Bonhoeffer

Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

By: Eric Metaxas, Timothy Keller

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner, Eric Metaxas

Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Who better to face the greatest evil of the 20th century than a humble man of faith?

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer - a pastor and author, known as much for such spiritual classics as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together as for his 1945 execution in a concentration camp for his part in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

In the first major biography of Bonhoeffer in 40 years, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bonhoeffer's life - the theologian and the spy - to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil. In a deeply moving narrative, Metaxas uses previously unavailable documents - including personal letters, detailed journal entries, and firsthand personal accounts - to reveal dimensions of Bonhoeffer's life and theology never before seen.

In Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Metaxas presents the fullest accounting of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safe haven of America for Hitler's Germany, and using extended excerpts from love letters and coded messages written to and from Bonhoeffer's Cell 92, Metaxas tells for the first time the full story of Bonhoeffer's passionate and tragic romance.

Listeners will discover fresh insights and revelations about his life-changing months at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and about his radical position on why Christians are obliged to stand up for the Jews. Metaxas also sheds new light on Bonhoeffer's reaction to Kristallnacht and his involvement in the famous Valkyrie plot and in "Operation 7", the effort to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland.

Bonhoeffer gives witness to one man's extraordinary faith and to the tortured fate of the nation he sought to deliver from the curse of Nazism. It brings the listener face to face with a man determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and joyfully - even to the point of death. Bonhoeffer is the story of a life framed by a passion for truth and a commitment to justice on behalf of those who face implacable evil.

"Insightful and illuminating, this tome makes a powerful contribution to biography, history and theology." (Publishers Weekly)

"[A] massive and masterful new biography." (Christianity Today)

"Metaxas tells Bonhoeffer's story with passion and theological sophistication." (Wall Street Journal)

"Metaxas magnificently captures the life of theologian and anti-Nazi activist Dietrich Bonhoeffer.... A definitive Bonhoeffer biography for the 21st Century." (Kirkus)

©2011 Eric Metaxas, Timothy Keller (P)2020 Thomas Nelson

phenomenal. The resistance

maybe the most amazing history I've ever read: from someone who loves to read histories. Bonhoffer is one of the most amazing Christian examples of modern history, the biggest hero of the 20th century even besides being a completely fearless completely humble man of God. It's a must read

Waoooo this is amazing book

I didn’t know if I want to cry and rejoice 😭🙌🏼🥰 at the same time !! it was truly sad beautiful and empowering, much strength and peace and contentment on his behalf,in such a horrible time ,outstanding men of valor ,filled by an unmovable Faith ,Truly an amazing example,and expanded piece of History full of details .Amazing ! I will hear it again ! Thanks Eric ,the world Needs to know and hear that like Him (Bonhoeffer)in the Name and Power of our Lord ,We can stand !

The most inspirational book I have ever read!

I have known about the life of Dietrich Bon Hoffer for a long time! But after reading this book with all the details of his life how he lived how he preached how he walked with Christ was exceptional. This book filled in all the details! I have never been more inspired to continue my walk with Christ after reading this book. His beliefs are the most pure form of Christianity I have ever read! I look forward to meeting this exceptional man in heaven someday!

I can’t praise this book enough!

A wonderful read, much more than entertaining, enriching. I learned so much about history and I am challenged by Bonhoeffer’s theology, ideas, and approach to life. I just finished listening, and now I am going back to the beginning to listen again! Thank you, Eric Metaxas for this wonderful chance to glimpse this wonderful man.

a previously unknown story to me

what a great man who truly tried to live His convictions. He spread God's word while trying also to spread knowledge about the evil of the 3rg Reich. The story was told beautifully, I really enjoyed listening

Stunning! Rich! Panoramic!

Those who love truth, love history or love intellectual challenges of every persuasion must invest the time to hear of a life so well lived. Thank you, Eric, for you faithful telling. Wow!

well researched and writtwn

one of the most well researched books I have ever read. volumes of information, but without wasted words. Author adeptlly gets at the heart of this amazing individual.

😲

That was an impactful story I didn't expect when I started. I found myself drawing comparisons to modern day political figures, though it's not the same... so very intriguing.

Powerful story

This was a powerful story of a man uncompromising yet honest in his faith and struggle in Nazi Germany.

Outstanding

You need to hear this book. Hands down one of the best biographies I have ever heard.