A Very Important New Biography

[Meg]

I am still reading this book, but it is a very important statement for these times we are living in. Its called "Bonhoeffer, Pastor Prophet, Martyr, Spy" written by Eric Metaxas, who also wrote Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce & The Heroic Campaign To End Slavery (the book on which the Amazing Grace movie was based). Metaxas is a dedicated Christian, and his work on Bonhoeffer is groundbreaking (pointed out for those who are already familiar with other writings by and about Bonhoeffer).

Here's some links to who Bonhoeffer was and why his testimony matters:

Heroes of the Faith

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...onhoeffer.html

The great value of Metaxas book is the discussion of how Hitler deceived the German Protestant church. Because this book is written by a Christian, and because we are at the threshold of a similar deception gathering credibility against the modern Protestant church, this book is very important. I'm in chapter 10 as I write this, and there is no question, Metaxas has been thorough in his research. The events he is highlighting in this important work are a warning to our times, and the story of Bonhoeffers development of faith from an education based in a secularized University environment is very inspiring. I recommend this book very highly.

[mattfivefour]

Thanks, Meg! I like both Metaxes's research and his writing. I'm going to have to pick this up.

[Meg]

I'd love to know what you think when you get it read. Its available at all the Christian book stores, so keep an eye out for the sales and skip the shipping.

[Meg]

I finished Metaxas' biography last night. It is an outstanding book, thoroughly researched and well written. In describing Bonhoeffer's life and his growth in Christ, Metaxas has given us an illuminating picture of how a man deeply dedicated to God lived his every circumstance with deep devotion and very dedicated faith.

For those more familiar with Bonhoeffer's writings than they are with his life, Metaxas unpacks the why's behind the ideas Bonhoeffer expressed. I, personally had never heard of Bonhoeffer until earlier this year, so this book opened a door to the kind of deep searching in Christ that I personally crave. Metaxas description of how Bonhoeffer applied his faith to his circumstances solidified my own faith even more and gave me inspiration to stand quietly in Christ as Bonhoeffer did, and to be even more sure of what right is and why, a question that means quite a bit to me.

My only, very mild criticism of Metaxas' work is he might have gotten a little too "mystical" in his impression that Bonhoeffer was a prophet. In some cases, the man certainly was hearing from the Lord, but in other cases, he was more likely simply thinking things all the way through, as he had access to a great deal of inside information in the political arena of his times. He was certainly extremely well educated and extremely well informed. It was what Bonhoeffer did with his advantages that set such a fine example to all of us, and in describing the way Bonhoeffer handled his privileges and his extreme difficulties, Metaxas has triumphed. I very highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about serving Jesus Christ in these troubled times.

Meanwhile, I am eagerly awaiting Bonhoeffer's book on Ethics, which, from the snippets Metaxas shared in his book, will be of great high value to all of us today.

Ethics by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Used, New, Out-of-Print) - Alibris

[Meg]

Bonhoeffer's Ethics came in the mail today. I'm in the first couple of pages, and this man is/was BRILLIANT!!! Absolutely STUNNING!!!! He unpacks sin and why submission to God matters like I never thought possible!!!

Dense, very dense, but absolutely BRILLIANT!!!

I need to retract a certain wisecrack. We're under pressure from unbelieving atheists and people into alternate religions, and it can be really hard to explain why we are right. In the opening statements of Ethics, Bonhoeffer does an absolutely brilliant job of explaining the consequences of the fall of Adam. He explains this in a way that doesn't even mention what we do. Instead, he discusses how subjective morality came into existence, why it cannot stand, and how it harms. From there, he discusses the separation of man from the real God, and how man has become his own god. thats whats so brilliant about Bonhoeffer's work, and how it can help us as Christians understand how to reconcile with the Lord, and how this work can help us defend our faith calmly.