The obedient existential disciple

pp. 123-144

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

Abstract

This chapter deepens the philosophical consequences of Bonhoeffer's concept of the extraordinary through a description of the isolated disciple as outlined by Bonhoeffer in Discipleship. By drawing attention to the influence of the Danish philosopher Sören Kierkegaard on Bonhoeffer's thinking during this time, an image emerges of the isolated disciple who acts in obedience to a higher command. This leads to a narrative in which following Jesus is understood in terms of conflict, struggle and opposition to the world. The ethical implications of this are shown via an examination of the young Bonhoeffer's 1929 Barcelona lecture.