Issue 32

Little-known or remarkable facts about Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)

Born into privilege, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was headed toward a brilliant career as a theologian. Then he came to see life “from the perspective of those who suffer.” In Nazi Germany, that cost him his life.

Selected quotations from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings. Quotations primarily from A Testament to Freedom: The Essential Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, edited by Geffrey B. Kelly and F. Burton Nelson (HarperCollins, 1990).

Significant people in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life

His controversial yet Christ-centered beliefs were formed not only in the classrooms of Tübingen, but also in the cells of Tegel Prison.

What did Bonhoeffer think of this century’s most influential theologian?

Bonhoeffer took an early and active stand against the Nazis.

Some of his works are little known. Some are fictional. But all are provocative. Here’s a brief guide.

Three colleagues from Union Theological Seminary who deeply influenced Bonhoeffer

Though known as a theologian and resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was also a pastor—even in his final moments.

His closest companion reflects on the meaning of Bonhoeffer’s life for us today.

A photo album