Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45), a German pastor and theologian, played a central role in the Confessing Church during the Nazi period and became one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. He studied in Berlin and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and wrote several books read widely in German and English. His theology and personal witness continue to challenge Christians of all denominations.

Active in the German resistance movement, Bonhoeffer traveled extensively while working for the Abwehr, the German counterintelligence organization. His role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler ultimately cost him his life, and he was hanged by the Gestapo on April 9, 1945.

Bonhoeffer links on the web:

• The International Bonhoeffer Society: www.dbonhoeffer.org
• Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Promise of his Theology, a book by Charles Marsh
• Other books by and about Bonhoeffer
• Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Pacifist, Nazi Resister, a critically acclaimed documentary film by Martin Doblmeier