What do you think?
Rate this book
A Testament To Freedom
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was only thirty-nine years old when he was executed in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945, yet his courage, vision, and brilliance have greatly influenced the twentieth-century Church and theology. Particularly through his bestselling classic, The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer profoundly shaped such minds and movements as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Leonardo Boff, civil rights and leberation theology. A Testament to Freedom, completely revised and expanded for this edition, includes previously untranslated writings, excerpts from major books, sermons, and selected letters spanning the years of Bonhoeffer's pastoral and theological career. This magnificent volume takes readers on a historical and biographical journey that follows Bonhoeffer through the various stages of his life--as teacher, ecumenist, pastor, preacher, seminary director, prophet in the Nazi era and, finally, as martyr in pursuit of peace and justice.
592 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1990
35 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
368 books1,771 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 22, 2025
I had been court-ordered to rehab in the Summer of 1995, and bought this book on the way... It probably saved my sanity, which was under severe strain due to the fact that I was surrounded by crackheads for nearly 4 and-a-half weeks. I spent my early childhood in the last Lutheran church in North America which still had a German-language service every Sunday (St. Matthäus Lutherisch-Evangelisch Kirche, a.k.a. St. Matthew's, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The legendary missionary Ernst Wendland had been Pastor there; he confirmed my father...), so I had heard of Pastor Bonhoeffer from an early age. This particular book is not easy to find, for some reason, and that is a shame because it is the best introduction I am aware of to his life & work (my copy unfortunately disappeared at some point during the last 15 years). Even if you are not particularly religious, the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is truly an inspiration, and I would recommend this book to anyone.
September 13, 2017
I do not have enough words to explain how fabulous this book is. It is a tour of Bonhoeffer's sermons and writings-- very very powerful.
I am forever thankful to my friend Jamie for giving me this gift for my birthday this year.
I am forever thankful to my friend Jamie for giving me this gift for my birthday this year.
April 26, 2011
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a hero of mine, without a doubt. While many of us question the kinds of decisions we would make in a given place, Bonhoeffer left us no doubt which is the way of sacrifice, much like the writings of Boethius. While he is quite capable of admitting his fear and sense of indecision even when in jail awaiting what he senses (correctly) will be his execution, his profound outpouring of love for Christ is raised to the point of both magnificence and self abasement in a remarkable way. Following Bonhoeffer on his path of growth is truly overwhelming and impressive.
February 14, 2012
For anybody interested in the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "A Testament to Freedom" is an excellent overview.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor during the 1930s and 1940s. He spent his career fighting a losing battle for the independence of the church and the Gospel from Nazi influence, not the least of which was Bonhoeffer's criticism of anti-semitism. That battle ultimately cost Bonhoeffer his life, as he imprisoned and, finally, executed just days before the end of World War II.
As Europe fell into war, Bonhoeffer decided that he, as a Christian, could not fall back on piety--if a mad man had hold of the wheel of a bus full of chidren, one had to force him from it. No other response would do. Bonhoeffer became part of the conspiracy to kill Hitler, which brought him in league with men of varying religious beliefs (and in the with his brother-in-law, who brought Bonhoeffer into the conspiracy, a man of no belief of all). Bonhoeffer also had to take a government position to play out his role in the conspiracy. This tranished his reputation with many of his old allies -- Bonhoeffer had to be careful about who he could confide with.
Bonhoeffer found himself in a situation where his reading of the Bible, and his understanding of Jesus as a "man for others," gave him a double-life of lying, in a cause to kill a man, where, in short, he had to "sin boldly" and place himself upon God's forgiveness. This was not just an abstract exercise for him. He felt he had to give up everything that is considered "Christian" -- and his reputation, his pacificism, and his own sense of being a good man -- to suffer for and with Christ. Those were not easy steps.
In league with secular men, and opposed by many Christians, Bonhoeffer worked out his final theological proposition: that, biblically understood, Christianity has to be, for people who have come of age in a secular world, a religionless Christianity. This is not an easy concept to grasp, but I believe the crux of it is that Christians must live for, and suffer for, the "least of these:" people who suffer from the immense power of the world, who are genuinely oppressed, who are in pain, who search for meaning and cannot find it. It means that the Church must throw off its privileges, and properties, and wealth, and live in the world with those it would serve. And common cause is found, not in those who can recite the right "holy" words, but with those you find with you as you serve these others.
I certainly am no witness to Bonhoeffer's beliefs. But when I read about his life, and read his words, I think: here is a way out. I grieve for my faith when I see it enlisted for the cause of anti-immigrant, anti-gay, and anti-Muslim bigotry, and when I see it preached by those who boast of their ignorance about the world they live in and their fellow men. Too much Christianty, these days, seems overly concerned with privilege, and with manning the barricades that separates it from what they see as sin.
I'm probably putting words in Bonhoeffer's mouth, but if you want to find your brother or your sister, first look to those you find repugnant, to those with whom you disagree. They, after all, are your mirror image. Start your understanding there. You just might find your way out.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor during the 1930s and 1940s. He spent his career fighting a losing battle for the independence of the church and the Gospel from Nazi influence, not the least of which was Bonhoeffer's criticism of anti-semitism. That battle ultimately cost Bonhoeffer his life, as he imprisoned and, finally, executed just days before the end of World War II.
As Europe fell into war, Bonhoeffer decided that he, as a Christian, could not fall back on piety--if a mad man had hold of the wheel of a bus full of chidren, one had to force him from it. No other response would do. Bonhoeffer became part of the conspiracy to kill Hitler, which brought him in league with men of varying religious beliefs (and in the with his brother-in-law, who brought Bonhoeffer into the conspiracy, a man of no belief of all). Bonhoeffer also had to take a government position to play out his role in the conspiracy. This tranished his reputation with many of his old allies -- Bonhoeffer had to be careful about who he could confide with.
Bonhoeffer found himself in a situation where his reading of the Bible, and his understanding of Jesus as a "man for others," gave him a double-life of lying, in a cause to kill a man, where, in short, he had to "sin boldly" and place himself upon God's forgiveness. This was not just an abstract exercise for him. He felt he had to give up everything that is considered "Christian" -- and his reputation, his pacificism, and his own sense of being a good man -- to suffer for and with Christ. Those were not easy steps.
In league with secular men, and opposed by many Christians, Bonhoeffer worked out his final theological proposition: that, biblically understood, Christianity has to be, for people who have come of age in a secular world, a religionless Christianity. This is not an easy concept to grasp, but I believe the crux of it is that Christians must live for, and suffer for, the "least of these:" people who suffer from the immense power of the world, who are genuinely oppressed, who are in pain, who search for meaning and cannot find it. It means that the Church must throw off its privileges, and properties, and wealth, and live in the world with those it would serve. And common cause is found, not in those who can recite the right "holy" words, but with those you find with you as you serve these others.
I certainly am no witness to Bonhoeffer's beliefs. But when I read about his life, and read his words, I think: here is a way out. I grieve for my faith when I see it enlisted for the cause of anti-immigrant, anti-gay, and anti-Muslim bigotry, and when I see it preached by those who boast of their ignorance about the world they live in and their fellow men. Too much Christianty, these days, seems overly concerned with privilege, and with manning the barricades that separates it from what they see as sin.
I'm probably putting words in Bonhoeffer's mouth, but if you want to find your brother or your sister, first look to those you find repugnant, to those with whom you disagree. They, after all, are your mirror image. Start your understanding there. You just might find your way out.
March 20, 2010
Here is a man that is brilliant, passionate about life, and gave his all in following his real Lord and not the manufactured one called Hitler. He had his wits and the resolve not give in while his countrymen succumbed to the pressure of mass conformity. His writings reveal how this backdrop of Nazi Germany influenced his perspective. This book is a great launching point for his other writings such as his Ethics.
December 6, 2010
A collection of Bonhoeffer's work from 1928 up through the prison letters of 1944. Much of this is excerpted from his major works but I loved reading his correspondence with people like Karl Barth, his friend Eberhard Bethge, and his fiancee Maria. Also includes some prison poetry.
"A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, does various unessential things, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent."
"A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, does various unessential things, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent."
August 6, 2013
This book, a sampling of the critical written work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, provided an enlightening glimpse into the life and thought f an important theologian. I was impressed with the way Bonhoeffer consistently brings things back to the cross. I was also surprised at his challenge to things "religious" in his later years. I think he came to understand the risk that "religion" can so easily become idolatry. Overall, an excellent read.
March 5, 2009
This is one of the best and most accessible compilations of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings available in English translation. The authors did an excellent job selecting some of the best of his works and his personal correspondence. If you read no other Bonhoeffer, this would be an great choice to get to know this important figure. I plan to reread it myself and I have most of his works in full.
March 21, 2013
it's rare for me to give a book 5 stars, especially one that i've only read half-way.
the section of Bonhoeffer's sermons alone is worth paying for this book.
//
i finally understand all you Piper/Keller fans out there. haha. I guess you could call me a Bonhoeffer fan.
the section of Bonhoeffer's sermons alone is worth paying for this book.
//
i finally understand all you Piper/Keller fans out there. haha. I guess you could call me a Bonhoeffer fan.
December 1, 2010
This is a great introduction to Bonhoeffer's thought for anyone who is totally new to him. Mostly excerpts, though.
July 24, 2011
This book is excellent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is truly one of the twentieth century's best theologians. He is a unique example of one who lived what he believed.
May 4, 2013
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading snippets of Bonhoeffer's work, but at the same time, it always left me with the strong desire to read the whole thing and not the snippet!
March 12, 2014
Keep this book right next to your bible. I have been so challenged, spiritually and intellectually, by this man's writing. It illuminates scripture and the human condition in a powerful way.
August 28, 2017
"A Testament To Freedom" includes excerpts from sermon, writings, letters, journals and even poetry from the courageous German Lutheran theologian/pastor who joined a conspiracy against Hitler and was imprisoned and executed by the Nazi regime in the waning days of the European war.
The editors, Geffrey B. Kelly and F. Burton Nelson, not only chose the selections, they also provided extensive and valuable commentary.
Of course a reader could choose to go further, but "A Testament to Freedom" certainly provides the essence of Bonhoeffer's written thoughts.
A few excerpts:
Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our church. We are fighting today for costly grace.
-- from "The Cost of Discipleship"
We gave away the word and sacraments wholesale, we baptized, confirmed and absolved a whole nation unasked and without condition. Our humanitarian sentiment made us give that which was holy to the scornful and unbelieving. We poured forth unending streams of grace. But the call to follow Jesus in the narrow way was hardly ever heard.
-- from "The Cost of Discipleship"
We are silent after hearing the Word because the Word is still speaking and living and dwelling within us. We are silent early in the morning because God should have the first word, and we are silent before going to bed because the last word also belongs to God.
-- from "Life Together"
An expulsion of the Jews from the West must necessarily bring with it the expulsion of Christ. For Jesus Christ was a Jew.
-- from "Ethics"
The church confesses that it has witnessed in silence the spoilage and exploitation of the poor and the enrichment and corruption of the strong.
-- from "Ethics"
The Jewish question troubles the church very much and here even the most intelligent people have entirely lost their heads and their Bibles over it.
-- from a letter to Erwin Sutz, April 14, 1933
Hitler has shown himself quite clearly for what he is, and the church ought to know with whom it has to reckon.
-- from a letter to Erwin Sutz, Sept. 11, 1934
The question really is: Germanism or Christianity? The sooner the conflict comes out into the open, the better.
-- from a letter to his grandmother, Aug. 20, 1933
But I know that, if I were more reasonable, for the sake of honor, I should have to, the next day, give up all my theology.
-- from a letter to Karl-Freidrich Bonhoeffer, Jan. 14, 1935
The whole thing was a respectable, self-indulgent, self-satisfied religious celebration.
-- journal entry on a worship service in an American church, June 18, 1939
... too much analysis and too little gospel.
-- journal entry about a service in the Lutheran Church on Central Park, June 25, 1939
It may be that the day of judgment will dawn tomorrow; in that case, we shall gladly stop working for a better future. But not before.
-- from a letter to the family and conspirators, Christmas 1942
I find people extremely exhausting.
-- from a letter to his fiance, Dec. 1, 1943
Today the Pope has ordered prayers for peace throughout the church. Couldn't we have joined them too? I did.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, Nov. 23, 1940
I detect that a rebellion against all things "religious" is growing in me. Often it amounts to an instinctive horror -- which is certainly not good. I'm not religious by nature.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, June 25, 1942
To renounce a full life and its real joys in order to avoid pain is neither Christian nor human.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, Jan. 23, 1944
The editors, Geffrey B. Kelly and F. Burton Nelson, not only chose the selections, they also provided extensive and valuable commentary.
Of course a reader could choose to go further, but "A Testament to Freedom" certainly provides the essence of Bonhoeffer's written thoughts.
A few excerpts:
Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our church. We are fighting today for costly grace.
-- from "The Cost of Discipleship"
We gave away the word and sacraments wholesale, we baptized, confirmed and absolved a whole nation unasked and without condition. Our humanitarian sentiment made us give that which was holy to the scornful and unbelieving. We poured forth unending streams of grace. But the call to follow Jesus in the narrow way was hardly ever heard.
-- from "The Cost of Discipleship"
We are silent after hearing the Word because the Word is still speaking and living and dwelling within us. We are silent early in the morning because God should have the first word, and we are silent before going to bed because the last word also belongs to God.
-- from "Life Together"
An expulsion of the Jews from the West must necessarily bring with it the expulsion of Christ. For Jesus Christ was a Jew.
-- from "Ethics"
The church confesses that it has witnessed in silence the spoilage and exploitation of the poor and the enrichment and corruption of the strong.
-- from "Ethics"
The Jewish question troubles the church very much and here even the most intelligent people have entirely lost their heads and their Bibles over it.
-- from a letter to Erwin Sutz, April 14, 1933
Hitler has shown himself quite clearly for what he is, and the church ought to know with whom it has to reckon.
-- from a letter to Erwin Sutz, Sept. 11, 1934
The question really is: Germanism or Christianity? The sooner the conflict comes out into the open, the better.
-- from a letter to his grandmother, Aug. 20, 1933
But I know that, if I were more reasonable, for the sake of honor, I should have to, the next day, give up all my theology.
-- from a letter to Karl-Freidrich Bonhoeffer, Jan. 14, 1935
The whole thing was a respectable, self-indulgent, self-satisfied religious celebration.
-- journal entry on a worship service in an American church, June 18, 1939
... too much analysis and too little gospel.
-- journal entry about a service in the Lutheran Church on Central Park, June 25, 1939
It may be that the day of judgment will dawn tomorrow; in that case, we shall gladly stop working for a better future. But not before.
-- from a letter to the family and conspirators, Christmas 1942
I find people extremely exhausting.
-- from a letter to his fiance, Dec. 1, 1943
Today the Pope has ordered prayers for peace throughout the church. Couldn't we have joined them too? I did.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, Nov. 23, 1940
I detect that a rebellion against all things "religious" is growing in me. Often it amounts to an instinctive horror -- which is certainly not good. I'm not religious by nature.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, June 25, 1942
To renounce a full life and its real joys in order to avoid pain is neither Christian nor human.
-- from a letter to Eberhard Bethge, Jan. 23, 1944
July 26, 2020
This was a bit of a schlog. At first, I was spurred on by the notes and highlights made by my sister then by my dad many years ago. They appear to both have abandoned the book about a third of the way through. At least, that’s where the notes and highlights stop. Such a shame because it indicates they didn’t make it to Bonhoeffer’s sermons, which I thought the best part.
Bonhoeffer is still relevant. He was an anti-racist and the words in his sermons and letters are just as true and important today.
I wish the book would have been organized chronologically. It would have made it easier to follow and broken up the tedious parts with the more interesting sermons and letters.
I want to read more of his sermons. Truly inspiring.
Bonhoeffer is still relevant. He was an anti-racist and the words in his sermons and letters are just as true and important today.
I wish the book would have been organized chronologically. It would have made it easier to follow and broken up the tedious parts with the more interesting sermons and letters.
I want to read more of his sermons. Truly inspiring.
September 28, 2021
This is quite possibly my favorite book of all time. I cannot express how timely and relevant this book is. It is a timeless classic that challenges the beliefs and actions of people and brings the tension of great responsibility in doing what is right to bear. A collection of his best writings and sermons Bonhoeffer makes Christians think about life, and calls them to strive for something more than what they are.
This is a book for everyone regardless of faith if only because of Bonhoeffer's incredible perspective on community, ethics, and the social responsibility we have toward one another. It is a book that makes me want to be a better man.
This is a book for everyone regardless of faith if only because of Bonhoeffer's incredible perspective on community, ethics, and the social responsibility we have toward one another. It is a book that makes me want to be a better man.
January 22, 2025
I wish I could give this marvelous book more stars than just 5. With every page turn I found a new gem of truth to treasure! This collection of writings and sermons by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a powerful look into the mind and evolving, deepening faith of a truly courageous soul. I cannot give enough praise for the many things I learned herein! It has made me want to be a better man and live deeper, with more faith and sincerity.
November 15, 2024
A brilliant, reliable overview of Bonhoeffer’s work. The recent attempts to hijack portray Bonhoeffer as an Evangelical thinker is put to shame by his own words and actions. Bonhoeffer called for ‘religionless Christianity’ in response to the needs of ‘Man-come-of-age’. He was decades beyond any American Evangelical writer.
September 17, 2020
This was a long project - and I did take a break for a bit. It was very dense at times but it was a very moving experience to follow his writings, especially the writings close to the time of his death. I learned so very very much.
Want to read
December 14, 2020Came across when reading God is in a Manger, Bonhoffer’s sermon on repentance cited as being on page 217.
December 14, 2021
Great summary of Great works by a Great Man
February 1, 2024
Nice mix of biography about Bonhoeffer and a large selection of his writings. Very challenging material, in a good way. And so interesting how applicable even today…
December 17, 2020
At times, very good. And yet at times, Bonhoeffer's writing is so dense that I felt I needed degrees in psychology and theology to understand. The editors organized the book in a way that the densest material is first, which is a major detraction.
September 15, 2007
read in parts.
February 20, 2012
Very thought provoking. I had to read it in little bits & chunks and will return!
paused-progress
February 5, 2013I liked Cost of Discipleship more... this one is odd
September 8, 2008
A wealth of great material here to wrestle with for a lifetime.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews