The limits of the extraordinary situation?

pp. 145-166

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

Abstract

This chapter begins to consider possible limitations to action in an "extraordinary situation", each of which can be found in Bonhoeffer's writing. The first is the place of the church as the locus of discipleship, which puts a limit to the isolated, existential disciple. The second is Bonhoeffer's ultimate/penultimate distinction, which is considered an important part of Bonhoeffer's political theology and locates existential action in a broader context. Finally, the role of guilt is considered as a limit and is of particular interest and relevance to contemporary political philosophy through the work of Michael Walzer.