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In 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer-a theologian and pastor-was executed by the Nazis for his resistance to their unspeakable crimes against humanity. He was only 39 years old when he died, but Bonhoeffer left behind volumes of work exploring theological and ethical themes that have now inspired multiple generations of scholars, students, pastors, and activists. This book highlights the ways Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work informs political theology and examines Bonhoeffer's contributions in three ways: historical-critical interpretation, critical-constructive engagement, and constructive-practical application. With contributions from a broad array of scholars from around the world, chapters range from historical analysis of Bonhoeffer's early political resistance language to accounts of Bonhoeffer-inspired, front-line resistance to white supremacists in Charlottesville, VA. This volume speaks to the ongoing relevance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work and life in and out of the academy.
List of contents
Acknowledgments: Lori Brandt Hale and W. David Hall
Abbreviations
Introduction: Victoria J. Barnett
Section 1: Historical-Critical Interpretation
Chapter 1: Michael P. DeJonge, "The Church as an Agent of Resistance in Bonhoeffer's Political Theology."
Chapter 2: Jens Zimmerman, "Recovering the Natural for Politics: Bonhoeffer and the Natural Law Tradition."
Chapter 3: W. David Hall, "Political Meditations in Confessional Keys: The Political Theologies of Carl Schmitt, Walter Benjamin, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer."
Chapter 4: Robert Vosloo, "Bonhoeffer, the Discourses on Status Confessionis in Apartheid South Africa, and Confessing the Faith Anew."
Section 2: Critical-Constructive Engagement
Chapter 5: Jennifer M. McBride and Thomas Fabisiak, "Bonhoeffer's Critique of Morality: A Theological Resource for Dismantling Mass Incarceration."
Chapter 6: Lori Brandt Hale, "The Interfaith Imperative: How Bonhoeffer Compels Interfaith Action."
Chapter 7: Lisa E. Dahill, "Self and Shadow: Bonhoeffer, Social Location, and Gender as Genre."
Chapter 8: Dianne P. Rayson, "Bonhoeffer in the Anthropocene: Ecoethics and Earthly Christianity."
Chapter 9: Karen V. Guth, "'Heritage Not Hate' or 'Heritage and Decay'?: Lessons for White Christians from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the Confederate Monuments Debate."
Section 3: Constructive-Practical Application
Chapter 10: John W. Matthews, "The Deed is an Important Medium of Christ's Reconciling Presence."
Chapter 11: Paul Lutter, "Between Sundays: What the Church is For."
Chapter 12: Jeffrey C. Pugh, "Bonhoeffer in Charlottesville."
Index
About the Contributors
About the author
Lori Brandt Hale is professor and chair of religion at Augsburg University and co-author of Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians.
W. David Hall is W. George Matton professor of religion and philosophy at Centre College and author of Paul Ricoeur and the Poetic Imperative: The Creative Tension Between Love and Justice.
Summary
This book highlights the ways Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work informs political theology and examines Bonhoeffer's contributions in three ways: historical-critical interpretation, critical-constructive engagement, and constructive-practical application.
