Mornings with Bonhoeffer: 100 Reflections on the Christian Life

by Donald K. McKim

A journey in faith with the words of Bonhoeffer.

“No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human.”

These stirring words are just a sample of the wisdom found in this collection of 100 devotions that guide and inspire us. Mornings with Bonhoeffer provides an acute understanding of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological perspectives, helping us to reflect on what his thoughts can mean for faith and the Christian experience. Short excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters and passages from his sermons, paired with the daily devotions, offer timeless and moving reminders of God’s love for humanity speaking to the “head” and “heart” of theological understanding and personal faith.

Dr. Donald K. McKim brings Bonhoeffer to life in this beautiful devotional that provides understanding of often misunderstood, multifaceted writings as well as an inside look at the imperfect man behind the saintly image. The result is a heartrending portrait that provides Bonhoeffer’s true insights, as well as insight into the faith that sustained and redeemed him.

Product

Offers 100 devotional and educational insights.
Shares a short Bonhoeffer quotation followed by a devotional reflection on the quote.
Presents insightful reflections and information in a short, accessible format.

Genres: Religion, Devotional, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Donald K. McKim is an American Presbyterian theologian and editor. He works as Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press.

McKim studied at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Memphis Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

McKim is known for his 1979 book The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible: An Historical Approach. Co-authored with Jack B. Rogers, it was Eternity magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1980. In the book, Rogers and McKim argued that the Bible was infallible but not inerrant.

Donald Keith McKim was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Keith Beatty and Mary Alisan (Leslie) McKim.

Reviews

[Sarah Cnossen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little devotional that takes you through the writings of Deitrich Bonhoeffer and what he has to say about various topics in the Christian life. Each day's devotional begins with a quote from him, followed by the author's expounding on said quote and topic, ending with a Scripture verse to look up as a reference. They are simple and brief---perfect to start the day off!

"Faith is trust. It is trust in Jesus, even when He seems to be asleep in the boat. Through all conditions of life---in calm seas or dangerous seas, faith trusts Jesus. It does not rely on its own strength. Faith believes only in God. Faith overcomes fear because God saves those who are perishing. We are people of 'little faith.' But Jesus is with us. He calms our fears. He gives us faith."
(Bonhoeffer, Chapter 13)

I'm a collector of inspiring and influential quotes from a variety of people, and this devotional is LOADED with them. Each one serves as a great reminder of Who we are to live for and why. And they're scattered with tiny historical snippets of Mr Bonhoeffer's life, where he preached at the time of the quotation, and the like.

I would recommend this little devo to anyone familiar, or unfamiliar, with this great teacher of God, and anyone searching for a brief 5-minute something to go along with their quiet time.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains 100 short devotions based off of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological writings. For each entry, there's the verse reference that you look up in your own Bible. It's usually a chunk of 4-12 verses which Bonhoeffer was referring to in that day's quote. Then there's a short, 1-3 sentence long quote from Bonhoeffer. Then the author wrote 4-5 paragraphs of commentary on the Bonhoeffer quote, usually re-quoting the day's quote as he went. He explained the context of the quote and where it came from, clarified what Bonhoeffer meant (though usually that was obvious), and left the reader with a core concept to meditate on throughout the day. Each entry was about 1.5 pages long and only took a few minutes to read. While the author used good, core Christian concepts in the devotions, I had thought there was going to be more of Bonhoeffer--the devotion being Bonhoeffer's writings themselves, not someone talking about what he said. So it was fine, just not what I'd expected.

I received an ARC review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mornings with Bonhoeffer
100 Reflections on the Christian Life
by Donald K. McKim
Abingdon Press

Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Mornings With Bonhoeffer through Aningdon Press and netgalley:


In Mornings With Bonhoeffer we will get a deeper understanding of his theological beliefs and perspectives, allowing us time to reflect on what his thoughts could mean for Faith and the Christian experience.


This devotional of sorts includes short excerpts and from his sermons, along with daily devotions, these offer timeless reminders of God's love.


I give Mornings with Bonhoeffer five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Distinguished Presbyterian scholar Don McKim has pulled together a 100-day devotional based upon some of the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Each day starts with a brief excerpt from Bonhoeffer's writings, followed by a brief reflection. Emphasis on brief. While I liked everything in the content of this book I frequently found that the reflections left me hanging, wanting more. Considering that the excerpt itself was almost always fully contained in the reflection itself, some days there was not a lot of new 'content.' The book is organized 9 basic themes. Would have enjoyed this much more with a little more flesh on the bones.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book based around some of the sayings of Bonhoeffer. A martyr to the Nazis in the Holocaust.
I found this book difficult to understand in places but felt it was worth the effort.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.

[Marcus McCollom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but meaningful reads into the mind and faith of an influential 20th century theologian, great way to start your day!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think of this book as breakfast with Bonhoeffer: a taste of the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer with scripture and a concept to digest for the day. If you are not familiar with Bonhoeffer, this work is a good starting point. Reading like a Cliff's Notes devotional of his work, you are introduced to his writing in the midst of great turmoil in Europe before and during WWII. These timeless words are still relevant to the world of today and no doubt for the future.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Emily P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting glance into Bonhoeffer's life, sermons and writings. I enjoyed the fact that the devotionals are short enough to read several, if you'd like. Also helpful was the fact that they are undated. So, you can pick and choose however you'd like. There are prayers at the end of each devotional, which is helpful for those who like to use prepared prayers or have a specific amount of time to share.

The issue I had was the book seemed to have more from the author, Donald McKim, and his perspective, rather than Bonhoeffer. I felt as though it wasn't quite what I was expecting. However, there is enough information about Bonhoeffer to create an interest in the reader to seek more out.

I appreciate the advanced reader PDF and chose to take this opportunity to review. Thank you #NetGalley, for the chance to read.