Christian moral action

• What are the two versions of the summary notes for Christian moral action according to the study material?

  A* – A grade summary notes and B – C grade summary notes
• What does Bonhoeffer mean by 'cheap grace'?

  Cheap grace refers to believing and saying the right things without taking necessary actions.
• How does Bonhoeffer define true grace?

  True grace is costly and requires discipleship, sacrifice, and following Jesus.
• What biblical reference does Bonhoeffer use to support his view on discipleship?

  Mark 8, where Jesus says to pick up your cross and follow him.
• What does Bonhoeffer argue is the cost of discipleship?

  The cost of discipleship includes sacrifice, solidarity, and sometimes suffering.
• In what situation does Bonhoeffer suggest Christians should engage in civil disobedience?

  When civil disobedience is required as part of costly grace.
• What is a counterargument to Bonhoeffer's idea of costly grace?

  His idea of costly grace may be irrelevant today as we are not in Nazi Germany.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the relevance of sacrifice today?


  He believes sacrifice is still relevant due to ongoing issues like sexism, racism, war, and climate change.
• Who are two examples of individuals that Bonhoeffer's views on sacrifice and suffering can be applied to?

  Martin Luther King and Malala Yousafzai.
• What was the Confessing Church that Bonhoeffer was part of?

  A church that resisted Nazi control, associated with Karl Barth.
• What was Finkenwalde?

  Bonhoeffer's illegal secret seminary.
• What does Bonhoeffer argue about the relationship between a Christian's duty to God and the state?

  A Christian's ultimate duty is to God, while their duty to the state is secondary.
• What is a potential danger of a moral system that justifies evil acts as God's will?

  It can lead to justifying actions like killing under the guise of following God's will.
• How did Bonhoeffer justify his participation in the plot to kill Hitler?


  He believed it was necessary to act against rulers who acted against God's will.
• What criticism does Bonhoeffer's approach face when applied to modern times?

  It may suggest that Christians could justify killing leaders they believe are acting against God.
• What does Sam Harris argue about knowing God's will?

  He points out that knowing God's will is subjective, as shown by the Nazis believing God was on their side.
• What does Harvey Cox argue about Bonhoeffer's theology?

  Cox argues that Bonhoeffer's theology could justify anyone's views, as anyone can think they are doing God's will.
• What is a potential issue with applying Bonhoeffer's ethics to modern contexts?

  It could lead to justifying violence against leaders, which is problematic in a democratic society.
• What does Bonhoeffer say about the necessity of acting against evil?

  He states that silence in the face of evil is itself evil, and not to act is to act.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the consequences of not acting against evil?

  He believes that not acting can lead to terrible consequences, as seen with the Nazis.
• What does Bonhoeffer suggest is the best guidance we can hope for in our fallen state?

  To meditate on the Bible and hope to hear the word of God through it.
• How does Bonhoeffer's view of the Bible differ from traditional views?

  He had a neo-orthodox view, seeing it as a miraculous document but not the perfect word of God.
• What does Bonhoeffer mean by 'rusty swords' in relation to Jesus' commands against violence?


  He refers to them as outdated ethical principles that are no longer effective against evil in contemporary situations.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the risk of acting in a fallen world?

  He believes it is risky to act because we can never be completely sure of what the right thing to do is.
• What does Bonhoeffer say about the relationship between belief and action?


  Being Christian is not merely about believing the right thing but also about acting accordingly.
• What does Bonhoeffer argue about the necessity of meditating on the Bible?

  He argues that it is essential to meditate on the Bible to hear the word of God and guide our actions.
• How does Bonhoeffer's view of violence conflict with Jesus' teachings?


  Bonhoeffer's participation in violence contradicts Jesus' teachings of non-resistance and turning the other cheek.
• What does St. Paul say in Romans 13 regarding rulers?


  St. Paul states that we should obey the rulers.
• How does Bonhoeffer's unusual view of the Bible help him avoid criticism?

  By meditating on the Bible with humility, one might hear the word of God, which helps avoid subjective interpretations.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the certainty of God's will?

  He believes we can never be completely sure of God's will, but we must still act.
• What is Bonhoeffer's stance on the potential misuse of his theology?


  He acknowledges that all theologies can be misused for evil ends, but that shouldn't discount them.
• What does Bonhoeffer suggest about the ethics of resisting fascist dictatorship?

  He suggests that it is a good thing for Christians to have an ethic of resisting fascist dictatorship.
• What does Bonhoeffer say about the ongoing threat of democracy devolving into fascism?

  He acknowledges that there is always a chance that democracy could devolve into fascist dictatorship again.
• What is Bonhoeffer's view on the necessity of Christians believing in a theology that recommends resistance?


  He believes it is reasonable for Christians to believe in a theology that recommends resistance, even violent resistance.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the relationship between faith and action?

  He believes that faith must be accompanied by action, especially in the face of evil.
• What does Bonhoeffer say about the consequences of inaction in the face of evil?

  He believes that inaction can lead to the triumph of evil.
• How does Bonhoeffer's view of moral action relate to the concept of suffering?

  He believes that moral action may involve suffering, but it is crucial to Christian ethics.
• What does Bonhoeffer mean by the phrase 'not to act is to act'?


  He means that failing to take action against evil is itself a form of complicity in that evil.
• What does Bonhoeffer suggest is necessary for understanding God's will?


  He suggests that meditation on the Bible in a Christian community is necessary for understanding God's will.
• What does Bonhoeffer believe about the role of humility in understanding God's will?

  He believes that humility is essential in meditating on the Bible to hear God's word.