel, good works and grace, and each in its proper place.
Having known and appreciated Bonhoeffer as a theologian and professor, this book provided an excellent place to meet Bonhoeffer the pastor. These sermons are doctrinally and scripturally rich, contextually positioned, and devotionally directed. Bonhoeffer consistently directs people away from themselves and the world and to Christ for salvation, yet he never lets them forget Christ’s call for them with regard to the world. In other words, Bonhoeffer brings Law and Gospel, good works and grace, and each in its proper place.
October 2, 2023
This magnificent collection of sermons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer contains riches for the practicing Christian … From its first sermon, “God Is With Us,” to its last, “Death Is Swallowed Up in Victory,” this modest volume speaks great wisdom and encouragement …. absolutely stellar …
August 24, 2020
Bonhoeffer’s sermons, scattered across oceans and congregations and encompassing his earlier ministries before he published his major works (Discipleship, Life Together), are beautiful, convicting, and resistant to evil regimes and blind nationalism without calling names but turning always and totally to Christ alone. There are several in this collection that are stunning not only in their stellar exegesis and practical applicability, but in context of the oncoming holocaust and total war. Bonhoeffer preaches to lukewarm congregants and battles against the many lies we still believe 80 years later. Knowing his outcome, understanding what all this sermon prep and meticulous preaching later became, it’s remarkable to see in the earlier pastor how much his character had been formed and shaped by Christ early on, rather than there being some ‘turning point’ when Hitler came to power. Bonhoeffer was a rock, a consistent, reliable expositor of the Word and a faithful discipler from his early ministry. It is inspiring reading this, having just graduated seminary, imagining how truly all things are possible for those who believe in Jesus.
September 10, 2012
As one who has read avidly the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as books about his life, I'm always intrigued by new offerings. This is a collection of sermons preached by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and taken from the Collected Works. Edited and introduced by Isabel Best, one of the translators for that project, this is a most useful introduction to Bonhoeffer's early thinking. I say early because the majority of these sermons were preached prior to 1935, while he was still in his 20s. They lack the radicalness of his works from the war years, and even have a pietistic sense to them. Still, they reveal to us something of his deep Christian spirituality.
February 22, 2013
Great insights from Bonhoeffer as always. Gave 4 instead of 5 stars because it seemed the translator (Isabel Best) made assumptions about gender pronouns such his and her (I use NIV 2011) as well as the use of the term Church-community rather than simply church. Would've just liked a straight forward translation without the interpretive leaps, then let me decide who Bonhoeffer was referring to in terms of men, women, Church, church, or communities of Christians.
January 3, 2013
I have read a little of Bonhoeffer, especially enjoying Life Together. I enjoyed these sermons and he had some very interesting thoughts on many scripture texts - especially when considering the context in which they were proclaimed. A time of growing darkness and uncertainty and turmoil, when being a confessing Christian was something that could endanger health and life. Very fine collection.
Read
March 14, 2013I chose this for Lenten reading in 2013 and was richly rewarded. Set against the backdrop of the rise of Nazi Germany and the start of the second European war, Bonhoeffer addresses contemporary issues with courage, hope, and love. The translations are excellent and each sermon is prefaced with a brief and very helpful introduction. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2019
I love Bonhoeffer
Any critic he gets theologically must be balanced by the extreme conditions he was living his faith out in.
As our country continues to deny God it would do us well to remember those who kept the candle burning in times of hardship.
A wonderful thinker - I look forward to meeting him in glory.
Any critic he gets theologically must be balanced by the extreme conditions he was living his faith out in.
As our country continues to deny God it would do us well to remember those who kept the candle burning in times of hardship.
A wonderful thinker - I look forward to meeting him in glory.
April 28, 2023
So upon reading a biograph of Bonhoeffer somewhat recently, I decided that I really must read some of his actual writings, and so I asked for such for Christmas. Maryanne graciously provided this volume! And what an encouraging, stimulating, convicting series of sermons. I have to say, these sermons are perfectly sized for a reading session. These past weeks, I much enjoyed reading one or two at a time as I sat on my porch this gorgeous spring. Anyway - the sermons themselves? I could find things to quibble with here and there. Some of Bonhoeffer's wordings made me wince a bit as I compared his words to my own theological leanings. And at times while I thought I knew what he was driving towards, I feared that others might be led astray. Still - Bonhoeffer in these sermons points the reader/listener to God. If you read these with a soft and open heart, you will be greatly blessed. Bonhoeffer believed that this Christian life is so much more than the Christianity that so many make their practice. To follow God is not to sign your name in a church roll and then have done with it, living life much as you've always done. No, to live the Christian life demands that we take up our cross and follow Christ - that all we do points towards the living God. And our love for God should be demonstrated in how we love our fellow man. Do we love others as God does? Do we see others as God does? So often we do not. Like I said, this book of sermons definitely has its stronger and weaker sermons. There's a few that left me a little cold. But the vast majority were encouraging to my soul, lifting my eyes to heaven.
I also have a few complaints with the editor. While I suppose this puts me in the minority of today's society, I am not a huge fan of the editor changing Bonhoeffer's words here and there to honor the ideals of "inclusive language", i.e., changing "he" to "he or she" and "man" to "man or woman" in various places. While normally I would just roll my eyes and move on, I did note one instance of textual modification that ended up saying something that Bonhoeffer may not have even agreed with. I understand and agree that we should seek to honor and respect all - men and women alike! - but I do not feel that modifying old texts is the way to go here. I'm grateful that the editor did make it clear her intent and I still am very thankful for the work she put in this volume - it is very much worth holding this volume in my hands and reading the sermons, changes and all!
Anyways! That controversial opinion aside, I was much benefited by reading these sermons. There were so many sentences and paragraphs that made my heart swell with love for my Father God. There are often Christian traditions or teachings that tend to put burdens and guilt upon the follower of Christ. Bonhoeffer, while calling all to holiness and acknowledging the sovereignty and authority of God, also makes it very clear that we cannot do enough on our own to merit salvation or conquer death. It is Christ who has done it for us! What a blissful thought it is, that we can rest in the work of Christ and know that our salvation is assured. Rather than fearfully struggling to be good enough that our Father might be pleased, Bonhoeffer encourages us with the truth of what Christ has done for us. Knowing the love of God poured out upon us, how mightily ought that shape our love for our brethren?! Would definitely encourage this book of sermons to all. It is a corrective to the often weak and shallow preaching that surrounds us. Oh and even more? How encouraging is it to consider that the majority of these sermons were preached in the 1930s, as storm clouds darkened over Europe. Bonhoeffer did not give in to anxiety and fear, oh no. He continued to rest in the confidence that comes with knowing our risen Lord. Amen and Amen. O Lord come.
I also have a few complaints with the editor. While I suppose this puts me in the minority of today's society, I am not a huge fan of the editor changing Bonhoeffer's words here and there to honor the ideals of "inclusive language", i.e., changing "he" to "he or she" and "man" to "man or woman" in various places. While normally I would just roll my eyes and move on, I did note one instance of textual modification that ended up saying something that Bonhoeffer may not have even agreed with. I understand and agree that we should seek to honor and respect all - men and women alike! - but I do not feel that modifying old texts is the way to go here. I'm grateful that the editor did make it clear her intent and I still am very thankful for the work she put in this volume - it is very much worth holding this volume in my hands and reading the sermons, changes and all!
Anyways! That controversial opinion aside, I was much benefited by reading these sermons. There were so many sentences and paragraphs that made my heart swell with love for my Father God. There are often Christian traditions or teachings that tend to put burdens and guilt upon the follower of Christ. Bonhoeffer, while calling all to holiness and acknowledging the sovereignty and authority of God, also makes it very clear that we cannot do enough on our own to merit salvation or conquer death. It is Christ who has done it for us! What a blissful thought it is, that we can rest in the work of Christ and know that our salvation is assured. Rather than fearfully struggling to be good enough that our Father might be pleased, Bonhoeffer encourages us with the truth of what Christ has done for us. Knowing the love of God poured out upon us, how mightily ought that shape our love for our brethren?! Would definitely encourage this book of sermons to all. It is a corrective to the often weak and shallow preaching that surrounds us. Oh and even more? How encouraging is it to consider that the majority of these sermons were preached in the 1930s, as storm clouds darkened over Europe. Bonhoeffer did not give in to anxiety and fear, oh no. He continued to rest in the confidence that comes with knowing our risen Lord. Amen and Amen. O Lord come.
October 29, 2017
Martyr. One of the tiny minority of German clergy who vehemently opposed any possible reconciliation between the all Christians as the mystical Body of Christ made corporeal as The Church and the Satanic Nazi party. Today there can be no reconciliation between the United States as a secular state. Authentic separation of church and state in this country is functional, not moral. Narcissism, hedonism, nihilism and the spread of systemic evil over the last 50 years through the .gradual legislation of laws such as those exemplified under the false rubric of "tolerance" and seeking to dignify sodomy as part of the sacrament of Marriage is an example of this creeping systemic Evil that threatens to destroy authentic Democracy within this, "one nation under God." These sermons countenance no such companies and hypocrisy. And the author of these sermons walked his talk all the way to martyrdom.
February 11, 2022
Every time I finish a Bonhoeffer book I have to really restrain myself from simply rambling about how much I adore him and what he has done for me. This collection of sermons is no exception. God has used Bonhoeffer’s theology, encouragement, and his life in leading by example to draw me closer to Himself.
November 5, 2023
I used these sermons as devotionals, and I found them relevant, convicting, and encouraging. Editor Best add contextual front matter to each sermon to help us understand regional and denominational references as well as what and where Bonhoeffer was at that particular time. I will probably revisit these sermons at some point as Bonhoeffer always gives me something to learn.
June 30, 2017
I read this book slowly one sermon at a time, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning from his words from the Word. Such beautiful truth! Great translation.
August 4, 2025
love god, love thy neighbor, repent and believe in jesus through faith, love our nazi enemies, and believe in the victory we have over death in christ.
March 3, 2015
willy brandt said: it takes courage for democracy
December 27, 2013
Weighty, penetrating, and food for my soul.
October 28, 2017
Bonhoeffer cuts to the heart with incisive commentary and preaching that addresses issues still relevant today. This book inspires. I am thrilled that I read it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews