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Liked It “These are a series of essays written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer before his imprisonment and during his imprisonment by the Nazis, I think. I think it was originally intended to be a complete book but he didn't manage to finish it before he was executed. Thus, many parts of this book have missing or...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“These are a series of essays written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer before his imprisonment and during his imprisonment by the Nazis, I think. I think it was originally intended to be a complete book but he didn't manage to finish it before he was executed. Thus, many parts of this book have missing or incomplete sections.
Dominic F wrote this review Wednesday, December 14, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This is extremely heavy reading loaded to the brim with weighty theological and philosophical considerations with one absolute centre guiding the reflection, i.e. the conviction that in Jesus Christ, God and the world is reconciled and therefore the elimination of the secular-sacred divide. Now, compared to most Evangelical prattling on this topic, Bonhoeffer exercises extreme subtlety and sophistication in negotiating the sacred-secular pole without falling into the error of simply baptising or legitimising any world endeavour or allowing any worldly occupation to break free from it's reconciliation and subjection to Jesus Christ. To that end, his reflections crazily oscillates between various poles and ideas in the typical German dialectical balancing act. Some parts are amazingly clear and bracing, other parts are a bit dense and confusing. But then again, we have to remember that these are merely incomplete drafts intended for a larger and more complete work, so it's rambling quality has to be forgiven.
Thus four stars for a very ponderous and amazing tour of the heavens and the earth, from philosophy, Kant and Hegel, to theology, the Lutheran confessions and the Scriptures, which reflections are determinately held together by the conviction in their reconciliation and subjection to Christ.”
“You have to have patience with Bonhoeffer's sometimes (typical German philosopher) density at times, but I granted him that patience (it took me 6 weeks to get through the first half of the book) out of respect for his "cred"--the man was hung by the Nazis for opposing Hitler, which most German 'Christians' didn't have the strength of their convictions to do. In return I was impressed with many elements of his theology--we're all saved, period; Christians are just the ones who acknowledge it. And we all need forgiveness, something as or more important to remember than all the things we're supposed to do.”
MDP wrote this review Sunday, September 25, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wow! ”
bnj wrote this review Thursday, April 28, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Deep book, but needed. Especially in todays world. ”
A. K wrote this review Monday, August 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This seminal work was the cornerstone of a paper I took in seminary on Ethics. Bonhoeffer didn't beat around the bush, and he gave practical examples of how a faith-led person could cope with difficult decision-making in a horrible society (i.e., Nazi Germany). Bonhoeffer was a man of great faith, courage, and culture.”
Jay R wrote this review Tuesday, June 22, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I just started. ”
D wrote this review Wednesday, March 10, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very good book. Outlining the fall of man, the reasons for our guilt and shame. A must read for anyone interested in Philosophy.”
Jacob S wrote this review Friday, January 29, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Thus far, an excellent book that tackles philosophy from a Christian perspective. Much more insightful in the first 5 pages than anything I learned in the college classroom. Also, while one might not expect philosophy to be terribly to everyday life, I find that the things taught in this book pertain directly to my day-to-day actions. It has influenced my views on obedience, love, worship, judging, and walking with God, and seems to be well-founded on the Word.”
Jake S wrote this review Tuesday, July 7, 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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