Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy Paperback – Unabridged, August 1, 2011

Lovers of history, biographies, theology and activism will find "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" one of the most intriguing books they have read in quite a while. Well documented and excellently written, it is both a book you can't wait to finish and yet will read slowly in order to digest the many layers of thought provoking truth within its pages.History buffs will be enthralled with the intricate and thorough details Eric Metaxas provides behind the many landmark events of German history from pre-World War I through the last days of the Third Reich. Events such as the personal, material and economic devastation experienced during and after World War I, the social chasm that was created as Adolf Hitler maneuvered the Nazi party to a prominence and power and the horror he imposed on European Jews. All of this viewed through Dietrich Bonhoeffer's eyes.Lovers of biographies will be amazed at the incredible insight into the life, heart and mind of Bonhoeffer based on extensive research and interviews of friends and relatives of the theologian. Books, journals, notes and film of interviews were exhaustively studied to gain an accurate, intimate, multi-dimensional perspective of the man. Comments from friends and foes alike are used to share just how remarkable Bonhoeffer actually was. Readers of biographies will measure all other biographies and their subjects based on this book and this man.Case in point: The ultimate compliment to this aspect of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was written by H. Fischer-Hullstrung, the camp doctor at Flossenburg where he witnessed Dietrich's hanging. He said, "I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God."Readers of theology will gain insight into the thought processes and strong moral and spiritual compass that guided Bonhoeffer to make very tough decisions - decisions to do what was morally, ethically and spiritually the right things to do. He demonstrated how to break out of the theoretical, detached academic mindset that overtakes many theologians and to "put walk to the talk". I can't think of another theologian who actually internalized and lived what they believed to the point of martyrdom. The theological perspective is presented in a way without coming across overly "preachy" or "churchy" and should be a captivating read for even the most atheistic, agnostic, or otherwise non-Christian reader.Like readers of theology, activist readers will be inspired Bonhoeffer's calm, level headed commitment to his cause. They will be challenged by his willingness to see it through to the end. Whether or not the activist reader is a person of faith, their determination will be steeled by words such as these: "And we simply cannot be constant with the fact that God's cause is not always the successful one, that we really could be `unsuccessful': and yet be on the right road. But this is where we find out whether we have begun in faith or in a burst of enthusiasm."I suppose the most intriguing aspect of "Bonhoeffer" was gaining insight into how a man of the cloth would be involved in a plot to murder his country's leader. Many of us might say that we would have no problem taking the life of someone trying to kill us or our family. Others may say that they would have no problem killing on the battlefield. Still others would have no problem executing a criminal deemed by law to be worthy of being put to death. Those scenarios can all be rationalized based on some generally accepted principles.But how does one rationally, sanely, ethically and theologically be an objector to their country's war on one hand and be involved as a co-conspirator in plots to assassinate your leader on the other hand? Metaxas's insight into the mind of Bonhoeffer will show, in a matter-of-fact manner, not only how he rationalized his involvement in the conspiracy, but knew that Hitler must be killed in order to stop the madness.Personally, I don't like reading books unless I can learn something meaningful from. In some way, a book must make me a better "me". A book must impact me in one or more of the following ways:*As a lover of history, I must learn some golden nugget of history from a book so that I might better understand its impact on the present and allow the lessons learned to influence my future if not the future of society.*As a voracious reader of many types of biographies, I must gain unique and valuable insight into the people I'm reading about. In doing so, I am personally enriched and impacted in most areas of my life.*As reader of many books of faith (not only of my faith but of other belief systems), I must gain something that positively contributes to the building of my core beliefs and values or to gain understanding of the core beliefs and values of others.*As one who sometimes finds themselves in a rut or at a crossroads, I must get something out of some books that inspire me to take whatever I do, believe or am involved in to the next level of excellence.Eric Metaxas' "Bonhoeffer" has achieved the rare feat of checking all four of those boxes on my reading check list. Regardless of your view of history, people, religion, or life, "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" will definitely not be a waste of your time to read.

(This review covers both the eBook and the companion audiobook from Audible.)This book touched and helped me in many ways.First, it gave me a detailed account of an amazing life. A good biography leaves one feeling that one actually knew the subject. Though Bonhoeffer died back when my mother was only a tiny girl, I feel as if he was a friend...the kind of friend who inspires and enriches me. He makes me not only want to be closer to God, but also shows how God draws near to us in life's darkest hours. Since the world is becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity, even in America, it is good to see an example of a man who lived what Christ taught. Bonhoeffer loved his enemies, did good to them, and taught the pure, unadulterated Gospel fearlessly. He died a martyr, just as fearlessly.Second, I had heard differing accounts of Bonhoeffer which confused me. Some called him a great Christian, and others called him a heretic. This book showed which of his writings have been twisted to completely misrepresent his beliefs, and explained how it happened. I can't imagine that anyone could read this book and come away believing that he was heretical. His faith was too solid, too Biblical for that.Third, it inspired me to buy another book, this one by Bonhoeffer himself. It's called, "The Cost of Discipleship," and I can't wait to read it. I know I will be challenged in very important ways.Now, as for the audio narration, I can only give 4 stars. The narrator generally did a good job with the text (except when he tried to do female voices, which I'm glad he quickly stopped trying to do), and I would not hesitate to listen to one of his readings again. But for reasons that I cannot fathom, he was chosen for a book which requires the ability to pronounce German words and names...an ability which he largely lacks. Even the main character's name was mispronounced in painful ways much of the time. Really, the problem is not a reflection on the narrator himself, but on the choice to pair him with this particular book. But I say these things only to prepare listeners so that they won't be unpleasantly surprised. By all means, do NOT let this problem keep you from this excellent book. It is well worth it, even if you have a finicky ear.I am so glad I read this book. Bonhoeffer was a true man of God and an inspiration to countless people. I am glad to now be included in that number.

Höchst eindrückliche Geschichte

Este es un gran libro, te enseña. En un momento en el que era fácil dejarse llevar por la corriente Nazi, como hizo la inmensa mayoría de la población alemana desde principios de los años treinta, Bonhoeffer se opone.¿por qué? ¿De que madera estaba hecho este hombre? ¿Que principios animaban sus actos? Aquí están las respuestas. Un gran libro de fácil lectura

This is my first exposure to Bonhoeffer and I was not disappointed. This book has peaked my interests about him even more. I would very much like to read his written works too. And I wouldn't mind reading other biographical accounts written about him too.

Incredible, inspirational, captivating...Extensively researched and beautifully craftedI bought the Kindle version long ago and never got around to reading it until the last few daysThank you Eric Metaxas

この本はBonhoefferの精緻で良心的な伝記だと思います。挿入されている写真のいくつかは著者自身によるもので、著者の思い入れの深さを想像できます。そして、この本はBonhoefferのこと以外に、いろいろなことを教えてくれます。個人的に印象的なのは、Bonhoefferの育った裕福な市民階級の世界です。このような世界に育った人たちの中には、ドイツを愛するがゆえにヒットラーには同調できないという人が多かったのではないかと思います。　第二次大戦中ドイツに留まった世界的な物理学者の中に、Heisenbergという人がいます。彼は原爆製作を主導できるほどの学者であったため、ドイツ国外に逃れた科学者から、なぜ彼がドイツに留まったのか、不信の目で見られていました。私も割り切れないものを感じていました。しかしこの本を読んでわかったような気がします。HeisenbergはBonhoefferと同じような環境で育った、愛国者なのです。ドイツを離れて、祖国をむざむざヒットラーの思うようにはさせたくないという気持ちがあったのではないかと思います。もし彼がヒットラーに原爆製造を要請されたとしても、彼は決してヒットラーが敗北するまでに原爆を完成することはしなかったでしょう。　この本を読んで初めて知ったのですが、チャーチルは、ドイツ国内の反ヒットラー運動への援助を断り、すべてのドイツ人をナチスとみなす姿勢で、連合軍の士気を鼓舞したようです。ノルマンディー上陸を成功させるには必要だったのかもしれませんが、割り切れない思いがします。　とにかく一読に値する本です。