Bonhoeffer

all American hero?

Petra BROWN

pp. 13-34

in: Petra BROWN, Bonhoeffer, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019

Abstract

This chapter outlines the different ways Bonhoeffer can be seen to influence American evangelicals, who are not primarily inspired by Bonhoeffer's theology, but his life and action. Bonhoeffer's involvement in the plot to kill Hitler is understood by evangelicals as an act of courage in the face of the great evil of the Nazi regime, and as an example of the faithful disciple who is obedient to Christ, even willing to commit violence in a situation of "exception" or "last resort". This chapter raises the question that will drive the main arguments of the book: Could someone who believes themselves to be a Christian find in Bonhoeffer's writing something that would enable them to justify violence in the name of Christ?

Cited authors

Kierkegaard Søren

Bonhoeffer Dietrich

Schmitt Carl

Brown Petra