A Study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Jewish Question

Abstract

Dietrich Bonhoeffer(1906-1945) was the director of the "illegal" seminary at Finkenwalde. Through his experience with the seminary students at this time The Cost of Discipleship(1937) and Life Together(1939) were published. These two important books, written during the chaotic times of the church struggle, reveal the true life of a disciple of Christ. It was the darkest time in the history of German Protestantism, resisting the evil shadows of the Nazi Party. Dietrich Bonhoeffer focused on the true meaning of a follower of Christ and how one should live accordingly. Bonhoeffer, not only as a theologian and pastor, but as a disciple following Jesus Christ deeply agonized with the practical aspects. Tragically, discipleship was a neglected concept during the Protestant Reformation. Bonhoeffer sharply pointed out the misguided notion of being justified by faith. Bonhoeffer repeatedly emphasized the distortion on the part of the German Church which swore allegiance to Adolf Hitler and its falsely misplaced views of cheapening the grace which is involved in the precious faith and actions of following Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer linked the discipleship of a Christian and costly grace. Costly grace and genuine discipleship are inseparable. For Bonhoeffer the Jewish Question posed a serious problem to the church struggle. Unless the church responded in an urgent manner the Jews were doomed to unfair and unjust treatments and ultimately would be persecuted to their death. Tragically Bonhoeffer's foresight proved right and Bonhoeffer, along with other brave men gave their lives for the sake of the Jews. The purpose of this study is to examine Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological and ethical response to the issue of the Jewish question posed by the Nazi party's anti-Semitic policies affecting Jews throughout Germany during the reign of Hitler.