Till the Night Be Past: The Life and Times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

by Theodore J. Kleinhans

This is a highly readable biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer that depicts the social and political world in which he matured, ministered, and died. Till the Night Be Past gathers many interesting details from the dozen or so books written by his family, friends, and former students in the years immediately following his death at the hands of the Nazis. It is intended as an introduction to the work and world of Bonhoeffer.

In concise chapters, Kleinhans recounts the story of Bonhoeffer's early years, his formative years as a pastor and theologian, and the difficult years immediately before and during World War II. The author paints a sympathetic, yet balanced portrait of Bonhoeffer's work and ministry in easy-to-read language.

171 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Debbie Petzold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodore Kleinhans does a fairly good job of telling Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story. The descriptions of Bonhoeffer's family and childhood are descriptive and makes for easy reading. What is challenging is trying to keep the names straight of the people involved with Bonhoeffer and the Nazi regieme. While it was a challenge, it was easy to see how challenging the path was that Bonhoeffer was on. The social, political, domestic and religious issues all make for a dramatic story and an interesting read. Bonhoeffer's strife was not in vain as his influence continues to live on. His faith is a testament that will live on forever.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think succinct is the right word for this biography. It hits the basics of his life without dwelling very deeply on any one area. It is definitely a quick read, and serves to introduce you to him without getting too deep into his theology. It helped to explain some of the events occurring in Germany during his life, and how they influenced him.

[Ryan Rindels]

Am about to do a research paper on Dietrich Bonhoeffer so this short biography was a great overview (although understandably succinct) of his life. It definitely whets my apetite to read a more comprehensive biography and re-read The Cost of Discipleship