Bonhoeffer Student Edition: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

by Eric Metaxas

What would you do if your faith could cost you your life?

The fascinating story of one of Christianity’s most courageous heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is now abridged and adapted for students. This compelling account of Bonhoeffer’s remarkable testimony—combined with historical, theological, and political elements and enhanced with photos—brings the story to life. How did Bonhoeffer become someone who would defend God’s truth, even when it was a matter of life and death? How did he endure the hardships that came with his faithfulness? How might we respond similarly to injustices today?

New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas vividly portrays the struggles and faith of Bonhoeffer, a man who had the courage to follow his convictions into Nazi Germany and stand up for the truth of God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Historical, Christianity, Christian, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

In a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's impossible to read anything about the incredible life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and not be inspired by his faith, saddened by his suffering, and full of questions about your own beliefs and faith. Does my life reflect the kind of fearless faith that Bonhoeffer showed? Is my heart filled with joy in the midst of dark circumstances the way Bonhoeffer's was?
The answer is no. My faith looks rather puny next to his. My life looks pathetic next to his courage and generosity. One will always feel small when compared to giants, but at least we are looking up, striving for greatness, seeking to know God more intimately as they did.

I was surprised that this book was written for students in elementary school, and I suppose I was expecting something closer to a high school or middle school level. But then... if you're in high school, you might as well read the original version of Metaxas' book. As it is, it's a wonderful tool to introduce young children to the history and biography of a great spiritual warrior.

I loved that at the end of each chapter there are group questions about what Bonhoeffer's testimony means to us and how we can apply his example to our own lives. I thought it very helpful that many of the terms used to describe warfare, religion, and espionage are explained and defined in little aside boxes or in the glossary at the back. I can just imagine a family reading this together with their children and discussing the chapter questions at the dinner table.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Schuyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonhoeffer is always inspiring. In today's culture, even more so. This student edition captures his commitment to the integrity of the church in a time of government control. The editors still use his personal letters and lots of quotes from men during that time, going through Bonhoeffer's childhood, education, engagement, and imprisonment. Mostly it was a nice, compact view. The only part that suffered from the abridgment was his time in America, which provided a turning point for his relationship with Christ, making him "fall in love with Jesus."


The student edition gives a fun code treasure hunt, definitions of long words, a glossary of important people and terms, and boxed paragraphs explaining different things such as what a political prisoner is,or hymns sung at Bonhoeffer's memorial service, or different points of theology he believed. Each chapter includes discussion questions at the end, which is a great resource for parents looking to continue the conversation throughout the day. Personally, I think they would be great to use at the dinner table, in the car running errands, and at other times.


In this decade, I consider it more important than ever that every person meets Bonhoeffer. This book provides a great family read-aloud for all ages, and will inspire children to be that faithful, uncompromising witness of truth in the days to come. Whether you're a student, or just want a shorter view of his life, this edition fills a gap. I heartily enjoyed it, and can't wait to give it to my sister and other people I know.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are daunted by Eric Metaxas’ large book on Bonhoeffer (as I was) but still want to learn from his phenomenal research and writing, I highly recommend this edition! Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Confessing Church, and the German resistance are very much worth learning from.

[Cristine Braddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great student overview of the life of Bonhoeffer. I read this with my 14 year old and we had great discussions about this great man.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible story.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for elementary school students so I'm excited for my five year old to read this (it even has interactive activities!). I felt like a kid reading this haha

A wonderfully inspiring and engaging life story. It's filled with history of WW2 and the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, lots of theology, and great personal reflection for the reader. Bonhoeffer, stalwart in his beliefs, never caved to any demands or threats. It was really endearing to read about how he was a very well-respected pastor: everyone loved him and his challenging and encouraging sermons. He was someone who truly radiated the light of God. Every Christian should hear his story and study his theology/works (The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, to start). I'm excited to read Ethics, Letters & Papers From Prison, and the non-student edition of this book by him.

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too long ago, I was playing a game of Taboo with a bunch of high schoolers. I received a card that said “Adolf Hitler,” and my taboo words were World War 2, Nazis, Holocaust, etc. This group of high schoolers had NO IDEA what I was talking about. The timer went off, and I then said the taboo words, hoping that would spark some connections. Alas, none. I was frankly appalled that this group of high schoolers had no idea what I was talking about. They knew there had been a world war, but two? Really? And the only reference they knew about Nazi was “soup Nazi.” My father fought in WW2, and this episode broke my heart.

That is why books like this one by Eric Metaxas are so necessary. It often helps to introduce difficult history subjects by holding up the “good guys” who fought for what was right. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is such a person to uphold to our children, and Mr. Metaxas’s concise and impeccably researched writing is an excellent way to do it. This book is packed full of great information without bogging down.

The oft-quoted and paraphrased line about those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it is very true. We can see evidence of that daily in our current culture. Use this book to help combat the ignorance and apathy among the students you know. I highly recommend it for upper elementary (for advanced students) on up to adults (for a quick read).

I gratefully received this eARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bonhoeffer Student Edition" by Eric Metaxas was a wonderful introduction to the life and times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Germany during the beginnings of World War II. I have heard a lot of good about Bonhoeffer and was becoming interested in studying about his life, so when I saw this opportunity to review a teen's edition of his biography, I jumped at the chance.



And I'm glad I did! This book talked about the political scene going on in Germany and the church, explaining it and adding in little notes and discussion questions to clarify hard topics and set the stage for the story of his life. This book went into some detail about his early life and family, which helped me to connect to his story. There were also pictures scattered throughout the book that helped me to picture the people in my mind. I would recommend this for certain, and think it's an excellent resource for study and for those who were as curious to learn more about Bonhoeffer as I was.



Thank you so much to Book Look bloggers and Thomas Nelson publishers for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried reading the regular edition but stopped after 63 pages. I'm interested in DB, but not enough to invest so much time in the minutiae of his life. This version gave me an overall view of his life and his faith, exactly what I was looking for. I would now like to read more about his life, but still don't know that I would crack open the inches thick tome that is the regular edition. The author has obviously done years of research and it shows.

[Georgann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very truncated version of the original, but with interesting side notes and many thoughtful questions to challenge ourselves. Aimed at about a 6th grade reading level, and for those who know next to nothing about WWII. It was as much a history book as the story of Bonhoeffer. I learned somethings and was given a few things to think about and take with me.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to listen to the full version of Metaxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer but the details became so intense that I struggled to make sense of what was going on. This student version reads significantly easier for my busy life.

I highly recommend this read. We may need to understand this man and how he handled Christianity during a time of pure evil now more than ever in American history.

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great edition (even if there are some drawbacks in e-book version) of a great book about a great person :) Definitely something to share with friends as a gift (and later to discuss).

[Reagan Faith Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been woefully ignorant of the instrumental role of the church in the elevation and corruption of the Nazi regime. Nevertheless, it is frightening to observe the slippery slope of discriminatory rules and regulations, which quickly disappeared into the oblivion, replaced by far more major measures.

Bonhoeffer’s story is touching, and it poses many historical and theological questions. His opposition to Nazi socialism rings true in an age of deception and uncertainty, emphasized by his heroic courage and impressive valor.

He acts with conviction and courage even in the midst of incredible despair, facing both life and death with a certainty that can only come from the Lord. Stories of his personal relationships shed clear light on the aspects of this man’s character, and it seems that his plot for the true church did not remain unnoticed.

It is a wonder that any Holocaust texts choose not to mention the nature of the internal battle between German religious foundations, as well as the convoluted, twisted, evil propaganda of the German state under Adolf Hitler.

That Hitler Youth rose in the name of the church, that Hitler promoted Germany as a Christian nation at the 1936 Olympics, that he swore his allegiance to God… is altogether disgusting and disheartening. But to stand up required great courage in the face of peril, a quality Bonhoeffer certainly had.

[Kristy Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the student version of the original book by Metaxas. Previous reviews I’d read said that it was good for middle school but too easy for high school—as a high school teacher, I disagree with this. This book is appropriate for 7th-12th graders—and adults who want a less complex read than the original. My twelve year old did surprisingly well with it, but we read aloud more than usual because it was a complicated topic and there were many unfamiliar names of people and places to sort through. Loved the “think about it” questions at the end of each chapter, which helped us to consider the main ideas. The only thing that could’ve been more clear was the section on the assassination plots.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Metaxas is an excellent writer and thinker, but I just wasn’t up for his full Bonhoeffer biography, so tried this student edition audiobook version instead. Bonhoeffer is such an important man for Christians to know about - a scholar and theologian who actually spoke clearly and loudly to awaken Christians who were deaf and dumb to the nazi regime and the wrongness of submitting to them. Additionally, his involvement in the plots to kill Hitler (which ultimately got him killed) are eye-opening and, again, essential for believers to process and consider in their own lives.
Next up: Metaxas’ biography of Martin Luther

[KayKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have both the unabridged and the student edition but have decided to go for the easier one just to get a glimps of the overall story of Bonhoeffer.

The student edition is nicely paced and is packed with enough information about this lesser-known hero. The author also did a wonderful job to describe the events that led to the rise of Hilter in the most simpliest terms without compromising the quality of the content. However, everyone once in awhile I believe, as an adult, I could benefit more from reading the unabridged version when trying to analyse the political situation that led Bonhoeffer to make certain decisions.

I truely enjoyed this little book on Bonhoeffer!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource. I appreciated this abridged student edition of Eric Metaxas’ 600 page biography on Bonhoeffer still written by Metaxas. Every person should be familiar with Pastor Bonhoeffer’s incredible, faithful, Christ-centered life. Perhaps what I learned most from this was an understanding of just how much the German church was wrestling with Nazi ideology in the 1930s before WW2 began. I’m grateful to know how many church leaders were resistant.
Grateful for Metaxas’ excellent research and for Bonhoeffer’s inspiring courage and faith.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Metaxas has tackled another subject to perfection. Bonhoeffer is often studied in high school, if at all. Or he is studied in seminary or in cases where someone is getting some sort of religious degree. I first stumbled upon Bonhoeffer's writings as an adult seeking out true accounts and stories to bolster my own faith in this modern world. I loved that this book is designed and written for elementary students. This book is very well written and easy to use. Perfect for older elementary students.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off with the real version, then audiobook, then in a rush to finish to see the movie switched to the student edition. 😉 which now, I’m even more excited to see. What a fascinating man, strongest convictions and deep faith that he daily lived out and were evident to everyone who knew him.

The cost of discipleship and/or life together are on my list for 2025.

[Landon Gaddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at a used book store.

Good to gain a baseline understanding of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Some of the information bubbles inserted in the book I found useful, others were obvious. Although I will not fault the book for that as it is the student version and meant for a younger audience.

[Gwenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out the student version by accident, but probably for the best. The friend who recommended the book said it (non student version) was a heavy read. This was pretty easy to follow. Listened to the audio version.

[Dee Lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating and convicting. I will never read any of his works the same way, knowing more of the historical circumstance around his story.

[Chazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about Bonhoeffer's life. You'll want to read it to the end!!!

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventy years ago, on April 9, 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis for his role in the German resistance movement against the Hitler regime. At age 39, he left behind a fiancée, his parents, and several siblings, but even more significant are his legacy of courage and his sound theological reasoning which live on. These have been preserved for us by Eric Metaxas in a weighty biography that was released in 2011. I was among those who couldn’t wait to read Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, and it did not disappoint. This well-researched and compelling chronicle of Bonhoeffer’s life is now available in a student edition, visually enhanced by side bars and charts that underscore critical life lessons and give solid historical underpinnings to the narrative. The timelines at the beginning of each chapter anchor Bonhoeffer’s milestones alongside events that resulted from Hitler’s political shenanigans, leading up to World War II, and then the gradual downfall of the Third Reich.

Readers age nine and up will be inspired by God’s work in the preparation of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for the role he fulfilled, and by Bonhoeffer’s courageous acts to strengthen the church in Germany, to resist Hitler’s schemes, and to build into the lives of the next generation of young pastors. Brilliantly, Metaxas emphasizes discipleship, challenging his young readers with lessons derived from the costly grace that carried Bonhoeffer and led him to write The Cost of Discipleship. The topics are both profound and practical:

1. What does it mean to be a disciple?
2. The true believer practices bold acts of kindness.
3. Practicing spiritual disciplines will grow your spiritual muscles.
4. Christians can be a light in dark times.
5. Words of comfort and hope will encourage others.

I can hardly wait to share this book with my youngest son, because it holds a terrific surprise! Just as the Bonhoeffer family encoded secret messages within books to communicate with Dietrich during his imprisonment, the Student Edition of Bonhoeffer has a secret code for readers to decipher! This is an example of the exemplary work that Metaxas has done in bringing the account of Bonhoeffer’s experiences to a younger audience. Dietrich’s life, although set in an era of widespread suffering and characterized by continual interference with his personal and professional goals, was unexpectedly joyful and productive. I would describe it as an “indescribable” reading experience, but Bonhoeffer would protest:


“If you take enough trouble to make a thing clear, I think there is very little that is really ‘indescribable.'”

Eric Metaxas has taken the trouble, and the result is a very clear picture of a life that stands today, seventy years after Bonhoeffer’s death, to confirm the truth that he believed and taught:


“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.” — II Corinthians 4:8-10 NCV

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Mazzou B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new book from Thomas Nelson about Bonhoeffer, the famous ''pastor, martyr, prophet and spy''. It is specifically focused toward students and thus includes discussion questions and fun facts to help keep younger minds focused. The book is informative and organized; it begins with Bonhoeffer's early life and family and continues from there. I thought it important how clearly the author described the happenings of world war one and the aftermath which led to world war two!

I appreciated how this book was geared towards younger readers yet didn't sacrifice the important facts and lessons of Bonhoeffer's life and work. As an adult, I found the book interesting and informative. In fact, this is my first actual biography about this important figure in history!
I love studying World War two history, and this book was able to provide me with some new and extremely interesting facts.
I must admit that for some reason I had a difficult time starting the book; perhaps because it appeared more textbook-ish than it is in reality. However, once I had completed the first couple chapters, it was an exciting journey through the remaining chapters. I am extremely pleased with Thomas Nelson publishers and author Eric Metaxas for providing such a biography as this for students. I hope many will read and study this war and the spiritual battles behind it further!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Zoe Schoppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonhoeffer Student Edition is an excellent resource for parents to read with their children. It is an easily understandable book that will introduce your child to a man who understood sacrifice and service to God.

Bonhoeffer Student Edition is filled with great resources such as:

-Family trees
-Timelines
-Comparisons
-Definitions
-Historical information of the times and events surrounding and shaping Bonhoeffer's life.
-Discussion questions and exercises to provoke further thought and study.

I received a pre-release copy and so the tables, timelines, etc. we're not yet available in a clean format. I can tell though that this is a book where having a physical copy as opposed to an ebook would be advantageous. The charts, etc. would be much larger and easier to reference.

You can have your child read it on their own but the experience will be so much richer if you read it as a family. Delve into the life of a sinner saved by grace who sought to serve his God in a perilous time.

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.

For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book, easily accessible for everyone. I have read a lot of books about World War II and the holocaust and this book showed me a different side to it….what it was like to be a German Christian in Nazi Germany.

This book is written for students. It defines terms like “communism” or “holocaust.” It gives thoughtful explanations of the political climate in Germany and other areas of Europe. It showed the struggle that believers, like Bonhoeffer, had in how to respond to Hitler. As a Christian, are you called to submit to Hitler, or are you called to assassinate someone so evil, or something in between? It was fascinating. There were also some interesting asides about people who smuggled Jewish children out of Germany.

I feel this book gave a thoughtful, understandable look at the Christian German resistance, and in particular Bonhoeffer. It gave a pretty full picture of the climate. I enjoyed it and felt I learned a lot. I’d highly recommend it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know a several adult and young adult family members who would really enjoy this excellent Young Reader's version this bio by Eric Metaxas. I am planning to go back through it and write out some of the quotes from Bonhoeffer. This book also inspires me to read his writings. What an intriguing and inspiring person by God's grace. His story, to me, highlights (among many things) the importance of Christian churches of all types whose leaders and followers ascribe to the core tenants of Christianity to work together and encourage and support the ministry of each other toward our common faith and for the glory of God and his grand purposes.

[Camille King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very inspiring and moving. Personally this book as one of the reasons why I love to read today! He is one of my hero’s. This book is a very simple rendition of his life (compared to the longer book) that I think is perfect for young readers. His story is inspiring and captivating through the whole book. It has moved me to make the steps in my life to be more open with people about what I believe (with out being to pushy) and being there for people who may need me to be there for them through their rough times.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both parents and children will learn so much from this book... about what it was like to be German in the 30s and 40s, and what it was like to be authentically, passionately Christian in a time when the world around you was going mad. It is difficult to think of a better biography for young people about a Christian martyr. Unforgettable!