The Cambridge Companion to Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A guide to the great German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45).

John W. de Gruchy (Edited by)

9780521587815, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 May 1999

308 pages
23.1 x 15.4 x 1.9 cm, 0.49 kg

'Irrespective of how well readers may already know Bonhoeffer, they will most certainly return to use this valuable resource again and again, both to learn and to be inspired.' Journal of Theology for Southern Africa

This Companion serves as a guide for readers wanting to explore the thought and legacy of the great German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45). The book shows why Bonhoeffer remains such an attractive figure to so many people of diverse backgrounds. Its chapters, written by authors from differing national, theological and church contexts, provide a helpful introduction to, and commentary on, Bonhoeffer's life, work and writing and so guide the reader along the complex paths of his thought. Experts set out comprehensively Bonhoeffer's political, social and cultural contexts, and offer biographical information which is indispensable for the understanding of his theology. Major themes arising from the theology, and different interpretations to it, lead the reader into a dialogue with this most influential of thinkers who remains both fascinating and challenging. There is a chronology, a glossary and an index.

Notes on contribtuors
Preface
Glossary
Chronology
Part I. Bonhoeffer's Life and Legacy: 1. Bonhoeffer's Germany: the political context John A. Moses
2. The life of Dietrich Bonheffer F. Burton Nelson
3. The formation of Bonhoeffer's theology Martin Rumscheidt
4. Bonhoeffer's literary legacy Wayne Floyd Whitson Jr
5. The reception of Bonhoeffer's theology John W. de Gruchy
Part II. Major Themes in Bonhoeffer's Theology: 6. Human sociality and Christian community Clifford Green
7. 'Who is Jesus Christ, for us, today?' Andreas Pangritz
8. Ecumenical witness for peace Keith Clements
9. Costly discipleship Haddon Willmer
10. Church, state, and the 'Jewish Question' Ruth Zerner
11. The ethics of responsible action Larry Rasmussen
12. Christianity in a world come of age Peter Selby
13. Prayer and action for justice: Bonhoeffer's spirituality Geffrey B. Kelly
Select English bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM]