Themes If grace has been cheapened by the Church, then so too has the idea of Christian suffering. Bonhoeffer moves quickly to dismantle two of the ways that suffering has been watered down within the Christian tradition. The first is by distinguishing between suffering that is celebrated and suffering that is rejected. The former, though […]
Chapter 4: Discipleship and the Cross Read More »
Themes Bonhoeffer picks up the theme of obedience from the previous chapter and expands it in this chapter. The central idea is that Christians have taken a simple obedience to Jesus’ commands and have turned them into something highly complex but ultimately meaningless. We do this through a variety of justifications—that Jesus intended us to
Chapter 3: Simple Obedience Read More »
Themes Bonhoeffer pulls apart the question of how we are supposed to respond to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Though this seems like something that should be straightforward, he argues that we get it wrong most of the time. Using the pericope of the three people who sought to be Jesus’ disciples (see Bible passage above
Chapter 2: The Call to Discipleship Read More »
Themes Bonhoeffer lays out the central problem Christianity faced in the world, the conflict of cheap grace versus costly grace. Cheap grace, in his view, is the grace proclaimed widely and abundantly by the church: the justification of sin presupposed by a grace that cannot be earned through human action or devotion. It is grace
Chapter 1: Costly Grace Read More »
As you read Bonhoeffer’s writing, take your time. His writing is beautiful, delightful, and poignant, and it is theological writing. Unlike reading a novel, his words are meant to be chewed on, read and reread as you take in their meaning. You cannot rush through this book, pace yourself. Expect to take an hour or
Introduction & Preface Read More »
You know, following Jesus wasn’t so bad for the disciples when it consisted mostly of listening to him preach. After all, who doesn’t enjoy sitting back and hanging on the words of a captivating teacher and preacher. And following Jesus wasn’t so hard for them when it involved quiet retreats to the countryside for prayer
Following Jesus is Hard Read More »
But when Simon, who would be called Peter, heard all that Jesus had said and saw all that Jesus had done, he fell down on his knees and cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” As I hear his words this morning, I wonder if you, as I, find
Go Away From Me, Lord Read More »
I am always interested to ask parents why they want their child to be baptized. I’ve heard lots of answers to this question over the years in my meetings with the parents as a part of the baptismal preparation. While no two answers are the same, a lot of them revolve around some common ideas.
The Jesus We Expect and the Jesus we Get Read More »
A few years back, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 40th anniversary celebration of the ordination of a good friend and colleague of mine. It was a glorious celebration that started with an extravagant worship service with golden vestments, soaring choral music, and a sea of participants—parishioners and colleagues new and old who
Called to Abundant Life Read More »
Every time my phone rings, I answer it with suspicion—unsure if it will be a church member or the veterinary office calling me, or if it will be yet another scam call. Normally, it is easy to tell the two apart. But sometimes, sometimes I’m not sure. Like many of you, I’m sure, I get
Our Capacity for Astonishment Read More »