Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel

by Dayspring Macleod

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of the heroes of World War 2. Not only did he preach God’s word fearlessly, he spoke and actively resisted the evil of the Nazi regime. Discovered to be one of the people behind the plot to assassinate Hitler he was arrested and eventually martyred.

Today he is remembered for his writings, including his letters from prison and commentaries.

Not long before his death he was engaged to be married, and this unfulfilled marriage is one of the bittersweet notes to his story.

Genres: Biography

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2019

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the excellent audio version of this book which provides a thought-provoking overview of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and beliefs,including several very credible conversations from his years in prison which have been put together rather like a radio drama.I think it might serve as a good introduction to anyone not familiar with this extraordinary man and his legacy.It is the first material I have read which mentions his musical childhood,his success as a catechist for children with little interest in studying faith and the reasons he refused to escape from prison.I found it particularly suitable for reading during the Advent season.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best, straight-forward biography of Bonhoeffer’s life for young people. If you’re struggling through one of the thicker and meatier biographies, try this instead for a simple overview of his life.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a well written and easy-to-follow entry level biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The Author very nicely indicates that some of the conversations and situations have been created though based on other material - and I think given the audience that this book is aimed at this is perfectly fine and makes for a good read. The Author also nicely handles much of Bonhoeffer's history through "flash backs" - this can be easily confusing - but the Author is to be commended, as it made the story flow nicely - and gave an eagerness to read the next chapter :)

I have given it 4-star rather than 5-star because of the last chapter - an epilogue really - looking at the theology of Bonhoeffer. The Author seems to be measuring him up against some sort of 5-point Calvinism (presented as what current Christians know to be the truth) which soured this fine book for me. What is worse is the Author admits to having read very little of Bonhoeffer's writings - and if that is the case, why comment at all on his theology??? Like Bonhoeffer I am a Lutheran Pastor, and I don't agree with him in all matters from what I've read of his theology - so I have no problems with that, rather that a biographer doesn't need to take on theology.

[Angela Priebbenow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and easy read. It was sufficient as an elementary introduction to Bonhoeffer and who he was. However, it doesn't give a satisfactorily clear enough understanding of Bonhoeffer's life or beliefs. I will now have to hunt down a more detailed biographical account.

[Trulee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about Dietrich Bonhoeffer until we read this book. He was very inspiring. What an amazing person, who put his life on the line to stand up to Hitler, knowing he would die by doing so. Very cool!

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing man. He sought only to be a “spoke in the wheel” to help stop the crazy wagon of destruction of Hitler.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressed with this biography. Loved how the author brought up tons of different aspects of the gospel, responses to the gospel, and handled some theological differences with grace. An incredible life.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly my fault for forgetting that I don't really like fictionalized biographies. (But I do like historical fiction; go figure...) Especially in the "present day" (1945) portion of the story, I had a hard time telling what was fictional vs. what was real. Some of the scenarios/conversations seemed contrived, but I can't say that for sure, not knowing how much was actually historical.

The glimpses farther back into Bonhoeffer's history were definitely interesting, and written at a level that young people could probably understand and appreciate. Not recommended for very young children for mentions of concentration camps, gas chambers, and other atrocities of the Nazis, although no graphic descriptions. Also has some interesting looks at how these things were justified by those involved. And I did appreciate the short section on Bonhoeffer's theology and how/where it differed from biblical/evangelical teaching.

2.5 stars