Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Thomas Nelson Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
The reception of Eric Metaxas' Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, and Spy met with unparalleled, resounding, and unexpected success among the Christian community and beyond in 2010.
Yet, the book has caused a great deal of controversy among scholars, academics, and others who follow Bonhoeffer closely. This was not unexpected as Bonhoeffer was specifically intended to be a critique of those who understood Bonhoeffer to be "liberal" in his theological leaning as both evangelical scholars and non-evangelical scholars argued he was.
Metaxas' book challenges this assumption by telling Bonhoeffer's story so as to demonstrate his theological orthodoxy. This fact, which undergirds so much of what Metaxas is trying to accomplish--namely--reclaim Bonhoeffer, has proved controversial in many people's minds.
It is well known that Bonhoeffer is the first comprehensive biography of Bonhoeffer since the German theologian's brother-in-law, Eberhard Bethge, released his massive 1000pp+ biography in the early 1970's. Since that time however, much new information has come to light, and Bonhoeffer's story has been in desperate need of updating.
It is Bethge's work, along with the new material Metaxas has synthesized that provided the groundwork for Bonhoeffer. The result has been widely acknowledged to be a masterful story complimented by lucid and inviting prose, historical accuracy, and deeply moving-emotional narrative which invites reader's into the world and life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to conquer the world while exterminating European Jews secretly. While espionage and intrigue were the rule of the day, and while many groups discussed assassination, only one real organized attempt was made by German nationalists to rid the world of Adolf Hitler, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a key contributor.
But how did Bonhoeffer, a Christian pastor and brilliant theologian come to the point of murder and step into what Metaxas understands to be the roles of "prophet" and "spy"?
Metaxas' book is the fullest accounting of that transition, that struggle, produced for a broad readership. He tells the stories of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safety of America for Hitler's Germany, of Bonhoeffer's from theological resistance to political action in Germany, of his key theological relationships with George Bell, Karl Barth and others, of his tragic romance with Maria von Wedermeyer, and of his imprisonment and subsequent martyrdom.
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 determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and even to the point of death. They may even find themselves asking: would my own faith provide me this kind of courage?
Yet, the book has caused a great deal of controversy among scholars, academics, and others who follow Bonhoeffer closely. This was not unexpected as Bonhoeffer was specifically intended to be a critique of those who understood Bonhoeffer to be "liberal" in his theological leaning as both evangelical scholars and non-evangelical scholars argued he was.
Metaxas' book challenges this assumption by telling Bonhoeffer's story so as to demonstrate his theological orthodoxy. This fact, which undergirds so much of what Metaxas is trying to accomplish--namely--reclaim Bonhoeffer, has proved controversial in many people's minds.
It is well known that Bonhoeffer is the first comprehensive biography of Bonhoeffer since the German theologian's brother-in-law, Eberhard Bethge, released his massive 1000pp+ biography in the early 1970's. Since that time however, much new information has come to light, and Bonhoeffer's story has been in desperate need of updating.
It is Bethge's work, along with the new material Metaxas has synthesized that provided the groundwork for Bonhoeffer. The result has been widely acknowledged to be a masterful story complimented by lucid and inviting prose, historical accuracy, and deeply moving-emotional narrative which invites reader's into the world and life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to conquer the world while exterminating European Jews secretly. While espionage and intrigue were the rule of the day, and while many groups discussed assassination, only one real organized attempt was made by German nationalists to rid the world of Adolf Hitler, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a key contributor.
But how did Bonhoeffer, a Christian pastor and brilliant theologian come to the point of murder and step into what Metaxas understands to be the roles of "prophet" and "spy"?
Metaxas' book is the fullest accounting of that transition, that struggle, produced for a broad readership. He tells the stories of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safety of America for Hitler's Germany, of Bonhoeffer's from theological resistance to political action in Germany, of his key theological relationships with George Bell, Karl Barth and others, of his tragic romance with Maria von Wedermeyer, and of his imprisonment and subsequent martyrdom.
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 determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and even to the point of death. They may even find themselves asking: would my own faith provide me this kind of courage?
Average Customer Rating:
(125 Reviews) 125
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90 out of 9199%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Review 1 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Impressive German perspective on the Third Reich
Date:May 14, 2013
Jan Willem
Location:The Netherlands, Europe
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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.
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Review 2 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
I really enjoyed this book.
Date:April 18, 2013
RustyRoses
Location:Escondido, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 3 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Wonderful new insight for me!
Date:March 21, 2013
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.
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.
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Review 4 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
A most GREAT READ!!!!
Date:February 1, 2013
Dottie
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a wonderful Book........In great detail it shows the life of a great man.............
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Review 5 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Excellent reading
Date:December 28, 2012
Nancy
Location:Harrisburg, IL
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 6 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Date:December 27, 2012
JOHN
Location:Wisconsin
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Very good book,well written,spiritual and historical.
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Review 7 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Very interesting & informative.
Date:December 27, 2012
Connie
Location:Radford, VA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 8 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
I recomend this book.
Date:December 2, 2012
andee
Location:Clear Spring, MD
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 9 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Excellent Biography
Date:November 26, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 10 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
This biography touched me to my core
Date:June 5, 2012
Ruth
Location:Banning, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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+2points
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Review 11 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
A man who died young, but really lived - Must READ
Date:May 4, 2012
Susan
Location:CA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
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.
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+1point
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Review 12 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Most Excellent
Date:May 2, 2012
Teacher
Location:Oklahoma
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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+3points
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Review 13 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
A New "Fan" Thanks To This Book!
Date:April 30, 2012
seriouslyunderpaid
Location:Tx
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
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.
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.
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+3points
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Review 14 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Excellent Book
Date:April 27, 2012
charvann
Location:St. Maries, Idaho
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I purchased it for my husband, and he has totally enjoyed it. I will read it when he is finished.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Bonhoeffer is a must read.
Date:April 17, 2012
michelle
Location:Santa Rosa County, Florida
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 16 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Historical events most interesting!
Date:April 17, 2012
Huddy
Location:canada
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Would suggest all who have not lived in the time frame
of these historical events read this book .
of these historical events read this book .
Sometimes we wake up TOO LATE others wake up but do nothing about it..
Bonhoeffer DID!
Bonhoeffer DID!
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Review 17 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Exceptional
Date:April 13, 2012
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.
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.
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Review 18 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
A great history lesson of WWII
Date:March 26, 2012
Marilyn Finkbeiner
Location:Randho Cordova, Ca. 95670
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 19 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Amazing book abouth this great man of faith.
Date:March 25, 2012
quakerman2
Location:New Philadelphia, OH
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
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.
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Review 20 for Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Overall Rating:
Portrait of a courageous leader.
Date:March 23, 2012
Patty
Location:Myrtle Beach, SC
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Bonhoeffer's story is well told, as the author takes us from his interesting family beginning and education that helped form his character and Christian beliefs to his stalwart leadership in bravely defying evil when others looked the other way. Living in Germany through the rise of Hitler and Nazi domination, Bonhoeffer saw the church in Germany falling under influence of the state and courageously became one of the few dissenting voices standing against Nazi propaganda and the persecution of Jews and others. In the end, he paid with his life for his steadfast stand against evil. But he will always be remembered and admired as a great Christian hero during extremely troubling times.
What an example of a life well-lived!
What an example of a life well-lived!
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