Becoming Simple and Wise: Moral Discernment in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Vision of Christian Ethics

What does it mean for a Christian to discern Gods will? Such a question lies at the heart of the Christian moral life. For some discerning Gods will means reading the Bible and following its commandments. For others discerning Gods will involves the use of human reason and conscience to guide behavior. For Dietrich Bonhoeffer the question of discernment is more complex and can only be answered theologically. By tracing Bonhoeffers understanding of moral discernment throughout his writings and especially in his Ethics Joshua Kaiser seeks to demonstrate the importance of discernment for Bonhoeffers vision of Christian ethics and to explain how his view combines elements of simple faith and rational reflection. While the results of this study will be significant for those interested in Bonhoeffer they will also be relevant to all who struggle along the path of Christian discipleship and seek to understand and act upon Gods will. Bonhoeffers theology spirituality and ethics center in discernment the risky and exhilarating practice of openness to the will of God. Yet until now no full-length study has actually explored the place and shape of discernment for Bonhoeffer. Kaisers compelling new book does precisely this revealing the prayerful polyphony at the heart of Bonhoeffers witness. A groundbreaking scholarly contribution. --Lisa E. Dahill Associate Professor of Worship and Christian Spirituality Trinity Lutheran Seminary Kaiser engages with the oldest and most central question in Christian ethics: How can I discern and do Gods will? In close conversation with Bonhoeffers exemplary life and theology and writing with clarity and verve Kaiser offers his readers an interpretation that will serve students of Bonhoeffer and of Christian ethics more generally for years to come. --Stephen J. Plant Dean and Fellow Trinity Hall Cambridge UK With Becoming Simple and Wise Joshua Kaiser makes an invaluable contribution to scholarship on Bonhoeffers theology and ethics. While attending to prima facie tensions in Bonhoeffers own comments about moral agency and ethical deliberation Kaiser convincingly shows that there are deep resources in Bonhoeffer for a rigorous conception of moral discernment. This is a remarkable achievement; it deserves to be read and studied carefully by all those with interests in Bonhoeffer Lutheran ethics and moral theology. --Michael Mawson Lecturer in Theology University of Aberdeen Joshua A. Kaiser teaches theology philosophy and biblical studies at Trinity School at Greenlawn in South Bend Indiana. He holds a doctorate in theological ethics from the University of Edinburgh.