Saturday, October 22, 2011

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

I first learned of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in John Piper’s book This Momentary Marriage, and after reading This Momentary Marriage, I wanted to know more about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. So, when Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas came available on BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program), I could not pass up on the opportunity to read Eric Metaxas’ latest book. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is a well-written biography that contains an abundance of information on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the history of Germany during the time of Bonheoffer’s life.

Since I enjoy learning about history and Christian theology this book was pleasant surprise. There was no lack of information, and in certain sections, I was astounded by how much research must have been done to write this book. Additionally, Eric Metaxas seamlessly integrates world history and the life of Bonhoeffer throughout the book.  I highly recommend this book to every Christian because the faith Bonhoeffer had is encouraging, and the history of the Christian church in Germany gives us warnings of what could happen when we abandon the Word of God for the goals of men. Additionally, after reading this book, it made me more passionate to study the Word of God and apply the Word to my life.

* Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for being a member of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze (http://BookSneeze.com) Book Review Blogger program.

1 comments:

Canada said...

I just finished this powerful book. It's amazing how a man's entire life can be reduced to a mere 542 pages. But what a life! This German Pastor came from a prominent family. His father was an anti-Freudian psychiatrist, his older brother worked with Einstein to split the atom! Dietrich? Well, he just fought Hitler. He pastored, taught seminary and wrote extensively as well, but amazingly, he was involved in three of the fifteen attempts on Hitler's life. He was arrested on a trivial charge, but evidence was eventually discovered by the Gestapo that illuminated the true depths of his involvement in the widespread intrigue against Hitler. It is widely agreed that Hitler himself ordered his execution, which was carried out mere weeks before the Americans reached the prison where he was being held.