The Bonhoeffer Legacy [Paperback]

Stephen R. Haynes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0800638158 | ISBN-13: 978-0800638153 | Publication Date: March 1, 2006

How much did Dietrich Bonhoeffer know of the Holocaust, and what did he do to help the Jews? Should Bonhoeffer be considered one of the "Righteous among the Nations"? In this welcome sequel to his acclaimed The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon, Stephen Haynes takes up these vexing and controversial questions. While Bonhoeffer spoke out against mistreatment of the Jews as early as 1933 in a radio broadcast, his own reflection on Jewish identity in Christian theology and on the plight of the Jews developed considerably over the next dozen years. Always forthright yet fair, Haynes analyzes the historical record and Bonhoeffer's maturing theology and shows how Bonhoeffer's self-critical theology relates to the later advent of post-Holocaust theologies, with their sharply posed challenges to traditional Christian supersessionism.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Demonstrating the same extensive acquaintance with works both by and about Bonhoeffer that marked his The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon, and now drawing on an equally extensive knowledge of Holocaust studies, Haynes examines whether and how Bonhoeffer's legacy contributes to a "post-Holocaust theology." With the hermeneutics of "the witness people," developed in his earlier work: Reluctant Witnesses:Jews and the Christian Imagination, Haynes analyses the claims of scholars who see in Bonhoeffer's work and action from 1933 forward a new approach to Jews and Judaism that is constructive for a theology that takes the Holocaust seriously. Critical of that perspective, this book clearly raises that discussion to a new level. Haynes' book may not be the final word but it is not to be overlooked! Bonhoeffer studies will derive important stimulation from The Bonhoeffer Legacy." — Martin Rumscheidt, Halifax, Nova Scotia

"Stephen Haynes has done it again! Following on his encyclopedic-like analysis of the astounding variety of interpretations that went into creating 'the Bonhoeffer phenomenon,' Haynes now trains his theological and investigative talents on one of the thorniest problems in Bonhoeffer interpretation: his stereotypical but offensive-to-Jews statements on Judaism, his stance on the anti-Jewish legislation in Nazi Germany, and his place in postwar Holocaust studies. Haynes is meticulous in his critical scrutiny of the relevant texts as he exposes the various ways in which Bonhoeffer's writings on the Nazi persecution of Jews deserve both plaudits and criticism. Was Bonhoeffer a prime, couirageous defender of Jews in Nazi Germany? Or was he, as one critic avers, merely the best of a bad lot? Haynes does Bonhoeffer research a great service as he exposes Bonhoeffer's theology on these issues in their proper context and in his exact words with all their significance for the present-day Jewish-Christian dialogue." — Geffrey B. Kelly, Ph.D., LL.D. Professor of Systematic Theology, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA Former President of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section

About the Author

Stephen R. Haynes is Associate Professor of Religion at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. His many works include Reluctant Witnesses: Jews and the Christian Imagination (1995) and Noah's Curse: The Biblical Justification for Slavery in America (2002).

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800638158
• ISBN-13: 978-0800638153
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,205,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen R. Haynes is Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis. He has a wife, three kids and a beagle. He likes running, cycling, and following college football. He knew his interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer was rubbing off on his family when his four-year old son said recently: "Dad, how did Bonhoeffer die?"