Bonhoeffer (International Edition): A Biography (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
My vocabulary could not keep up with this book. I'm ashamed. I only made it eighty-some pages. My dad read it and keeps telling me about it and how good it is, but I am intimidated by this massive book with its indecipherable words. Perhaps when I am more learned, I will try again, because I really am intrigued by Bonhoeffer and his story. In the meantime, I'd better strengthen my mental word bank... Too much of a good thing. The first third or half of this book is fascinating. It is an excellent window onto a world long dead, an ideal and idealized family, as well as the growth and development of a brilliant young man. The narrative is so interesting that it occurred to me to seek other theological works, a subject area that I ignore. But then Bonhoeffer was converted and large segments of the narrative became a broken record of theological double speak with brief interludes of plot. It is possible that I, as an uninformed reader, missed the nuances of the theological argument. But the points seemed obvious: 1) the Bible is the word of God, 2) it is to be taken literally, 3) one is to live all aspects of one's life as taught and modeled by Jesus, 4) one is to live one's life according to God's plan for the self, and... Maybe I forgot one or two other points. But, really, how many words are required to put these points across? Is it necessary to devote hundreds of pages to these four or five points? Also, none of the telling and re-telling supported the claim that Bonhoeffer had a keen mind that could argue a point based on well-grounded logic. There were lots of assertions and no logic. Most disappointing of all was the fact that truly interesting discussions were not breached. Incredibly enough, there was no discussion on the nature of evil and how evil such as that which occurred at this time could co-exist with a personal God who has intent for individual human beings. Is it that the rational mind finds pattern and purpose where there is none, or does did Hitler survived the numerous attempts on his life because the course of events were meant to happen? Could God actually have had a purpose for the evil that took place? So, if I am so disappointed, why three stars? In addition to the fact that the first part of the book is interesting, I gained an improved understanding of how Hitler managed to obtain and keep control. In a lifetime of reading I have kept away from this historical period because I could not fathom it and didn't think I would understand it at all. I now have more of a glimmer. Incredible! If the story beckons, I suggest you pick up a book, not an audiobook. Then, if you appreciate the endless theological rehashing as little as I did, you can skim the text for the storyline.
What do You think about Bonhoeffer (International Edition): A Biography (2010)?
Great courage and Godly faithfulness in the face of ruthless evil. Incredible life.
—Blad
One of my all time favorite and inspirational books.
—Kayla
What a marvelous book about a marvelous person.
—melodia_s
