Lectures

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  1. The Formative Years

  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.
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  2. Theological Foundations

  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.
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  3. Bonhoeffer in America

  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.
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  4. A Call to Action

  In lecture four, we witness Dietrich Bonhoeffer's courageous response to the rise of Nazism in Germany, exploring his urgent call for the Church to stand against the state's actions and aid victims of persecution. The lecture highlights the clash between Bonhoeffer's vision of genuine Christian leadership and Hitler's totalitarian ideology, emphasizing the urgent need for faith in action during this critical period in history.
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  5. Discipleship and Defiance

  In lecture five, we examine Bonhoeffer's evolving response to the increasing power and influence of the Nazi regime in Germany during the mid-1930s. Frustrated by the lack of decisive action from the Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer accepts an invitation to lead an illegal seminary at Finkenwalde, where he emphasizes the importance of discipleship, prayer, and meditation on the Word of God. Despite mounting pressure and persecution from the Nazi authorities, Bonhoeffer remains committed to following God's leading, even if it means employing subversive tactics to resist the evil he sees unfolding around him.
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  6. Bonhoeffer's Return

  In lecture six, we see Bonhoeffer's crucial decision in 1939 to return to Germany after briefly escaping to America. The lecture details how Bonhoeffer, initially planning to stay in the US for a few years, becomes increasingly troubled by his decision and returns after just 26 days, believing he must share in Germany's trials with his people. We learn how Bonhoeffer subsequently joins the Abwehr (German military intelligence) as a double agent, using this position to work against the Nazis while maintaining his pastoral duties as cover.
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  7. In the Face of Evil

  In lecture seven, we delve into Bonhoeffer's personal life during the tumultuous years of World War II, focusing on his unexpected love story with Maria von Wedemeyer and his eventual arrest by the Gestapo in April 1943. The lecture also explores Bonhoeffer's involvement in the plots to assassinate Hitler and his theological justifications for participating in such actions, highlighting his belief that Christians must actively oppose evil, even if it means incurring guilt.
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  8. Final Acts of Faith

  In our eighth and final lecture, we explore Bonhoeffer's final days, from transfers between military prisons to his execution at Flossenburg concentration camp. We learn about his last pastoral acts, including conducting a service and ministering to fellow prisoners, and examine eyewitness accounts of his composure and faith in his final moments. Eric Metaxas concludes the lecture by addressing Bonhoeffer's theological views on death as expressed in his 1933 sermon, where he describes it not as something to be feared but as "the gateway to our homeland."