Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Theologian Who Stood Against Tyranny

Debbie Brown
Jan 27
4 min read

Updated: Feb 3

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) remains one of the most influential theologians and moral figures of the 20th century. His life, marked by profound theological insight and courageous opposition to Nazism, offers a powerful testament to faith and resistance.

Early Life and Family

Born on February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), Bonhoeffer was the sixth of eight children in a distinguished family. He was engaged to Maria von Wedemeyer, a relationship that provided him with emotional support and inspiration during the later years of his life. His father, Karl Bonhoeffer, was a prominent psychiatrist, and his mother, Paula von Hase, came from a lineage of theologians and academics. This intellectually vibrant and spiritually grounded upbringing deeply influenced his path.

From an early age, Bonhoeffer exhibited a keen interest in theology. By 17, he enrolled at the University of Tübingen and later completed his doctorate at the University of Berlin under the mentorship of Adolf von Harnack. His thesis, Sanctorum Communio (1930), explored the church as a community of believers, reflecting his deep commitment to ecclesiology. Bonhoeffer also studied in New York City at Union Theological Seminary, where he was deeply influenced by Reinhold Niebuhr and African-American churches in Harlem, experiences that broadened his theological perspective and deepened his commitment to social justice.

The Rise of Nazism and Bonhoeffer's Resistance

The rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933 marked a turning point in Bonhoeffer's life. He was an early critic of the Nazi regime, denouncing its ideologies in a 1933 radio broadcast that was cut off mid-air. His opposition intensified with the introduction of the Aryan Paragraph, a law excluding Jews from civil service and the church. Bonhoeffer co-founded the Confessing Church alongside prominent theologians such as Karl Barth and Martin Niemöller. The group first convened at the Barmen Synod in 1934, where they issued the Barmen Declaration, rejecting Nazi attempts to align Christianity with its ideology. Members of the Confessing Church played critical roles in resisting the regime by preserving the independence of Christian teachings and providing spiritual and sometimes material support to those persecuted by the Nazis.

In 1935, Bonhoeffer led an underground seminary in Finkenwalde to train pastors for the Confessing Church. His time there produced The Cost of Discipleship (1937), a seminal work that expounds on the concept of "costly grace," contrasting it with "cheap grace." Bonhoeffer emphasized that true discipleship requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to follow Christ even in the face of suffering and hardship. The book became a profound theological critique of complacent Christianity and a rallying cry for active faith during one of history’s darkest periods.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Bonhoeffer’s resistance extended beyond theological opposition. In 1940, he joined the Abwehr (German military intelligence) as a double agent, using his position to assist Jews fleeing Germany and to support plots to overthrow Hitler. In April 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo for his involvement in smuggling Jews out of Germany. He was later implicated in the failed July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Hitler, known as the Valkyrie plot. Although Bonhoeffer did not directly participate in the plot to kill Hitler, he was closely connected to members of the German resistance, including his brother-in-law Hans von Dohnányi, who played a significant role in planning the operation. Bonhoeffer’s role involved providing moral and theological support to the resistance and using his position in the Abwehr to pass along information and aid their efforts.

Initially held in Tegel Prison, Bonhoeffer wrote extensively, producing letters and essays later published as Letters and Papers from Prison. These writings reveal his theological reflections and steadfast hope despite his circumstances. In February 1945, he was transferred to Buchenwald and then to Flossenbürg concentration camp. During his time in these camps, Bonhoeffer endured harsh conditions, including isolation and physical deprivation. Despite this, he remained spiritually resilient, offering pastoral care to fellow prisoners and writing letters that showcased his unwavering faith and hope. Accounts from surviving prisoners describe him as a source of strength and inspiration even in the direst circumstances.

On April 9, 1945, Bonhoeffer was executed by hanging, just weeks before the Allies liberated the area. Witnesses reported his calm demeanor and prayerful attitude in his final moments.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (second from right) at Tegel Prison, circa 1941

Posthumous Influence

Bonhoeffer’s legacy has only grown since his death. His writings, including Ethics and Life Together, continue to inspire theologians, activists, and lay Christians. His life exemplifies the integration of faith and action, demonstrating the moral imperative to confront injustice.

Modern theologians and civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., have drawn upon Bonhoeffer’s writings in their speeches and activism. King’s emphasis on nonviolent resistance and the moral responsibility to oppose injustice echoes Bonhoeffer’s call for costly discipleship. Bonhoeffer’s story resonates beyond religious contexts, serving as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. His emphasis on costly grace—the idea that true discipleship demands sacrifice—challenges believers to act courageously in the face of oppression.

A lasting testament to his influence, a statue of Bonhoeffer stands among the ten 20th-century martyrs on the west facade of Westminster Abbey in London. Erected in 1998, the statue commemorates his resistance to tyranny and his unwavering commitment to justice and faith, placing him in the company of other figures who paid the ultimate price for their convictions, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, and Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who sacrificed his life for another prisoner at Auschwitz. These martyrs represent diverse traditions and struggles, unified by their commitment to justice and faith in the face of persecution.

Conclusion

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life was tragically short, yet his impact endures. His unwavering commitment to justice and his profound theological insights remain a beacon of hope and conviction. As history continues to reckon with the horrors of Nazism, Bonhoeffer’s example calls us to remember the cost of discipleship and the power of faith to resist evil.

Find more resources on Dietrich Bonhoeffer at Grove City College.