In our introductory lecture, we begin our study of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian who played a pivotal role in the resistance against the Nazis. Born in 1906 into a remarkable family of intellectuals and professionals, Bonhoeffer was raised in an environment that nurtured his faith, moral convictions, and keen intellect. This lecture examines the formative experiences that shaped him, from the profound impact of World War I and his early decision to study theology to his transformative visit to Rome, which deepened his understanding of the Church’s universality and sparked lasting theological questions.

In lecture two, we explore Bonhoeffer's early theological development and his time as a student and young pastor, focusing on his formative years at Berlin University and his pastoral work in Barcelona. We examine his emerging theological perspectives on the nature of the Church, his critique of religious superficiality, and his emphasis on living out faith in practical ways rather than merely engaging in theological discourse. Eric Metaxas highlights Bonhoeffer's exceptional ability to communicate complex theological concepts to diverse audiences, while maintaining his commitment to making Christianity relevant and accessible.

In lecture three, we learn about Dietrich Bonhoeffer's transformative year in America from 1930 to 1931, where his experiences at Union Theological Seminary and Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem profoundly impacted his faith and worldview. We explore how his encounters with theological liberalism, racism, and vibrant faith in the Black church deepened his commitment to living out the gospel and shaped his prophetic voice as he returned to Germany on the eve of Hitler's rise to power.