Christianbook.com Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook

Thomas Nelson Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted the extermination of European Jews, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Widely known as the author of the classic works, The Cost of Discipleship, Life Together and, arguably, some of the most important theological works of the 20th century including Act & Being, Sanctorum Communio and Ethics. Bonhoeffer is also widely known for his 1945 execution in Flossenberg concentration camp for attempting to assassinate Hitler.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is the first fully comprehensive biography of Bonhoeffer in more than 40 years. Written by best-selling NY Times author Eric Metaxes, he presents both sides of Bonhoeffer's life, as theologian and as conspirator drawing them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil.

Presenting a deeply moving narrative, using previously unavailable documents-including personal letters, detailed journal entries, and first-hand personal accounts, Metaxas reveals dimensions of Bonhoeffer's life and theology never before seen. Furthermore, Metaxas presents the fullest accounting of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safety of America for the lion's den of Hitler's Germany, and using extended excerpts from love letters and coded messages written to and from Bonhoeffer's Cell 92, we are allowed to see for the first time the full story of Bonhoeffer's passionate and tragic romance.

Finally, Bonhoeffer gives witness to the extraordinary faith of an incredible human being, while also illuminating the tortured fate of a nation he sought to deliver from the evil tyranny of National Socialism, and its political party, the Nazi party. The reader will come face to face with a man determine to do the will of God radically, courageously, and even to the point of death.

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Average Customer Rating:
4.864 out of 5
4.9
 out of 
5
(125 Reviews) 125
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (125 reviews)
5 stars
111
4 stars
12
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
90 out of 9199%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Review 1 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I really enjoyed this book.

Date:April 18, 2013
Customer Avatar
RustyRoses
Location:Escondido, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I first read this book as a hard copy. I liked it so much, I wanted a copy for my own library so I could read it again and again.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Impressive German perspective on the Third Reich

Date:May 14, 2013
Customer Avatar
Jan Willem
Location:The Netherlands, Europe
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
The story about Bonhoeffer is impressive in itself, but the book surprised me by also telling the story of the Germans in the Third Reich: their doubts and their collaboration and the horrors of the Nazi regime that slowly became known.
A small disappointment about this book for me is that although the book speaks of Bonhoeffer as part of "the conspiracy" against Hitler, it does not really make clear what exactly was his role in this conspiracy.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Wonderful new insight for me!

Date:March 21, 2013
Customer Avatar
tinytina
Location:Grayslake, IL
Age:55-65
Gender:female
This read has restructured my thoughts on Christianity during this time frame.
It helps show the challenges of defining the church of that time for the individual and how it relates to governments. It helped me understand an unfolding that should come to each of us within the time we are given to occupy our lives within while here on earth. This biography shows the incredible life of one who fell in love with God and truly followed His word. It imprinted in my heart that the choices I make each day will help me follow Christ and obey Him in the small and the great ways He will ask of me.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A most GREAT READ!!!!

Date:February 1, 2013
Customer Avatar
Dottie
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is a wonderful Book........In great detail it shows the life of a great man.............
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent reading

Date:December 28, 2012
Customer Avatar
Nancy
Location:Harrisburg, IL
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Not the kind of book you casually read. I had checked it out at the library and after reading it, decided I wanted to buy it so I could reread it and reference parts of it. It's full of rich history and theology and reveals what true martyrs Bonhoeffer and many others were during that time period.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Date:December 27, 2012
Customer Avatar
JOHN
Location:Wisconsin
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Very good book,well written,spiritual and historical.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Very interesting & informative.

Date:December 27, 2012
Customer Avatar
Connie
Location:Radford, VA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
In reading Bonhoeffer, I learned about an era in history which I knew little about and gained a greater understanding about just how Hitler came to power and was allowed to commit the horrific crimes against humanity that he accomplished. More importantly, I learned about the convictions & courage Detrich BonHoeffer, a man who understood God's instruction: "... and when you've done all, stand." This is a great lesson and example for Christians of our day. I appreciate the opportunity to read, learn and be inspired by this book and highly recommend it to others.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

I recomend this book.

Date:December 2, 2012
Customer Avatar
andee
Location:Clear Spring, MD
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
I have given this book as a gift twice with most excellent feedback. The book is interesting and brings to light much history of which I was unaware. I believe it is well written and seems to be historically accurate. It is an inspiring book for those of the Christian faith.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent Biography

Date:November 26, 2012
Customer Avatar
GrpLdr
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I thought this was an OUTSTANDING book. Metaxas does a wonderful job of telling the story of Bonhoeffer's life. I was captivated by Mataxas' writing skill and style in revealing the details of Bonhoeffer's struggles and development as a son, a brother, an independent thinker, a minister, a mentor, a theologian, and a conscientious objector. Metaxas shows the reader the humanity, the complexity, and the consistency of Bonhoeffer as a person. In contrast, Metaxas also shows the reader the inhumanity, the complexity, and the deviousness of Hitler and the development of his Third Reich. The intersection of these two parallel stories makes for compelling reading.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This biography touched me to my core

Date:June 5, 2012
Customer Avatar
Ruth
Location:Banning, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
As a young Christian I recall hearing a pastor say, "If you are not serving God in a Christian manner, please don't tell others you are a believer." Since that time I have read biographies with an eye to finding those Christians who lived what they believed, and believed in what they lived. I could not read BONHOEFFER through in a few days. I read it on my Kindle, put aside and pondered, read more, and put aside and pondered. It took me nearly a year. I told others about it, recommended it before I had finished reading, and bought more copies to share.
When I had finished the book, it was with a deep sense of having been touched by God through the life of a truly Godly man. I am so thankful to Eric Metaxis for following the leading of God in writing a book he did not want, in the beginning, to write.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A man who died young, but really lived - Must READ

Date:May 4, 2012
Customer Avatar
Susan
Location:CA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This book is so interesting, inspiring and heart breaking all at the same time. Very well written. I was just given an insider's history lesson with a powerful message.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Most Excellent

Date:May 2, 2012
Customer Avatar
Teacher
Location:Oklahoma
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is one of the greatest biographies I've ever read. Absolutely riviting for anyone who is looking at world affairs today through the lens of history. Bonhoffer was like reading the headlines from todays media outlets and yet we see a man who challenges us to stand firm for truth and Christ in the midst of a "crooked and perverse" nation..... Thanks to Mr. Metaxas for a powerful book that I'm already sharing with my friends.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A New "Fan" Thanks To This Book!

Date:April 30, 2012
Customer Avatar
seriouslyunderpaid
Location:Tx
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
User submitted photo
After eight months, one of my journeys has come to an end.
I am of course speaking about completing Eric Metaxas’s massive volume entitled Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. I am so very thankful to Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this book for free. They were even kind enough to send me a digital copy after I was about half-way through to help me finish it up on my Kindle. Booksneeze is very kind!
Let me just say from the beginning, this work has had a great effect on me. This great pastor/theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, has truly influenced me: his heart, his passions, his callings, his writings, and more importantly, his walk with the Lord. This book has challenged me, encouraged me, and strengthened me. There is only one other theologian that has had this much impact on my life this far. Through this biography, I found myself relating to Bonhoeffer. I can relate to his passions and love for the Word and the church. I can relate to his gifts and abilities. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was truly an amazing man, and this book is a testimony to that. As much as I found my similarities, I also assume that I would not have the faith of this man. His faith makes me feel ashamed of mine. I put up this tweet last week:
Paul Stohler@paulstohler
I wish that: 1) Dietrich Bonhoeffer was still alive 2) We were friends 3) I could speak German
26 Apr 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite
Metaxas is a gifted writer and researcher. It is very researched. It is so detailed, we are told of the meals Bonhoeffer ate. This may make it a little difficult to get through, but if you can make it through, you will definitely be blessed! The first half of the book is family history, Bonhoeffer’s travels to different countries, and his educational background. As detailed as it is, it was still good to find out where he came from and his journey. I was surprised to know about his relationship with Adolf von Harnack, Karl Barth, Reinhold and Richard Niebuhr, and even Gandhi.
The second half of the book explains Bonhoeffer’s involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler during the end of the second World War. It was a story of bravery, courage, principles, loyalty, and a strong faith in the Lord. Bonhoeffer stood strong on his God-given purpose and calling. It ended up costing him his life, two weeks before the Allies set the prisoners free at his concentration camp. I blogged about this recently, including the doctor at Flossenburg’s response to Bonhoeffer’s death. I was challenged by Bonhoeffer’s discipline: his reading of the Psalms, meditation on the Word, and most importantly, his prayer life. It made me examine my own.
Maybe it is the time of my life that I am in now, but this book truly moved me. I nearly let the tears flow when reading about his death. This is a great man who has made a great influence for the Kingdom. I am thankful to Eric Metaxas for writing this genius literary accomplishment, and I hope this book only is only the beginning of a life-long study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his writings, and his sermons.
You truly must read this book.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent Book

Date:April 27, 2012
Customer Avatar
charvann
Location:St. Maries, Idaho
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I purchased it for my husband, and he has totally enjoyed it. I will read it when he is finished.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Bonhoeffer is a must read.

Date:April 17, 2012
Customer Avatar
michelle
Location:Santa Rosa County, Florida
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
History is repeating itself. You can not read Bonhoeffer and not see the glaring fact that National Socialism is being forced upon America by the current presidency. Christians need desperately to read this book.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Historical events most interesting!

Date:April 17, 2012
Customer Avatar
Huddy
Location:canada
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Would suggest all who have not lived in the time frame
of these historical events read this book .
Sometimes we wake up TOO LATE others wake up but do nothing about it..
Bonhoeffer DID!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Exceptional

Date:April 13, 2012
Customer Avatar
Richard
Location:Cincinnati, Ohio
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Very moving and inspiring. Bonhoeffer was a true believer in the strongest meaning of the word true.
The narrative put you in the story and you could actually feel the evil demonstrated by the Nazi regime.
Bonhoeffer’s relationship with the Lord permeated the book and gave you a tremendous lift. It also gave you a guilt trip when you compared your personal relationship with the Lord compared to this gentle man.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A wonderful inspiring book of a great Christian

Date:April 12, 2012
Customer Avatar
Joan Neel
Location:Brighton, IL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I loved this book so much, that I bought a copy for my son, who is a Lutheran pastor in Minnesota. Though it makes a person cry at times, it challenges us to ask ourselves how we would measure up, if faced with a similar situation. I admire Dietrich Bonhoffer, who like St. Paul, suffered in prison for his faith in Christ our Lord. They both faced death, strong in their faith with the knowledge that Christ was with them and they were going to be with Him in Heaven. They both accomplished so much in their lifetimes for Christ, and with Christ's help. What an inspiration!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A great history lesson of WWII

Date:March 26, 2012
Customer Avatar
Marilyn Finkbeiner
Location:Randho Cordova, Ca. 95670
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This was recomended by a friend and it more than met my expectatiions. The author put a great deal of research into it. The first of the book is a little slow but as you get into the heart of it you can't put it down. Don't let the size of it daunt you. Well worth the read.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Amazing book abouth this great man of faith.

Date:March 25, 2012
Customer Avatar
quakerman2
Location:New Philadelphia, OH
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
At first the size of the book overwhelmed me, but after starting it, I found it difficult to put it down. If you like thinking about tough theological questions, this is a must read. If you enjoy reading about history, especially World War II, you will find this to be well worth your time to read. An amazing work about a man who stood large when men like him were needed.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
12345 ...7Next >>>