With Courage and Humility: Bonhoeffer's Ethical Approach for Us Today

Today, German Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is often celebrated as a heroic modern Christian martyr. Ironically, however, Bonhoeffer himself while in prison resisted any temptation to think of himself as a martyr. We marvel at his courage in participating in a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. But what does Bonhoeffer's ethical approach teach us about both courage and humility that might provide needed wisdom in our context?

While the content of Bonhoeffer's Ethics reflects the time in which it was written, his work remains as relevant for us today as it was in Nazi Germany. Thoroughly grounded in God's grace and yet affirming that humans have real responsibility for history, it can be applied in both ordinary and extraordinary situations. Bonhoeffer teaches us we are called to act with bold conviction--but as responsible persons before God, with a limited point of view in history. Responsible persons recognize that to presume certain knowledge of good and evil is the height of ethical hubris. Bonhoeffer's ethical approach teaches us to be courageous enough to engage in responsible action when the concrete situation compels us and humble enough to let God be the ultimate judge of our actions.

Brocker makes Bonhoeffer's ethical approach accessible to a broad audience. Refined by years of teaching in both lay and seminary contexts, Brocker's With Courage and Humility combines academic rigor with fellowship-hall approachability.Read less