Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians

Armchair Theologians

by Stephen R. Haynes, Lori Brandt Hale

This latest volume in the ever-popular WJK Armchair series turns its sights on contemporary theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945). Born in Breslau, Germany, Bonhoeffer led quite an intriguing life. This book, with dozens of illustrations by artist Ron Hill, highlights Bonhoeffer's background and theological education; his time at Union Seminary in New York City; his involvement in the resistance movement against Adolf Hitler; and his participation in the plot to assassinate Hitler.

Written by experts but designed for the novice, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are essential supplements for first-time encounters with primary texts, lucid refreshers for scholars and clergy, and enjoyable reads for the theologically curious.

Genres: Theology, Biography, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian, Germany, Religion

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Stephen R. Haynes is Professor of Religious Studies, Albert Bruce Curry Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College. Dr. Haynes holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Literature from Emory University, the M. Div. from Columbia Theological Seminary, an M. A. from Florida State University, and a B. A. from Vanderbilt University. Professor Haynes has been at Rhodes since 1989 and offers courses on the Holocaust, the Bible and its reception, religion and reconciliation, and religion and addiction. In addition to these subjects, he has research interests in Jewish-Christian relations, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the biblical justifications for slavery and segregation. Dr. Haynes was ODK Untenured Teacher of the Year at Rhodes in 1993 and SGA Outstanding Faculty Member in 1995. In 1997 he received the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Research and in 2001 was awarded the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching. He is also a graduate of Leadership Memphis. Since 2016 he has directed the Rhodes Liberal Arts in Prison Program at West Tennessee State Penitentiary.

Reviews

[Corey]

Second time through, still an incredible resource. Having my students start with this.


First read:
This book was, without question, the best book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer I have read to date. The first half of the book is a biography of Bonhoeffer's life. I've read two other Bonhoeffer biographies that are a few hundred pages each, and this one was much more enjoyable for a "casual Bonhoeffer reader." If you are looking to know every single detail of his life, I would recommend Charles Marsh's "Strange Glory." (I haven't read Bethge's definitive biography yet). However, if you are looking for an overview of Bonhoeffer's life that really pinpoints the overarching story of his life and will give you a good grasp on why he is still such a popular theologian to be researched and read, this book is your best bet.

What's brilliant about this book is that it is not only a very well written short biography, but it also condenses volumes upon volumes of Bonhoeffer's theological work into a few chapters. (The book is only 150 pages long). The major themes in Bonhoeffer's works are: Christ existing as community, costly grace, vicarious representative action/ ethics as formation, and religionless Christianity in a world come of age. There is a chapter devoted to each of these themes that show up throughout his work. Every chapter was fairly easy to grasp and as a result I feel like I know much more about Bonhoeffer than before I read it.

If someone came to me saying that they wanted to know more about Bonhoeffer, I would recommend this book first. I can't think of higher praise for it.

[David Hindman]

A very helpful introduction to Bonhoeffer and his essential writings. However, it is not readily accessible to the average layperson; more suitable as an introductory text to 1st year seminarians.

[Nathaniel Cantwell]

Good summary of both his life and major works; seemed pretty neutral/nuanced on reading it and left me with a desire to read the source materials.

[Patty]

Helped me understand Bonhoeffer better. Really disliked the illustrations.

[Coyle]

Another good book in the "Armchair Theologians." Unlike some of the other theologians, Bonhoeffer's life is much more exciting than his theology. After all, not many people in history (to say nothing of theologians) can claim to have tried to kill Hitler- repeatedly.
His theology is much less impressive, sort-of a mixture of Barth, early 20th century liberalism, and anti-Fascism. Not that that last part's bad (infinitely preferable to the alternative), but the first two should cause some hesitation. On the other hand, Bonhoeffer's calls to action rather than mere words are sorely needed, particularly in 21st century America, where we have far too often abdicated our Christian responsiblities to others, particularly in the realm of charity and social justice.

[Amy]

This was a really good, concise introduction to Bonhoeffer. I had a hard time keeping some (okay, most) of the church organizations and historical events straight in the first part about his life. I'm more interested in the theology and found the chapters devoted to his chief ideas well written and easy to follow for a beginner like me. I've read The Cost of Discipleship but I kind of want to read it again now that I have more background information.

[Lorri]

It’s been several years since I’ve read Bonhoeffer, and I’m so grateful I had this small book sitting in my bookshelf begging to be read (even better with highlights marked by a previous reader). I had almost forgotten why I was crazy about him, but this book reminded me by covering his life, thoughts and theology in understandable and intellectual language. The last sentences of the book sums up the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for me, a life I strive for...”Bonhoeffer had nothing of the discontinuity of modern man...he willed what he thought. This unique integrity between life and thought, reflection and action, belief and obedience had a deep impact on those who knew Bonhoeffer. It impacts many of us still.”

[Brother Brandon]

Really good. Start here for a succinct biography of Bonhoeffer and his key theological commitments. Brief but rich and completely worth your time. Also gives a helpful framework for critiquing and examining the "Bonhoeffers" that recent scholarship continues to put out.

[Monica]

Great introduction to Bonhoeffers Theology - the Biography is good, but not as helpful as others I have read.

[Elyn]

A good intro to Bonhoeffer before trying to dive into the real thing....the first half of the book is biographical while the second half summarizes his major themes.

[Jared Jones]

A great introduction to Bonhoeffer's biography and works. Some of the explanations went over my head, though.

[Luís Branco]

This is a very especial book, not only for describing the live of a fantastic man, but also the way the book was written. It is a biographical book but not only that, it is a book about the theology and philosophy of Dietrich. The pictures inside makes is light an fun to read. I highly recommend this book special for scholars and seminary students.

[Brad Lockerbie]

For a short volume, it is surprisingly good. The discussion of Bonhoeffer's theology was more than I expected. Though I guess I should have expected high quality. I've read several of the . . . for Armchair Theologians and found them to be quite good and well written.

[Will]

great primer of D. Bonhoeffer's life and theology. this marks my second reading, and now begin Eberhard Bethge's (in my opinion, the AUTHORISED) biography, Bonhoeffer. Forget Eric Metaxas' "fluffy" biography

[Sherry]

Who doesn't love Bonhoeffer?

[Karen]

I was pretty well acquainted with Bonhoeffer's life, but much less so with his theology. A fairly easy to understand, comprehensive telling all around.

[Michael]

A fine (and short) introduction to the man and his theology.

[Kevin Nicholas]

This book is easy to read giving just an overview of the life of Bonhoeffer and his theology. It gives just a glimpse of Bonhoeffer to wet your appetite for something more.

[Jeff]

A good overview of his life and theology. A difficult, but certainly readable book for a casual reader.

[Sean]

Brilliant short introduction. Simple and accessible. Loved it!

[Stephen London]

Great intro to Bonhoeffer.

[David]

Very concise book on Bonhoeffer's life and theology.Good for someone who is being introduced to Bonhoeffer.

[Lee Button]

Brief but packed with important facts of Bonhoeffer's life. A wonderful summary of his theology, not candy-coated.

[K B]

well done in every way. Loved the illustrations! Good book for a starter on the life and writings of Bonhoeffer.

[Fr. Thomas Reeves]

A wonderful introduction to Bonhoeffer's life, ministry, and theology.

Readable with excellent detail and recommendations for further reading.