Bonhoeffer as Martyr: Social Responsibility and Modern Christian Commitment (Paperback)

by Craig J. Slane (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
One of the most famous theologians of the twentieth century, Deitrich Bonhoeffer was hanged in a Nazi prison camp shortly before the end of World War II. Killed for his participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler, Bonhoffer has frequently been labeled a martyr of the Christian faith. And while he was not killed specifically for confessing Christ, it was his faith that led him to participate. Craig Slane argues persuasively that Bonhoeffer should be considered a martyr and that his martyrdom is similar to that of many other modern heroes of the faith who acted against injustice and died for it. This book is both a study of Bonhoeffer and a consideration of what martyrdom (""witness to the death"") means today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587430746
• ISBN-13: 978-1587430749
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,367,425 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Under the sign of the cross, July 21, 2004

By	M. Houghton (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a relative newcomer to the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blended study of martyrdom and Bonhoeffer's life. Both well-organized and clearly communicated, the text provides a thorough and nuanced view into the life of an inspiring man in whom there was little difference between belief and action. I was especially interested in the life-altering effect the Sermon on the Mount had on Bonhoeffer's view of social responsibility. Throughout the central theme threads are woven among a rich collection of friends, philosophers, theologians, and many others, all of whom add color to the larger fabric of a life lived under the sign of the cross.

4.0 out of 5 stars Bonhoeffer.'s marrtyrdom?, June 3, 2009

By	James A. M. (Los Alamos, NM) - See all my reviews

By far, this is probably, at least to my knowledge, the most thoroughgoing treatment of the possible 'martryrdom' of Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer, who ran an underground seminary, resisted Hitler and the collusion of church and state, was part of a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. Once a Christian pacifist, Bonhoeffer felt so strongly about the dissolution of the church through, specifically, its persecution of Jews, that Bonhoefffer decided to act in what he hoped would be a faithful attempt to end this madness. Salvation is of the Jews, yet here was a Christian nation killing them. He had to do something. Of course, any decent person would have to do something, the question is whether or not a Christian can attempt to assassinate another human being and still provide a visible witness to the kingdom of God. Does a person show the image of Jesus when they attempt to blow another human being, no matter how wicked, to pieces? Probably not. Unfortunately, we are left thinking that if one does not employ violence in the name of some good (in this, Bonhoeffer simply mirrored the reactions of every noble 'hero' throughout history), then there is nothing else to be done. This is not Bonhoeffer's fault, this is the church's for not giving him any other alternative. People like Trocme risked much and actually did far more good, in relation to the saving of innocent people, through other means than violence. Again, Bonhoeffer should not be faulted. The church failed him.

Slane does an excellent job making the case for his martyrdom, unfortunately, he seems to assume that politics is primarily about the business of violence. I have yet to be convinced that Jesus would fire a bullet into the body of another human being, and therefore, though Bonhoeffer should be widely read (I love his Ethics, Life Together, and Cost of Discipleship!!), and greatly admired, I am not convinced that he is a martyr.

4.0 out of 5 stars Debating the Martyr Status of Bonhoeffer, March 27, 2009

By	Jan Peczkis "Scholar and Thinker" (Chicago IL, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Bonhoeffer opposed Nazism on moral grounds since long before WWII, and contrasted with those who belatedly developed an anti-Hitler policy in the face of Germany's increasingly-certain military defeat, the potential for ghastly Allied retribution, etc. This book provides a solid history of martyrdom, and discusses the modern politics/religion dichotomy and how it impacts Bonhoeffer's martyr status. Does Bonhoeffer the political figure diminish Bonhoeffer the religious leader? Also, assuming the premise that martyrs must submit to God's will and not try to change their fate, does Bonhoeffer's advocacy of violence against Hitler disqualify him from being a martyr? Interestingly, the account of Bonhoeffer's death at Flossenburg may be apocryphal.

This work elaborates on Bonhoeffer's theological and moral views, and his ardent anti-Nazism, but does not necessarily answer fundamental questions about them. The emphasis on the Holocaust, both in this book and in popular culture in general, de-emphasizes questions about non-Jewish victims of the Nazis. For instance, what did Bonhoeffer think of the Nazi aggression and genocidal acts against the Poles? And, taking this discussion beyond Hitler and Nazism itself, one wonders if Bonhoeffer would've considered the pre-Nazi German aggressions against Poland as morally acceptable.

Many religious figures have made Bonhoeffer their hero. Pope John Paul honored Bonhoeffer, even though the Catholic Church cannot make saints out of people outside its communion.