Christian discipleship vs. Hitler's dictatorship. Commemorating Dietrich Bonhoeffer, man of God under the Third Reich

Essai , 2005 , 19 Pages

Histoire de l'Allemagne - National-socialisme, La seconde guerre mondiale

This paper has been given in April 2005 at MIT to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s death.
Providing basic historical background information and quoting documents – some of which are not well-known in the English speaking world – it attempts to show what it meant for Bonhoeffer to be a disciple of Christ under the Third Reich.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Christian Discipleship Versus Hitler's Dictatorship
• Commemorating Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Man of God Under the Third Reich
• Bonhoeffer's Life Story
• The Crisis of 1933
• The Youth and the Principle of Leadership
• The Discriminatory Laws of April 7th

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to commemorate Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent German theologian who was executed by the Nazi regime for his role in the resistance movement. The paper explores Bonhoeffer's journey from a young, ambitious theologian to a dedicated Christian who actively opposed Hitler's dictatorship on both religious and political grounds.

• The development of Bonhoeffer's Christian faith and his commitment to discipleship.
• The conflict between Christian values and the rise of Nazi ideology.
• Bonhoeffer's role in the confessional opposition and the military resistance.
• The consequences of opposing the Nazi regime and the sacrifices made by Bonhoeffer and others.
• The enduring legacy of Bonhoeffer as a symbol of moral courage and resistance.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The paper begins by outlining the circumstances of Bonhoeffer's execution, highlighting the controversy surrounding his legacy. It then introduces the central theme of Christian discipleship as a defining aspect of Bonhoeffer's life.
• The second section delves into Bonhoeffer's early life and his journey towards Christianity. It emphasizes his initial ambition and "pitiful vanity" before he truly embraced his faith. The chapter highlights the influence of his family, particularly his father, a prominent psychiatrist.
• The third section focuses on Bonhoeffer's academic career and his early years as a theologian. This chapter examines his exceptional academic achievements and his decision to pursue ordination despite his initial lack of faith.
• The fourth section describes the pivotal moment when Bonhoeffer became a Christian and the subsequent impact it had on his life. It explores the transformative experience he had with the Bible and how it led him to embrace a life of service and commitment to the church.
• The fifth chapter marks the beginning of the Nazi era and Bonhoeffer's radical opposition to the regime. This section highlights Bonhoeffer's stance against Nazi ideology and his public condemnation of Hitler's leadership.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper delves into the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a renowned German theologian, and examines his opposition to the Nazi regime. Key themes explored include Christian discipleship, the confessional church, the resistance movement, political activism, and the legacy of a man who bravely challenged tyranny and injustice. The work examines Bonhoeffer's personal transformation and the historical context of the rise of National Socialism in Germany, providing insights into the complex relationship between faith, conscience, and political action.

• Cours: Gedenkrede am Massachusetts Institut of Technology
• Auteur: Andrea Tam (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2005
• Pages: 19
• N° de catalogue: V83281
• ISBN (ebook): 9783638895477
• ISBN (Livre): 9783638895590
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Christian, Hitler, Commemorating, Dietrich, Bonhoeffer, Third, Reich, Gedenkrede, Massachusetts, Institut, Technology