RS a level DCT - CMA

content and evaluation

in which year did Hitler become Fuhrer of Germany

1933

What did Bonhoeffer label Hitler regarding leadership

an idolised “misleader”

Did Bonhoeffer like or dislike the “leadership principle”

dislike. he thought it idolised an earthly leader over God

What was ‘Widerstand’

the resistance against the Nazis

What was the confessing church

a group of clergy who rejected that anyone but Christ had authority over the church, and that only the Aryan race were entitled to Christianity

sermons stressed the sole authority of God and the bible

Why did Bonhoeffer leave Germany to the USA in 1939

he knew he would soon be conscripted, and if he resisted this then the confessing church would be condemned as pacifist

What did Bonhoeffer say about secular pacifism? why?

 a ‘scandal’ because it fails to acknowledge that true justice and peace are not aspects of this world

Why did Bonhoeffer believe it was justified to join Nazi resistance, including plans to assassinate Hitler?

Pacifism is not sufficient to tackle injustice and evil

Joining the resistance was not intrinsically good but, in a world of harsh realities of “terrible alternatives”, all choices have bad consequences

When was Bonhoeffer executed? why?

1945. Hitler ordered in 1945 that all resisters should be annihilated

Quote from Paul in his letter to the Romans about obeying the state

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities”

Why might Paul have encouraged the Romans to obey the state?

Christians were persecuted at the time, so he is encouraging them to prioritise their own survival

Quote about obeying the state from Jesus in Matthew’s gospel

“Give to Caesar the things which are Caeser’s. Give to God the things which are God’s”

Quote from Bonhoeffer about realising God’s will

“The nature of this will of God can only be clear in the moment of the action”

Quote from Bonhoeffer about following God’s will over reason

“complete renunciation of personal claims is necessary in action before the face of God”

Did Luther agree or disagree with civil disobedience

disagree, condemning the Peasants’ Revolt in 1525 (using the quote from Romans to do so)

Does Bonhoeffer act based on reason?

No, he acts on God’s law

Why did Bonhoeffer say civil disobedience is essential

actions against an unjust state are essential for following God’s word

Why was attempting to kill Hitler the right thing to do, in Bonhoeffers eyes? Use a Bonhoeffer quote

although murder is never justifiable through human reason, it is God’s will

God promises to forgive the “man who becomes a sinner in the process”

What is religionless Christianity? What was Bonhoeffer’s opinion on it?

Christianity without the constructs of the past and the ideologies of the present. He liked it

3 things wrong with ‘comfortable’ Christianity

strays from discipleship and the commands of God

can be weaponized as a means of gaining something earthly

prioritises belief over action

Why did some German church leaders call for the removal of the old testament?

paints Jewish people in a positive light; “God’s chosen people”

Quote from Bonhoeffer about discipleship? What is the name of the book he wrote this in?

“When Jesus calls a man, he bids him come and die… Suffering then, is the badge of true discipleship”. The Cost of Discipleship

What is cheap grace

forgiveness given out by the church for free, to people who do not repent or desire a life with God after death

What is costly grace

the Gospel, which must be followed and obeyed

Quote from Bonhoeffer on cheap and costly grace

“Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of the church. We are fighting today for costly grace”

What is solidarity

the purpose of Christian life being about relationship to God by living with and for other people, in the image of Jesus

quote from Bonhoeffer suggesting God demands action

“we must get into action and obey”

quote from Bonhoeffer on the sole authority of Jesus

“the question of good can only find its answer in Jesus Christ”

4 elements of Bonhoeffer’s sermons and role at Finkenwalde

prayer-centred

communal

bible and action based

allowed non-Aryans to train in the seminary (and hence was closed by the Gestapo in 1937)

Did Bonhoeffer expect all Christians to suffer and sacrifice as much as him or Jesus?

No, but those who fully participate in costly grace would be willing to do so

Bonhoeffer view on spiritual discipline as sacrifice

At Finenwalde, Bonhoeffer emphasised that true spiritual discipline helps Christians overcome earthly temptations and suffer in the same way Jesus did

Example of Jesus showing solidarity

Interacting with political authorities and taking action shows Jesus worked for others