Bonhoeffer the Assassin?

September 15, 2013

The traditional understanding of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45), based chiefly on the firsthand knowledge of Bonhoeffer's close friend, main prison correspondent, and biographer, Eberhard Bethge, is that he was not only involved in the resistance against Nazi Germany but participated in efforts to assassinate Hitler. Nation (theology, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, VA), Anthony G. Siegrist (theology, Prairie Bible Coll., Alta.), and Daniel P. Umbel (former pastor, Mt. Olivet Church, Dyke, VA) challenge this idea, arguing that there is no documentary evidence that Bonhoeffer was involved in plots on Hitler's life and asserting that he remained a pacifist throughout the war years. Indeed, he was in prison in 1944 when the most notable attempt on Hitler's life took place. By arguing as they do, the authors upend commonly held assumptions about the theologian's activities and underlying credo during World War II. It traditionally has been understood that Bonhoeffer shifted away from his pacifist stance as he confronted the evil of Hitler and the Nazis during his period working for the Abwehr, or German military intelligence. VERDICT This book, with its bold assertions and careful argumentation, is excellent for stimulating new thought. Bonhoeffer scholars and lay readers with an interest in him will find it beneficial.--John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.

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