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 !

Amazing Book

I don't write reviews often. But felt I had to with this book. Wow, what an amazing story that was so well worth reading. I feel that I grew so much from this book. I had always wondered how a dictator like Hitler could get where he was. And the details about how it happened. I never knew most of the truth. I am blessed to know now. And what makes it even more special is the point of view from Bonhoeffer himself. He was truly an amazing person that blessed this world while he was here. His point of view from someone who loves God about this world and what he went through was incredible. I pray that I would be able to have this attitude in thr face of terrible adversity. I actually got tears when he died.
At first I wasn't sure I wanted to go through this book. I was co concerned it would be somewhat depressing. But it wasn't in the least bit depressing. On the contrary, it was extremely uplifting and hopeful. Because he lived a life that we should always remember to immulate while following Jesus. He was a wonderful example second to Jesus.
You will never be wasting your time if you decide to spend it reading this book. It was very well worth every minute.

Another perspective

Another perspective of the war we think we know and the struggle we thought we knew.

The History of One Whom Walked the Talk

This book is about a man whom walked the talk right to his execution. As horrible as the Nazi Germans were to others. They were just as bad to the non-supporting Germans. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one such person. Winston Churchill was a politician whom was attempting to rather his people (like most world leaders) to be victorious over some issue. In his case, defeating the Germans lead by Hitler. Churchill is quote as saying; “The only good German is a dead German.” Without knowing it, Churchill was right and wrong in this belief. He was wrong because many good Germans were murdered by the Nazis. He was right in that many good Germans were murdered by the Nazis; people like Bannhoeffer. If story of Bannhoeffer was faithfully made into a Movie. I believe it would be a Blockbuster.

I look around me, but fail to find anyone who can be compared.

It was sad to know the outcome of the story before reading it. The sadness continued thru each chapter even onto the end. What a great man. Yes, one can be changed by reading this story. I can personally attest to it. From start to finish, Bonhoeffer challenges me to pray fervently and to read, study, and meditate on God’s word. It is the most important thing for me to do as a Christian and I am thankful for the life of D. Bonhoeffer as told in this book. May his memory always be honored.

An amazing story of faith

I loved this book as a fan of history, of the church, and of examples of men of great faith! Well written, engaging an encouraging to live our your faith regardless of circumstances.

Excellent and Powerful

Such a great biography of a young man called to do the will of God despite extreme adversity. Very well written.

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.