Bonhoeffer

Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

De: Eric Metaxas, Timothy Keller

Narrado por: Malcolm Hillgartner, Eric Metaxas

Who better to face the greatest evil of the 20th century than a humble man of faith?

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and author.

In this New York Times bestselling biography, Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bonhoeffer's life—the theologian and the spy—and draws them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil.

In Bonhoeffer, Metaxas presents the fullest account of Bonhoeffer's life, including his:

• heart-wrenching decision to leave the safe haven of America to return to Hitler's Germany
• involvement in the famous Valkyrie plot and in "Operation 7," the effort to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland
• lifelong dedication to sharing the tenets of his faith

This edition, revised and with a new introduction from the author, shares the deeply moving story through previously unavailable documents, including personal letters, detailed journal entries, and firsthand personal accounts to reveal never-before-seen dimensions of Bonhoeffer's life and work.

Praise for Bonhoeffer:

"Metaxas has created a biography of uncommon power--intelligent, moving, well researched, vividly written, and rich in implication for our own lives. Or to put it another way: Buy this book. Read it. Then buy another copy and give it to a person you love. It's that good." --Archbishop Charles Chaput, author, First Things

"Metaxas tells Bonhoeffer's story with passion and theological sophistication." —Wall Street Journal

"Metaxas presents Bonhoeffer as a clear-headed, deeply convicted Christian who submitted to no one and nothing except God and his Word." --Christianity Today

"Metaxas has written a book that adds a new dimension to World War II, a new understanding of how evil can seize the soul of a nation and a man of faith can confront it." --Thomas Fleming, author, The New Dealers’ War

©2011 Eric Metaxas, Timothy Keller (P)2020 Thomas Nelson

Mandatory Reading

This is hands down one of the best biographies ever written of a preacher. It is an encouragement to the believer and the historical accuracy woven throughout is a major plus for history buffs. In addition Mr. Metaxas does a phenomenal job in pointing out Bonhoeffer's dilemma with the church and the failings of church leadership to lay hold of the bible to and grasp the truths therein as their very lives depended on it. Honest in his approach to Bonhoeffer, the author doesn't exalt the man higher than he should be, nor does he approach him with disdain. In truth, I believe this book should not only be read, but studied by layman and preacher alike. So in my opinion, yes get this book!

deep, stirring, and incredibly timely

This is my own history. I am German. Not of German descent but actually German. I grew up learning about the Third Reich, what led up to it, the political prerequisites and legal loopholes. I have walked on the grounds of a concentration camp. I thought I knew my history. Eric Metaxas very deftly weaves a beautiful and compelling history that gives insight from a seldom viewed angle. My grandmother came from a similar family as that of the Bonhöffers. Listening to his early history I could find my own. But listening to Dietrich's journey of the heart and of his very stance theologically and thereby morally, as Hitler took power and through demagogia and fear entranced an entire nation, that is my own present. This book will inspire and challenge and stir the reader.

We know not what to do, but our eyes are on You.

“Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin and more about courageously and actively trying to do Gods will”

Such a convicting book about actively living out one’s faith. Learning that cheap grace also includes just building up your theological knowledge and not actively living as a Christian was insanely convicting.

All around, I highly recommend this book. It is has been very impactful to me. And the story itself is never boring for such a long book.

Awesome book!

What an amazing book! Great author! He took me back into Germany from the 20 to 40’s. Every detail was so vivid.

Stick with it

20 hours is daunting, but stick with it. It is a tale of a beautiful life lived. It is sad and inspiring.

Important Work

We’ll organized, presented, and written work about a remarkable figure in German and world history.

A must read for 2022

Pastor Bonhoeffer was a man whose footsteps all pastors and even everyday people should follow. Had he been listened to in the first place Hitler would mot have been able to murder so many people. He was a man after Gods own heart.
This book physically takes you through Bonhoeffers struggle to get his message out to as many people as possible.
I love the actual letters that are read from him and about him in this book. It shares the deepest thoughts of each person in his life.
I have never read a book more beautifully written!
Thank you Eric for your obvious deep passion to write such a complete book as this. This book has been a blessing to me and also answered many spiritual questions I have had in my 65 years of life.
This book bring clarity and glory to God!
Glory to God in the Highest!

Wow...what a life.

This book was amazing. I have the physical copy in storage, but decided to listen to the book. There were so many moments I had to stop and think about what was just said or take some time to process his choices in life in comparison with my own. And, at the same time, I saw many of my family characteristics in his story as well--which was beautiful, as I wonder what parts of myself are cultural/stereotypical of German people, Lutheran people, etc.
The book was very thorough and well-written and I would gladly listen to another by this author.

An incredible account of a remarkable man

What an incredible walkthrough of someone wildly influential in theology. To learn and understand Bonhoeffer’s beliefs, actions, and being by actual accounts from himself and his peers truly shapes an incredible view to what it was like during this dark time in Germany. Metaxas does a wonderful job detailing the life of Bonhoeffer and carefully allowing his work to be vividly imagined by the reader to the point that Bonhoeffer’s impact cannot be ignored.

Supernatural, moving, humbling.

The story is so powerful and humbling. My life is reorienting around obedience in powerful ways because of the content and weighty insights shared herein. Highly recommend.