CMA discussion

• Does Bonhoeffer put too much emphasis on suffering?

  • lived at a time of suffering under the Nazi regime - this is an unusual time and therefore may have led to an overemphasis on suffering ]-> not all Christian groups experience this sort of suffering
  • all experience suffering in their life - Bonhoeffer's message doesn't just dwell on suffering but is in solidarity with those who are suffering - helps with consolation
  • seems to downplay the joy of the new testament and the hope of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus' passion involves suffering -- perhaps Bonhoeffer is focused too much on the cross and rather than the hope after - BUT Bonhoeffer would counter this by saying that people have to pass through the cross
• Should Christian's practice civil disobedience?

  • Pauls Letter to the Romans - talks about submission (Romans 13: 1-2) -- plain reading of this suggests that Christians should not challenge authority but Bonhoeffer did ]-> does this make him less of a Christian
  • Bonhoeffer advocated for opposition to the Nazi state -> sought to evade the states attempts to silence him -- involved in illegal activities ]-> Prophets in the Bible often spoke against corrupt leaders -- but Jesus does not openly go against the Roman occupation
  • BUT - Bonhoeffer could be seen as justified --> emphasis on obeying God not the corrupt, anti-Christian state. In the context of a totalitarian state
• Is it possible always to know God's will?

  • Bonhoeffer placed great importance on obedience of God's commands even by going against the political state. In the Cost of Discipleship 1959 includes many interpretations of the Bible HOWEVER -- may not be reasonable
  • Bonhoeffer could be seen as dangerously distorting God's will - was going to kill Hitler -- going against the sanctity of life. BUT - he advocated for a life in community based upon sharing and reflection of scriptures. A common life
  • Many Christians today would have strong sympathy with Bonhoeffer - God's will we may not know but in relation to Bonhoeffer many would agree with his actions
  • He had a change in his work
• Is Bonhoeffer's theology relevant for today?

  • YES - in western society people are obsessed with material goods which is linked to unhappiness - Bonhoeffer abandoned this
  • many pressures on Christianity to modernise to adapt and to be inclusive - BUT why
  • Bonhoeffer's account of obedience to God also raises difficult questions at a time when religion is seen as a threat to countries
  • great debate to the extent to which the world is becoming divided - seem to e many who are oppressed