In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew, Matt, and Michael engage in a deep conversation with Mark Thiessen Nation about the life and works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They explore Bonhoeffer’s stance on pacifism, the influence of Eberhard Bethge, and the misrepresentation of Bonhoeffer in popular media. The discussion delves into the complexities of Bonhoeffer’s ethics, his context in Nazi Germany, and the role of the Confessing Church. The episode concludes with reflections on Bonhoeffer’s theological insights and the implications of his actions during a tumultuous time in history.
Keywords
Bonhoeffer, pacifism, ethics, Nazi Germany, Confessing Church, Eberhard Bethge, discipleship, theology, nonviolence, Christian history
Takeaways
- Bonhoeffer’s life was marked by a commitment to nonviolence.
- The narrative of Bonhoeffer as an assassin is misleading.
- Eberhard Bethge’s biography shaped public perception of Bonhoeffer.
- Bonhoeffer’s pacifism was rooted in his theological beliefs.
- The film about Bonhoeffer misrepresents his theological stance.
- Bonhoeffer was actively involved in the Confessing Church.
- His arrest was due to his efforts to help Jews escape.
- Bonhoeffer’s writings reflect a deep engagement with ethics.
- The complexities of living in Nazi Germany influenced Bonhoeffer’s thought.
- Bonhoeffer’s legacy continues to inspire discussions on discipleship and ethics. must combat hearsay with solid theological knowledge.
Sound Bites
“Why are you wrong in relation to Bonhoeffer?”
“Bonhoeffer’s family was against Hitler.”
“He was arrested for helping Jews escape.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Ephesiology Podcast
00:51 Exploring Bonhoeffer’s Life and Works
02:40 The Pacifism Debate: Bonhoeffer’s Stance
05:52 The Influence of Eberhard Bethge
08:39 The Misrepresentation of Bonhoeffer in Film
11:30 Understanding Pacifism and Nonviolence
14:46 Bonhoeffer’s Context in Nazi Germany
17:36 The Role of the Confessing Church
20:25 The Complexity of Bonhoeffer’s Ethics
23:48 The Assassination Plot: Fact or Fiction?
26:38 Bonhoeffer’s Arrest and Its Implications
29:31 Theological Reflections on Discipleship
32:42 Conclusion and Future Discussions
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Our Podcasters
Michael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.
Andrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he’s ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he’s an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers.
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