The extraordinary situation and the state of exception

pp. 101-121

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

Abstract

This chapter critically analyses Bonhoeffer's concept of the "extraordinary situation" in light of Schmitt's idea of the 'state of exception". It considers the extent to which Bonhoeffer's writing on the "extraordinary situation" suffers from the same dangers inherent in Schmitt's thinking around exception. It suggests that Bonhoeffer's concept of the "extraordinary" potentially radicalises Schmitt's concept of "exception" as it extends to each disciple or follower of Christ, thereby potentially authorising each follower of Christ to enact violence in a "last resort" scenario.