Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

How did Bonhoeffer define Christian identity and practice? How did he seek to model these ideas in his own life and ministry?

Examine how Bonhoeffer explores the nature of resistance to oppressive regimes. How does Metaxas depict the ethical dilemmas faced by those whose religious or ethical convictions conflicted with Nazi ideology?

Choose one of Bonhoeffer’s expatriate experiences—in Spain, England, or the USA—and analyze it. How did his time there help shape his philosophy and/or practice of ministry? What was its wider significance in his life?

Research Bonhoeffer’s writings. How have some of his ideas been further developed or reinterpreted by other theologians in the decades since his death?

Bonhoeffer is often spoken of as being a martyr (someone who dies for their faith), but his execution was carried out for his part in a political conspiracy. How does Metaxas depict Bonhoeffer as a “martyr” in the text? How does this role compare to the other three roles—pastor, prophet, spy—that Metaxas uses in his framing of Bonhoeffer’s life?

Compare Metaxas’s biography of Bonhoeffer with other views on Bonhoeffer’s life and work. In what ways do scholars and other commentators support or disagree with Metaxas’s interpretations and approach?

Consider Bonhoeffer’s concept of “religionless Christianity,” as mentioned in Chapter 28. How does this concept tie in with Bonhoeffer’s ideals of universalism and pacifism? How does it help illuminate his understanding of Christian identity and practice?

Research some of the other resistance movements active in Germany during the time of Bonhoeffer’s own conspiracy. How were such resistance movements similar or different to Bonhoeffer’s? What common goals and/or ideals did they share?