I was introduced to the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer at a seminar on 'Family and Christian Faith' back in 1992. I began to read Cost of Discipleship during my first year as a seminarian in a windy Chicago approaching the end of 1994. I took one semester-full course on Dietrich Bonhoeffer through which I was introduced to the person, his life, his works, and his theology.
Bonhoeffer is an awesome figure both in the academia and in the church. He was extraordinarily brilliant in the academia, but completely submit to the Bible in his ordinary life as a churchman. For some (if not many) people, Bonhoeffer's interpretation of Christian faith may be disturbing and annoying. Bonhoeffer is for some believers extreme in understanding the texts of the Bible. To be a true and genuine Christian for Bonhoeffer is not a decision with light consequences. Discipleship is not free, but costly. The grace of God is free but is not cheap. Bonhoeffer seemed to argue that many Christians live in a cheap grace perspective and therefore are in need of (re)-repentance. Honest readers of the book will agree that in no point where readers can discover the unbiblical Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer could opt for a more comfortable life, but his commitment to serve in his own troubled land costs his very own life. He was executed at Flossenbürg Concentration Camp only weeks before NAZI was forced to surrender. Bonhoeffer is not only a good author, he also lived what he wrote. Allow me to share with you one famous statement of Cost of Discipleship: 'When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.' Last but not least: books under Bonhoeffer's pen are worth and important to read!
The statue of Bonhoeffer was launched at the West Entrance of Westminster Abbey in 1998 to pay tribute to one of the most respected modern Christian martyrs.
The statue of Bonhoeffer was launched at the West Entrance of Westminster Abbey in 1998 to pay tribute to one of the most respected modern Christian martyrs.
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