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.

In this New York Times bestselling biography, Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bonhoeffer's life—the theologian and the spy—and draws them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil.

In Bonhoeffer, Metaxas presents the fullest account of Bonhoeffer's life, including his:

• heart-wrenching decision to leave the safe haven of America to return to Hitler's Germany
• involvement in the famous Valkyrie plot and in "Operation 7," the effort to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland
• lifelong dedication to sharing the tenets of his faith

This edition, revised and with a new introduction from the author, shares the deeply moving story through previously unavailable documents, including personal letters, detailed journal entries, and firsthand personal accounts to reveal never-before-seen dimensions of Bonhoeffer's life and work.

Praise for Bonhoeffer:

"Metaxas has created a biography of uncommon power--intelligent, moving, well researched, vividly written, and rich in implication for our own lives. Or to put it another way: Buy this book. Read it. Then buy another copy and give it to a person you love. It's that good." --Archbishop Charles Chaput, author, First Things

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

"Metaxas presents Bonhoeffer as a clear-headed, deeply convicted Christian who submitted to no one and nothing except God and his Word." --Christianity Today

"Metaxas has written a book that adds a new dimension to World War II, a new understanding of how evil can seize the soul of a nation and a man of faith can confront it." --Thomas Fleming, author, The New Dealers’ War

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

Mandatory Reading

This is hands down one of the best biographies ever written of a preacher. It is an encouragement to the believer and the historical accuracy woven throughout is a major plus for history buffs. In addition Mr. Metaxas does a phenomenal job in pointing out Bonhoeffer's dilemma with the church and the failings of church leadership to lay hold of the bible to and grasp the truths therein as their very lives depended on it. Honest in his approach to Bonhoeffer, the author doesn't exalt the man higher than he should be, nor does he approach him with disdain. In truth, I believe this book should not only be read, but studied by layman and preacher alike. So in my opinion, yes get this book!

deep, stirring, and incredibly timely

This is my own history. I am German. Not of German descent but actually German. I grew up learning about the Third Reich, what led up to it, the political prerequisites and legal loopholes. I have walked on the grounds of a concentration camp. I thought I knew my history. Eric Metaxas very deftly weaves a beautiful and compelling history that gives insight from a seldom viewed angle. My grandmother came from a similar family as that of the Bonhöffers. Listening to his early history I could find my own. But listening to Dietrich's journey of the heart and of his very stance theologically and thereby morally, as Hitler took power and through demagogia and fear entranced an entire nation, that is my own present. This book will inspire and challenge and stir the reader.

Awesome book!

What an amazing book! Great author! He took me back into Germany from the 20 to 40’s. Every detail was so vivid.

We know not what to do, but our eyes are on You.

“Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin and more about courageously and actively trying to do Gods will”

Such a convicting book about actively living out one’s faith. Learning that cheap grace also includes just building up your theological knowledge and not actively living as a Christian was insanely convicting.

All around, I highly recommend this book. It is has been very impactful to me. And the story itself is never boring for such a long book.

Great book, great man, great audio version

The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is so provoking. There’s a lot I could say, but I’ll keep it at, highly recommend. Also, the man doing the reading has a great storybook voice and does a perfect job reading off all the German words.

A Magnificent rendering of truth

Anyone that can read, should hope to stumble into this worthy remembrance of a life that cries out to humanity, truth exists and is worthy to be pursued and honored.

Excellent - I could not stop listening.

Loved this book. I am sad it is over. Even though I knew the ending, I am mourning his death like he just died.

fantastic

well researched, fun to listen to, inspiring. I've listened twice, probably will always keep coming back to this from time to time.

A man of honor

Loved this book and story, lets us know there were persons who stood up for the right.

A great life lived, a masterful telling thereof

This book inspires me all the more to live my own Christian life fully devoted to the Lord. There is so much to learn from Bonhoeffer‘s life, and Eric Mataxas has captured it fully and accurately. We learn about the evil that human hearts are capable of. And we also learn of the great good.