Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Brief Life

by Renate Bethge

His life became a symbol of Christian resistance to Hitler. His thought ushered in a new era of worldly Christianity. His personal struggle for authentic moral and religious stance became a beacon for a distracted world. Accompanied by family photos, the dramatic life, evolving thought, and perilous times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906—1945) are sketched in this short volume, which also features short excerpts from his writing. This slim volume captures in a compelling and personal way the religious and political odyssey of one of the last century’s great religious beacons.

Genres: Biography, Theology, History

88 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Ben Adkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super brief, but a helpful overview. And devoid of Metaxas’ reinterpretation.

[Benita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is necessarily somewhat difficult to read because it is based on Bonhoeffer’s letters . But it is enlightening and I wish I had read it before I watched the movie . What courage!

[Phil Whittall · Rating 3 out of 5]

bethgeDietrich Bonhoeffer is one of my spiritual heroes, a man of action, deep faith, author of great books, sharp theological mind and practised in simplicity and community. He is most of the things I wish I was. His The Cost of Discipleship has been one of the most influential books I have ever read. I am therefore a fan.

This short book is a great way for anyone to be introduced to the man, his life and something of his legacy by someone who knew him well. Renate Bethge was Bonhoeffer's niece and wife of Bonhoeffer's biographer and closest friend Eberhard Bethge. No one did more than her late husband to make Bonhoeffer known to the wider world in the aftermath of the second world war.

Containing photos, reflections, poems and a straight forward outline of his life this book does all you'd hope for in just 88 pages. It was a privilege to spend an hour reading this and being reminded of a 20th century martyr whose life and work continues to exercise a profound influence on many.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully put together brief piece on the life of DB. Written in a clear manner from someone related to him (his niece) and wonderfully illustrated with family pictures.