Bonhoeffer

Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

De: Eric Metaxas, Timothy Keller

Narrado por: Malcolm Hillgartner, Eric Metaxas

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

Thoughtful, Excellent Writing

This is one of most moving books of our time, written with care, deep research, and heart. Eric Metaxas has captured this thoughtful, excellent life beyond a mere telling of his story. So much of his decisions of what to include give us a very personal, up-close experience with one who gave his life for his Lord. For instance, including the lively early childhood family discussions and the emphasis on sharing differing opinions, gives us insight into why Dietrich felt such alarm at a government that was silencing speech and freedoms. It wasn't in his training to hold back on sharing his considered opinions.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer celebrated life even when he chose to give up his earthly life for the resistance to evil. We would do well in our current chaos to remember what sacrifice and honor are all about.

I think Malcolm Hillgartner along with Metaxas, himself, deliver smooth, flawless narration, without the distracting mannerisms often present in an audio book.

My only catch was the number of prisoners in the final van ride, where the author said there were supposed to be 17 but only 16 were taken. Then when 3 were dropped off, the author said 14 remained. Did I miss that math class? :) Not a biggie, but I was paying attention.

Thanks to author and narrators for a wonderful experience.

Incredible insight of ethics during Nazi Germany

The parallels from Germany in 1931-1933 to America in 2020-2021 are staggering! Metaxas does an incredible job painting a picture of Bonhoeffer's life while giving his audience a look behind the scenes into Nazi Germany, the Church Struggle, and the ethos Bonhoeffer and many others wrestled with. I'm not usually interested in reading biographies or history, but this work is astounding!!! I believe it's a must read for every highschool and college student in America and Germany. excellent source of history! I can't even begin to describe its transformative power! Truly life changing!!!

What more can one add

Sobering and eye-opening biography on a life well lived to the glory of God alone. Eric Mataxas wrote with great care and detail on the life of Bonhoeffer. This book is quite long and I think that many a and patient reader desiring only to get to the nuts and bolts of what they feel is valid about a persons life or story, might become very frustrated and bored with this book. However, I found that knowing so much about the early years and development of this great man made the reading on his later years and the end of his life so much richer and fuller. I strongly suggest patience and endurance in reading the whole book. What an amazing life!

Bonhoeffer

The story of Bonhoeffer, his family, friends and fellow resistors of the Nazi regime was so important then but I believe even more important today. I Thank God that He gives us such wonderful and awesome heroes/heroines to not only be awed by their tremendous bravery and love of their fellow man, but also to show us the way to live our lives especially in the darkest of times. Thank You Eric Metaxes for such a beautifully written book on about a beautiful, humble soul and servant of God.

Inspiring

I am inspired by this reading, I’ve read several other books on the resistance and Dietrich‘s name was mentioned in those as well, albeit short references. Still, I had to read about this man that was being praised. I am so glad I did! I grew up in the church but eventually faded away because so many put the institution before Christ. Dietrich Bohoeffer always put Christ first, even in the face of death. A true inspiration.

A Love Story for the ages!!

This man’s life story has impacted me on so many levels. It is a love story. He triumphed love of a woman, family, country, friends, and more importantly Jesus and the God he served, despite the ugly evil war going on all around him! He was honored to die in the midst of those he fought so hard to help. The atrocities of war are vividly portrayed as well as the beauty of his beloved Germany!

Worth the read

Very long but very well documented story of Bonhoeffer's life. Definitely worth investing the time to read

(in)Credible Gospel story

Bonhoeffer gives us a correlary to the expression used to explain fantastic personal success right place right time. I loved how Metaxas commissorates Bonhoeffer's life but not in the sense of pity but of triumph. To others this may appear a morbid consolation but Dietrich knew it to be evidence of discipleship. Having first read Martin Luther by the same author, this was a nice progression of Luther's ideology. Each theologian was born into an era that uniquely suited their gifts. Had Luther and Bonhoeffer switched places i don't believe the gospel would ring as true. I appreciate how Metaxas explains the challenges of bringing forward in history both characters. Bonhoeffer's godless Christianity and elder Luther's rantings are not excluded but used to explain the fullness of their character in the context of their story.

Inspiring and convicting

This was well worth the time I took to listen to it. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life was one of self-sacrifice, adventure, amazing intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and hardship. The author writes about Bonhoeffer in a way that is intriguing and clear, and I could listen for hours at a time without getting tired of it.
I was inspired and convicted by the life Bonhoeffer lived, the sermons he preached, his life emphasis on Christan discipleship, and by his attitude toward his unjust imprisonment and death. I would recommend this book to anyone!

A Must Read

This is a truly incredible recount on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and mission. This is a man worthy of modeling your life after.