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Bonhoeffer's Seminary Vision
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is best known for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and his subsequent execution at the hands of the Nazis. However, most of us are less familiar with his tireless work educating seminary students for a life of pastoral ministry--a role that occupied him for most of his adult life.
Anchored in a variety of influential lectures, personal letters, and major works such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, this book attempts to recover a largely unexamined part of Bonhoeffer's life, exploring his philosophy and practice of theological education in his original context. It then builds on this foundation to address the drift toward increasingly impersonal educational models in our own day, affirming the value of personal, face-to-face seminary education for the health of pastors and churches.
Anchored in a variety of influential lectures, personal letters, and major works such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, this book attempts to recover a largely unexamined part of Bonhoeffer's life, exploring his philosophy and practice of theological education in his original context. It then builds on this foundation to address the drift toward increasingly impersonal educational models in our own day, affirming the value of personal, face-to-face seminary education for the health of pastors and churches.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2015
11 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Paul R. House
39 books7 followersPaul R. House teaches at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama). An Old Testament scholar, he has taught previously at Taylor University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Wheaton College.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 31, 2021
As a fellow whose vocation is to train pastors in difficult places, I found this book a very fruitful read. Bonhoeffer faced the same kind of challenges our partners face: a hostile government, persecution and bureaucratic knuckle-dragging, lack of resources, unstable school community (for a variety of reasons), and others. And still, somehow, he understood the importance of embodying pastoral training. He prioritized time with his students, taking walks, sports, eating, and being together. They prayed together, worshipped together, served together. They built friendships, and they listened to one another. In my mind, there is something very right about this. Elders are to be examples to the flock, how much more should they be examples to future elders?
House seems to write the book almost in protest to the move of many seminaries to industrial-style economies of scale, of increased detachment of student from teacher, and student from student. Surely he is on to something.
But what do you do when--for example with Muslim Background Believers in the Middle East--the government comes up with ingenious sanctions, massive roadblocks, and state-supported isolation of these new believers? The answer has been (to the extent that I have been informed) using distance learning tools. And while these may be able to help the student with learning important content, how do they help form character and skills?
House's book has disinterred questions that I had prematurely buried. Perhaps I was too quickly and easily satisfied with my answers.
House seems to write the book almost in protest to the move of many seminaries to industrial-style economies of scale, of increased detachment of student from teacher, and student from student. Surely he is on to something.
But what do you do when--for example with Muslim Background Believers in the Middle East--the government comes up with ingenious sanctions, massive roadblocks, and state-supported isolation of these new believers? The answer has been (to the extent that I have been informed) using distance learning tools. And while these may be able to help the student with learning important content, how do they help form character and skills?
House's book has disinterred questions that I had prematurely buried. Perhaps I was too quickly and easily satisfied with my answers.
May 9, 2015
This book is not for everybody, but it’s probably for more than you’d think at first glance. In fact, if you’re reading this review, it is probably for you. Paul House offers a worthy parry & thrust into the discussion on the future of education. This book is a polemic, and House tells you upfront which side he comes down on—and strongly at that. However, I don’t think you can walk away from this book thinking that House has pigeonholed Bonhoeffer onto his own side; he lets Bonhoeffer speak. (Self-proclaimed) non-historian House expertly retells the seminary years of Bonhoeffer, setting his most popular works in their chronological and more powerful context.
Book thesis: This book attempts to do two things. First, it tries to examine Bonhoeffer’s theology and practice of theological education in their original context. Second, it endeavors to assert the biblical necessity of personal, incarnational, face-to-face education for the health of pastors and churches.
I need to say at the start that there may be two reasons why readers will be disappointed in this book: first, they may think it uses most of its pages to recapitulate information we already know if we have read (1) a biography of Bonhoeffer, (2) The Cost of Discipleship , and (3) Life Together ; and secondly, they may think it is too argumentative and critical of ‘technological advancements’ for ‘distance education.’ And yet, House (and by extension, I) warn you that such ‘problems’ with the text are precisely what House wishes to communicate. In other words: House accomplishes his thesis to the utmost; so if you don’t like the thesis, you will not like this book.
But let me explain why I think his thesis is valuable. It’s easy to read The Cost of Discipleship or Life Together and extrapolate all of the pithy statements and insightful ideas divorced from the context they were written in; but when the manuscripts are placed in a chronology of Bonhoeffer’s life, and the editor constantly turns to show influence and implications of each section, the works come alive with new vigor. And so Bonhoeffer becomes less an ivory-tower theologian, and especially less a spy, and more a committed disciple of Jesus Christ striving with all his efforts and energies and passionate heart to equip more disciples of Christ for the ministry of the church in dark days. In some sense the two major chapters that form this book are 75% summary of Bonhoeffer’s books, and yet I think even the reader familiar with Bonhoeffer’s books will find fresh and powerful insight into the weightiness of the call of Christ. And, perhaps more significantly, they are struck with the example of one who remains faithful to the commission with which he charges others. Reading Bonhoeffer’s ideas in this context both magnifies the call and encourages the called: for he who calls is faithful and preserves his people to the end.
As far as polemics are concerned: you will find a sincerely convinced seminarian espousing a very specific seminary philosophy and critiquing a similarly specific seminary philosophy. House shows a humble conviction, however, always reminding readers that his idea is not staunch traditionalism, but rather an informed faith in Christ, God incarnate, who gathered disciples face-to-face, and builds his church doing the same. The final chapter reveals the deep wisdom House has accumulated from sincere and lengthy reflection and dialogue about arguments and counterarguments; about seminary life now and future. His arguments are not trite and childish, but measured and thoughtful. He takes disagreement seriously and (I believe) proves that more than anything, he wants to be faithful. He announces his indebtedness to others and his pleasure at serving with seminaries who model this incarnational model, but he does not pretend that these are the only institutions who are truly honoring Jesus. He offers suggestions for a variety of ministerial training centers from large seminaries to denominational programs. You may disagree with his conclusions, but you will have to wrestle honestly with the biblical text and example. Nonetheless whether you find the argument persuasive, you will have no doubt that House really does “endeavor to assert the biblical necessity” of this education model.
I offer one potential area of improvement. House states pretty early on that he is not an Hagiographer (he also states that he is not an historian). And it may be difficult to believe this is true from this text alone. Not only does he show apt ability in bringing the history to life, but he does not critique Bonhoeffer’s own ideas or actions. Surely Bonhoeffer was not yet perfect, and yet we find no mention of failures. This is, in part, due to the de facto nature of history and the purpose of the book: ‘what did Bonhoeffer believe and do about seminary?’ but it may leave the reader wondering if everything Bonhoeffer did really was appropriate. Perhaps there is nothing worth criticism that fits the scope of this book, but I am at a loss to know whether that is true. Indeed, every time a place for possible criticism arises—the daily seminary schedule, the absence/return from seminary, the correspondence with friends or family, the resistance, etc. House mentions that ‘others’ have disputed the reasons or integrity, but House himself never does. For this reason, I believe House is open to the charge of hagiography; and yet I am the more grateful that his focus is upon edifying and building the body of Christ. Indeed, you must remove a false structure before building a sound one in its place, and so accuse me of hagiography: I find House’s work excellent.
As I stated before: this book isn’t for everybody, but it’s for quite a few more than you’d expect at first. With 5/5 stars, and no comparable work I’m aware of, I recommend this book to
Seminary Presidents (and Christian Universities)
Seminary Prospects
Parents of Seminary Prospects
Church Elder Boards
Senior Pastors
Youth Pastors
Directors of Denominational programs
I received a free digital copy of this book for review as part of Crossway’s Beyond the Page program.
This review is crosslisted on Amazon and http://ejboston.blogspot.com .
Book thesis: This book attempts to do two things. First, it tries to examine Bonhoeffer’s theology and practice of theological education in their original context. Second, it endeavors to assert the biblical necessity of personal, incarnational, face-to-face education for the health of pastors and churches.
I need to say at the start that there may be two reasons why readers will be disappointed in this book: first, they may think it uses most of its pages to recapitulate information we already know if we have read (1) a biography of Bonhoeffer, (2) The Cost of Discipleship , and (3) Life Together ; and secondly, they may think it is too argumentative and critical of ‘technological advancements’ for ‘distance education.’ And yet, House (and by extension, I) warn you that such ‘problems’ with the text are precisely what House wishes to communicate. In other words: House accomplishes his thesis to the utmost; so if you don’t like the thesis, you will not like this book.
But let me explain why I think his thesis is valuable. It’s easy to read The Cost of Discipleship or Life Together and extrapolate all of the pithy statements and insightful ideas divorced from the context they were written in; but when the manuscripts are placed in a chronology of Bonhoeffer’s life, and the editor constantly turns to show influence and implications of each section, the works come alive with new vigor. And so Bonhoeffer becomes less an ivory-tower theologian, and especially less a spy, and more a committed disciple of Jesus Christ striving with all his efforts and energies and passionate heart to equip more disciples of Christ for the ministry of the church in dark days. In some sense the two major chapters that form this book are 75% summary of Bonhoeffer’s books, and yet I think even the reader familiar with Bonhoeffer’s books will find fresh and powerful insight into the weightiness of the call of Christ. And, perhaps more significantly, they are struck with the example of one who remains faithful to the commission with which he charges others. Reading Bonhoeffer’s ideas in this context both magnifies the call and encourages the called: for he who calls is faithful and preserves his people to the end.
As far as polemics are concerned: you will find a sincerely convinced seminarian espousing a very specific seminary philosophy and critiquing a similarly specific seminary philosophy. House shows a humble conviction, however, always reminding readers that his idea is not staunch traditionalism, but rather an informed faith in Christ, God incarnate, who gathered disciples face-to-face, and builds his church doing the same. The final chapter reveals the deep wisdom House has accumulated from sincere and lengthy reflection and dialogue about arguments and counterarguments; about seminary life now and future. His arguments are not trite and childish, but measured and thoughtful. He takes disagreement seriously and (I believe) proves that more than anything, he wants to be faithful. He announces his indebtedness to others and his pleasure at serving with seminaries who model this incarnational model, but he does not pretend that these are the only institutions who are truly honoring Jesus. He offers suggestions for a variety of ministerial training centers from large seminaries to denominational programs. You may disagree with his conclusions, but you will have to wrestle honestly with the biblical text and example. Nonetheless whether you find the argument persuasive, you will have no doubt that House really does “endeavor to assert the biblical necessity” of this education model.
I offer one potential area of improvement. House states pretty early on that he is not an Hagiographer (he also states that he is not an historian). And it may be difficult to believe this is true from this text alone. Not only does he show apt ability in bringing the history to life, but he does not critique Bonhoeffer’s own ideas or actions. Surely Bonhoeffer was not yet perfect, and yet we find no mention of failures. This is, in part, due to the de facto nature of history and the purpose of the book: ‘what did Bonhoeffer believe and do about seminary?’ but it may leave the reader wondering if everything Bonhoeffer did really was appropriate. Perhaps there is nothing worth criticism that fits the scope of this book, but I am at a loss to know whether that is true. Indeed, every time a place for possible criticism arises—the daily seminary schedule, the absence/return from seminary, the correspondence with friends or family, the resistance, etc. House mentions that ‘others’ have disputed the reasons or integrity, but House himself never does. For this reason, I believe House is open to the charge of hagiography; and yet I am the more grateful that his focus is upon edifying and building the body of Christ. Indeed, you must remove a false structure before building a sound one in its place, and so accuse me of hagiography: I find House’s work excellent.
As I stated before: this book isn’t for everybody, but it’s for quite a few more than you’d expect at first. With 5/5 stars, and no comparable work I’m aware of, I recommend this book to
Seminary Presidents (and Christian Universities)
Seminary Prospects
Parents of Seminary Prospects
Church Elder Boards
Senior Pastors
Youth Pastors
Directors of Denominational programs
I received a free digital copy of this book for review as part of Crossway’s Beyond the Page program.
This review is crosslisted on Amazon and http://ejboston.blogspot.com .
April 9, 2023
This is one of the more interesting books on Dietrich Bonhoeffer out there because it focuses specifically on his approach to education. Divided into six chapters, two of the chapters are very nice overviews of The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. The balance of the book largely takes these concepts and applies them to specifically seminaries but touches on higher education in general.
The author makes the case for in person, highly personalized education. He argues that pastors specifically will be best trained in this kind of environment and that it is incredibly unlikely, if not impossible, for the degree of personal education necessary to be replicated online. As someone who is the product of good online education programs, I think that he might be a little hard on the good that can emerge from online education. However, many programs are done poorly, so I can see why he takes a position he does.
Overall, this is a pretty interesting book.
The author makes the case for in person, highly personalized education. He argues that pastors specifically will be best trained in this kind of environment and that it is incredibly unlikely, if not impossible, for the degree of personal education necessary to be replicated online. As someone who is the product of good online education programs, I think that he might be a little hard on the good that can emerge from online education. However, many programs are done poorly, so I can see why he takes a position he does.
Overall, this is a pretty interesting book.
February 11, 2025
Paul House makes a compelling case for “incarnational education,” drawing on the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I learned a good deal in this book about DB himself. I was familiar with the Finkewalde seminary (1935-1937), but I didn’t realize that the seminary work continued. Now serving in a seminary context, I couldn’t help but be struck by this quote from DB: “The matter of the proper education of preachers of the gospel is worthy of our ultimate commitment.” Much of the book is summary/overview of Cost of Discipleship and Life Together; this material dragged on a bit. I think the book as a whole probably could have been 150 pages (rather than 200). But the core concepts were good, and the engagement with Bonhoeffer was enlightening. Important read for anyone engaged in—or who cares about—the state and future of seminary education.
May 17, 2022
Paul House takes a biographical approach to what he believes is Bonhoeffer’s neglected story as a seminarian. House asses the relationship between Bonhoeffer’s “Cost of Discipleship” and his approach to education. “Christian life and ministry require following Jesus, whatever that means at any concrete moment, according to what the Bible teaches.”
This book interact with the relationship between Bonhoeffer’s Christology and the seminary.
You can sense Houses enthusiasm for the next generation of church leaders as you read it.
Excellent!
This book interact with the relationship between Bonhoeffer’s Christology and the seminary.
You can sense Houses enthusiasm for the next generation of church leaders as you read it.
Excellent!
October 2, 2017
This is a niche book by its title. But it's a good reflection of Bonhoeffer's key works. One could easily read this with an eye to the church. Not the seminary.
As crazy as it sounds, this book feels like a personal project of House's that Crossway helped publish.
As crazy as it sounds, this book feels like a personal project of House's that Crossway helped publish.
January 4, 2018
A fresh take on Bonhoeffer’s participation in theological education and how to apply his vision today. House offers perspectives from the inside of theological education today and he offers stirring insight on what the future of seminary education could be.
December 22, 2021
Partly a history of Bonhoeffer’s situation, partly an introduction to Bonhoeffer’s most popular works, and fully an argument for embodied education patterned after the way Bonhoeffer sought to form pastors.
July 23, 2017
Awesome!
June 13, 2023
Good for understanding the context of Life Together and The Cost of Discipleship. Important observations for seminary training/internships considering the online distribution model.
June 19, 2015
A Higher Education
To the already stunning list of monikers on the Dietrich Bonhoeffer resume — pastor, martyr, spy, author, faithful brother — Paul R. House has added another: theological educator. In Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision, the author has fulfilled the promise of his subtitle by making A Case for Costly Grace in higher theological education, but there is more on the agenda as well. I have not attended seminary (not to make a virtue of ignorance), but I found House’s book to be immensely practical on four levels:
1.Whether or not one has read Life Together or The Cost of Discipleship, House has created a companion volume for these books (as well as some of Bonhoeffer’s lesser known writing), that will either serve as a guide for a first time reader or as a tool for enhanced appreciation of these classic works. Written during his five year tenure as a seminary educator in Nazi Germany (1935-1940), the principles in these practical and deeply theological works were formulated in the crucible of preparing ten separate groups of students for pastoral ministry under hostile conditions. Far from being the prototype for a Protestant monasticism in Germany, Bonhoeffer’s practices were a means to the end of shaping shepherds to “lead communities of costly grace.”
2.For those with the delightful option of attending seminary in the future, Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision will provide an enhanced check-list for weighing the merits of various schools. The prospective student, counting the cost on every level, may find that Bonhoeffer’s students displayed a degree of commitment that will encourage the formation of iron in their own souls. For example, of the approximately 180 students who trained under Bonhoeffer at the seminary level, 27 spent time in prison for their faith; most were denied positions or lost existing salaries because of their association with the Confessing Church’s seminary; most were drafted and sent into the heaviest areas of fighting. A few relevant criteria to ponder based on Bonhoeffer’s model: Will this institution help me to become a Bible-formed pastor? Is the educational experience provided there a visible expression of the body of Christ?
3.Individuals and churches who are influential in the formation of seminary curriculum and educational philosophy will want to give long deliberation to the questions Paul House raises and the biblical answers he suggests. He recommends that the body of Christ rethink the CEO model for pastors in favor of a shepherding leader. He questions whether the concept of distance education aided by technology can truly provide a community of faith that will result in pastoral formation. He contrasts Bonhoeffer’s incarnational method with the predominant “industrial model” of today.
4.House, Bonhoeffer, and Zechariah the prophet have spoken, and I have been rebuked for “despising the day of small things” in my own ministry. One of the best things I do all week is to sit down in the church library on Sunday morning with a group of women who are there to learn the Word of God. It’s a small space, so it’s full with a half-dozen of us, and I have wondered if my work of study and preparation is a good investment. Is this meager response, or is this an opportunity to build well into the lives of an intimate group? I am encouraged by my reading of Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision to view that time as an opportunity to participate in “preserving a cross-bearing community” in our harsh world through common prayer and serious study. My prayers for my students will now include the words “rigorous thought” and “rigorous practice.”
True to Bonhoeffer’s vision on every level, Paul R. House advocates for a weighty and refreshing ecclesiology, supporting the truth that the training of pastors, yes — but also the training of every Christian in a life of costly grace is “worthy of our ultimate commitment.”
This book was provided by Crossway 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.”
To the already stunning list of monikers on the Dietrich Bonhoeffer resume — pastor, martyr, spy, author, faithful brother — Paul R. House has added another: theological educator. In Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision, the author has fulfilled the promise of his subtitle by making A Case for Costly Grace in higher theological education, but there is more on the agenda as well. I have not attended seminary (not to make a virtue of ignorance), but I found House’s book to be immensely practical on four levels:
1.Whether or not one has read Life Together or The Cost of Discipleship, House has created a companion volume for these books (as well as some of Bonhoeffer’s lesser known writing), that will either serve as a guide for a first time reader or as a tool for enhanced appreciation of these classic works. Written during his five year tenure as a seminary educator in Nazi Germany (1935-1940), the principles in these practical and deeply theological works were formulated in the crucible of preparing ten separate groups of students for pastoral ministry under hostile conditions. Far from being the prototype for a Protestant monasticism in Germany, Bonhoeffer’s practices were a means to the end of shaping shepherds to “lead communities of costly grace.”
2.For those with the delightful option of attending seminary in the future, Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision will provide an enhanced check-list for weighing the merits of various schools. The prospective student, counting the cost on every level, may find that Bonhoeffer’s students displayed a degree of commitment that will encourage the formation of iron in their own souls. For example, of the approximately 180 students who trained under Bonhoeffer at the seminary level, 27 spent time in prison for their faith; most were denied positions or lost existing salaries because of their association with the Confessing Church’s seminary; most were drafted and sent into the heaviest areas of fighting. A few relevant criteria to ponder based on Bonhoeffer’s model: Will this institution help me to become a Bible-formed pastor? Is the educational experience provided there a visible expression of the body of Christ?
3.Individuals and churches who are influential in the formation of seminary curriculum and educational philosophy will want to give long deliberation to the questions Paul House raises and the biblical answers he suggests. He recommends that the body of Christ rethink the CEO model for pastors in favor of a shepherding leader. He questions whether the concept of distance education aided by technology can truly provide a community of faith that will result in pastoral formation. He contrasts Bonhoeffer’s incarnational method with the predominant “industrial model” of today.
4.House, Bonhoeffer, and Zechariah the prophet have spoken, and I have been rebuked for “despising the day of small things” in my own ministry. One of the best things I do all week is to sit down in the church library on Sunday morning with a group of women who are there to learn the Word of God. It’s a small space, so it’s full with a half-dozen of us, and I have wondered if my work of study and preparation is a good investment. Is this meager response, or is this an opportunity to build well into the lives of an intimate group? I am encouraged by my reading of Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision to view that time as an opportunity to participate in “preserving a cross-bearing community” in our harsh world through common prayer and serious study. My prayers for my students will now include the words “rigorous thought” and “rigorous practice.”
True to Bonhoeffer’s vision on every level, Paul R. House advocates for a weighty and refreshing ecclesiology, supporting the truth that the training of pastors, yes — but also the training of every Christian in a life of costly grace is “worthy of our ultimate commitment.”
This book was provided by Crossway 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.”
December 8, 2015
This book needs to be read by potential and current seminary students (and it wouldn't hurt for their advisors to read as well) and seminary/theological faculty administration.
House does a few things in this book. First, he reflects upon Bonhoeffer's tenure as a seminary director. Second, he effectively summarizes the Cost of Discipleship, Life Together, and Bonhoeffer's unfinished work on Psalm 119. These summaries include reflection upon them in their original context which was in Bonhoeffer's seminary (although House acknowledge's Bonhoeffer intended their wider application). Finally, where House is at his best is in his "Implications for Incarnational Seminaries" sections at the end of every chapter and including the entire final chapter. He provides a stunning critique of seminaries that focus on generation massive amounts of students especially though the means of online education in a way that reflects American education trends but in ways that do not benefit the formation of pastors or many times the faculty who serve at those schools (who tend to be overworked and/or underpaid).
The summaries of the Cost of Discipleship reminds me of the radical nature of Christ's call and those on Life Together encourage me to press into the seminary community at Beeson Divinity School (where House serves on faculty) for the two more years of classes I have.
House does a few things in this book. First, he reflects upon Bonhoeffer's tenure as a seminary director. Second, he effectively summarizes the Cost of Discipleship, Life Together, and Bonhoeffer's unfinished work on Psalm 119. These summaries include reflection upon them in their original context which was in Bonhoeffer's seminary (although House acknowledge's Bonhoeffer intended their wider application). Finally, where House is at his best is in his "Implications for Incarnational Seminaries" sections at the end of every chapter and including the entire final chapter. He provides a stunning critique of seminaries that focus on generation massive amounts of students especially though the means of online education in a way that reflects American education trends but in ways that do not benefit the formation of pastors or many times the faculty who serve at those schools (who tend to be overworked and/or underpaid).
The summaries of the Cost of Discipleship reminds me of the radical nature of Christ's call and those on Life Together encourage me to press into the seminary community at Beeson Divinity School (where House serves on faculty) for the two more years of classes I have.
December 20, 2016
Helpful to consider how we think of something like the seminary with help from Bonhoeffer. Great read for churches wanting to develop people and not just pump out a product. Drives me back to the source material with a better grasp on it's context.
April 19, 2017
Excellent book concerning how one theologian could not give up his beliefs for the government even if it were to kill him in the end. We must have a plan to help the next generation spread the gospel.
June 3, 2017
I really liked this book because House addresses a current need in pastoral training with an inspiring historical example in Bonhoeffer. The current seminary model is broken for character formation, accountability, and encouragement because it's based on an industrial model of education. Bonhoeffer's vision for seminary was for a small group of men (almost exclusively single men) to spend 6 months in living in community after they had completed theological study. Together they would worship, study, and recreate. House sees the "next great thing" in education--online education--as not so great because it lacks community, an essential element for character formation. He ends the book with some suggestions and possibilities for new models training pastors and this section was my only complaint. I wish he would have offered some modern day examples or stories of how pastoral training mimics Bonhoeffer's model. I love the possibilities, but I still don't quite see how Bonhoeffer's vision is as likely to occur today (even though I'd love to see more of it.) For example, many pastors in training are married and/or have children, which makes the Bonhoeffer model much different--not impossible, but significantly more difficult to achieve.
Another fascinating part of the book is the historic reality in which Bonhoeffer lived. A major temptation for pastors was to sell out to the state churches who were loyal to Hitler. Additionally, the seminary was always at risk for shutting down and many of the pastors who attended the seminary were later imprisoned and persecuted. In this climate, Bonhoeffer's call to discipleship and his vision for life in community emerge. His version of Christianity is costly and beautiful and makes me yearn for such authentic faith in my own life today.
This book is a needed work, an inspiring read, and one that I really enjoyed. If Goodreads allowed decimal points or fractions in their ratings (I wish they would!), I'd give it a 4.5.
Another fascinating part of the book is the historic reality in which Bonhoeffer lived. A major temptation for pastors was to sell out to the state churches who were loyal to Hitler. Additionally, the seminary was always at risk for shutting down and many of the pastors who attended the seminary were later imprisoned and persecuted. In this climate, Bonhoeffer's call to discipleship and his vision for life in community emerge. His version of Christianity is costly and beautiful and makes me yearn for such authentic faith in my own life today.
This book is a needed work, an inspiring read, and one that I really enjoyed. If Goodreads allowed decimal points or fractions in their ratings (I wish they would!), I'd give it a 4.5.
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March 5, 2019Great book. Good vision on Seminaries and Bonhoeffer's two books, COST OF DISCIPLESHIP and LIFE TOGETHER.
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