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Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)

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For most people Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a difficult read. This is partly because his writing assumes a philosophical style which is not comfortable to many people. It is also because his thought it so complex and so rich that most of us are overwhelmed at first. This little book does an amazing job of extracting and encapsulating Bonhoeffer's principle ideas into representative snippets that beg for meditation and further reflection. In many cases the reader will also find here an impetus to seek out the more complete writings, which are carefully indexed at the back of the book. I can think of no better starting place for any lay person wishing to become aquainted with Bonhoeffer's overall thought for the first time.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a martyr,saint theologian, writer and witness. His writings, from which these exerpts have been gleaned, can be dense filled with obtuse terminology,and somewaht dry. These exerpts are clear, straightfoward, and life affirmimng[as all good theology should be]Bonhoeffer has become celebrated for his concept,developing during his final days, of a churchless Christianity. That controversy is not going to bed quite yet, though I think it ignores the basic fact that He was a practising churchman, very involved in the scarements and in developing future pastors at Finkenwalde...Either way, this is an excellent introduction to Bonhoeffer, from Coles introduction to the exerpts of all his major works{Life together,Ethics, Christ the Center, The Cost of Discipleship and Letters and papers from prison} this is the best introduction to the seminal churman of his time, and one of the greatest men of the past century.

I am constantly amazed at the number of Christians I meet who have never heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This little book could go a long way toward remedying that situation. Although much of Bonhoeffer's work is difficult to understand, this helpful little volume selects from the among the best and clearest of his writings. In a day when so many Christians are happy to limit their reading to only the lightest of reads, this little book could do a lot to help them to the so-called "next level." The book would be a great volume for discussion groups interested in exploring Bonhoeffer's thought.

...I have been nervous about Bonhoeffer's work until I picked up this slim volume. Although it is meant to be read day by day, I finished it in under two hours. Bonhoeffer was so uplifting, despite his final days, and this book perfectly takes his thoughts and compresses them into enough snippets that make you want to read more. I am a curious layperson who strongly recommends this little book with big ideas.