Bonhoeffer: A Brief Overview of the Life and Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: 2 (Theology for Life)

Dietrich Bonhoeffers life spanned four decades of the early twentieth century and was shaped within the crucible of two European wars and an economic depression. Born in 1906 and raised in an upper middle class German family he was educated to be a pastor further trained as a theologian involved in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and was finally hanged by the Nazis only days before the end of World War II. His life story is more than one more tragic episode in the history and horrors of the Holocaust. Bonhoeffers life cannot be simply summarized as only one of trauma and tragedy. His was also a life filled with great blessing even when requiring great courage and incredible sacrifice. His relationships were life-giving and his experiences were rich. The authenticity of Bonhoeffers Christian faith and the integrity of his theology continues to inspire people. During that time when most people understandably struggled to protect their own lives as well as the lives of those they loved he often ventured by faith into uncertain territoryrisking his reputation and life to advocate for others. Rarely does one encounter an individual whose inner convictions and outward actions so consistently and courageously match-up