Reformed Readers discussion

Feel free to choose any of the following for comment.
Please note the subject letter in your post.

A. Likes:
What did you like best about this book? What did you find most impactful? What will you take with you?

B. Dislikes:
What aspect of this book could you have done without?

C. Memories:
Do you have any sensory memories to share that are linked to reading this book now or previously? (Ex: hiding behind grandpa's chair in his den, reading in a ray of sunshine, while smelling the aroma of his pipe)

D. Meals:
If the author came to visit, what kind of meal would you prepare or purchase that reflects your opinion of the book? Where would you take him out to dinner?

For me that was most impactful was his stance on cheap grace and how it weakened the church. During the Nazi Regime that was very prevelant. I think there is a misconception on grace and discipleship. His description of discipleship is adherene to the person of Jesus and attachment to Jesus means submission to the law of Christ. which is the law of the cross

He is not emotional about what the word says but is very black and white. Bonehoffer was in a battle mode. The gospel is not about feelings but about the cross.

No I don't have any dislikes, but the bar is raised. Which is a challenge.

Memories-Rob Bell-Bonhoeffers belief that the response of the Rich Young Ruler revealed a model often used by Satan: If we keep bringing up questions, we might escape having to obey altogether. Jesus revealed the truth. We have a choice to obey or not to obey. Not to change who Christ is, what he did, etc. I can go on a tangent - Rob Bell does that to me.

If he came to visit, I would love to make him a hearty meal, of baked chicken with gravy, mashed spuds, corn, and salad. His writing his deep with truth and is hearty for the soul.

On a related topic, don't know if this will find anyone in time to participate, but there is an interesting looking webinar about Bonhoeffer scheduled for this afternoon EST. I'm told if you miss the time you can still find a recording on the main website: http://www.rpts.edu/

Here's the announcement:

Theologically claimed by both liberals and conservatives, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work continues to garner much attention. Please join Pastor Jeff Stivason (Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology, RPTS) as he takes a closer look at this topic.

*September 1, 2011, 3 pm Eastern time zone*. Use the link below to connect to the webinar.

https://www.fuzemeeting.com/fuze/bffa...

Trice wrote: "On a related topic, don't know if this will find anyone in time to participate, but there is an interesting looking webinar about Bonhoeffer scheduled for this afternoon EST. I'm told if you miss t..."
Did you happen to listen in? What did you think?

Jeanie wrote: "If he came to visit, I would love to make him a hearty meal, of baked chicken with gravy, mashed spuds, corn, and salad. His writing his deep with truth and is hearty for the soul. "

Thanks, Jeanie for kicking off the discussion! I'm thinking this sounds like a great fall meal - and you've increased my hopes that this will be a great fall read to accompany it!

Introduction: I'm just getting started, but am intrigued by this challenge from the end of the introduction - it strikes me as a fitting challenge to kick off this group read: "In this modern world it seems so difficult to walk with absolute certainty in the narrow way of ecclesiastical decision and yet remain in the broad open spaces of the universal love of Christ, of the patience, mercy and 'philanthropy' of God (Titus 3:4) for the weak and the ungodly. Yet somehow or other we must combine the two, or else we shall follow the paths of men. May God grant us joy as we strive earnestly to follow the way of discipleship. May we be enabled to say 'No' to sin and 'Yes' to the sinner. May we withstand our foes, and yet hold out to them the Word of the gospel which woos and wins the souls of men. 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light' (Matt. 11:28ff).

I have read recently that some people feel that Bonhoeffer was a evil man. I have not come across anything that would even remotely suggest that. I am looking forward to reading more of his works. I think they are very encouraging and forces the christian to look at his heart.

Jeanie wrote: "I have read recently that some people feel that Bonhoeffer was a evil man." Interesting... hadn't heard that one before. I have heard that some think there were a few different Bonhoeffer stages of philosophy. One fairly evangelical...vs not.

So I started reading it on Tuesday, and I have found that he is a bit murky and unclear in some of his definitions. Take for example the following curious statements: "This first step must be regarded to start with an external work, which effects the change from one existence to another. It is a step within everybody's capacity, for it lies with the limits of human freedom. It is an act within the sphere of the natural law and in that sphere man is free" (Page 64 & 65). But then later on in the same page (64) he makes reference to people's "bondage to themselves." He also makes a very provocative statement about the raltionship bretween Faith and Obedience on Page 66 he says "Unless a man obeys he cannot believe." Now perhaps I am nitpicking, but the way I understand this sentence is that he believes that obedience is the cause of faith instead of the evidence of faith.... Can somebody clear this up for me?

On a more positive note, I was in the bookstore the other day and actually saw a new biography on Bonhoeffer which was in the new york times best seller section, I was really blessed to see that. I also got a chance to read the forward which is written by Timothy Keller. He explain the historical context of Bonhoeffer's life and theology in a way that helped me understand his perspective far better. During the infamous rise of Nazism, the Church (Lutheran in particular) was totally asleep at the wheel. Turning a blind eye to the injustice that surrounded them and yet still willing to call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. In this light, Bonhoeffer's challenging rebukes and sharp exhortations seem not only reasonable but in fact suitable..... Thank you Keller for re-teaching me what my Romans proff taught me a couple years ago: CONTEXT IS KING!

Sola Deo Gloria.

I'm really behind on getting through this book. It's so dense. And like Luke mentioned above...I'm finding the message to lack some clarity. What do you all think so far?

I keep meaning to respond to Luke-- more for the sake of discussion rather than understanding the writing. But each time I re-listen to the section he was talking about, I change my mind about what Bonhoeffer is saying.