Christian Moral Action

What is grace in Christian theology?

Grace is God’s free gift of salvation, not something humans can earn through works alone.

What does Bonhoeffer mean by “cheap grace”?

Cheap grace is the belief that mere belief, confession, or correct doctrine is enough for salvation, without genuine moral action or discipleship.

Why does Bonhoeffer criticise mainstream Christianity?

He argues it encourages passive faith, where people claim salvation without actually living like Jesus.

How does Bonhoeffer criticise Catholicism specifically?

He argues that practices like confession alone can falsely reassure believers that salvation is guaranteed without moral change.

What does Bonhoeffer mean by “costly grace”?

Costly grace requires active discipleship, obedience, sacrifice, and a willingness to suffer for what is right.

What famous quote summarises Bonhoeffer’s view of cheap grace?

“Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”

How does Bonhoeffer justify costly grace biblically?

Jesus said that to be his disciple, one must “pick up your cross and follow me” (Mark 8).

What does the “cross” symbolise in Bonhoeffer’s ethics?

Sacrifice, solidarity, and suffering for others, not suffering for its own sake.

What is the “cost of discipleship” according to Bonhoeffer?

Living in obedience to God, even when it requires sacrifice, risk, or suffering.

Why does Bonhoeffer support civil disobedience?

If obedience to the state conflicts with God’s will, Christians must obey God, even at personal cost.

What is the main criticism of costly grace today?

It seems irrelevant, as most Christians are not living under totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany.

Why is Bonhoeffer’s emphasis on suffering criticised?

Many people in modern, developed societies do not face extreme persecution.

Why does this criticism fail?

Discipleship still requires sacrifice and risk, even if not extreme suffering.

What modern moral issues still require sacrifice?

Issues like racism, sexism, war, poverty, and climate change.

How does Martin Luther King Jr support Bonhoeffer’s ethics?

King sacrificed his safety and ultimately his life to resist injustice, embodying costly grace.

How does Malala Yousafzai support Bonhoeffer’s argument?

She suffered violence for standing up to injustice, showing discipleship can still be costly today.

What is Bonhoeffer’s ethical principle in one sentence?

Christians must do whatever it takes to resist evil, even at personal cost.

What was Bonhoeffer’s general view of the state?

He followed Luther in believing Christians should usually obey the state to preserve order.

What is civil disobedience?

The intentional refusal to obey a law because it is morally wrong.

When does Bonhoeffer think civil disobedience is required?

When the state acts against God’s will, Christians must resist.

What is a Christian’s ultimate duty according to Bonhoeffer?

Obedience to God, not the state.

What was the Confessing Church?

A Christian movement resisting Nazi control of the Church, led by Barth and Bonhoeffer.

What was the Barmen Declaration?

A statement rejecting the Nazi claim to control Church doctrine and leadership.

What further acts of civil disobedience did Bonhoeffer commit?

Running an illegal seminary at Finkenwalde and joining the plot to kill Hitler.

Why is Bonhoeffer accused of justifying evil?

He participated in violence (attempted assassination), claiming it was God’s will.

Why is this seen as dangerous?

It could justify any violence if someone claims God supports it.

How does Sam Harris criticise Bonhoeffer?

Claims about God’s will are entirely subjective, as even Nazis believed God supported them.

What examples show misuse of Bonhoeffer’s theology?

George Bush (Iraq War) and Paul Hill (abortion clinic murder).

Why does Bonhoeffer’s ethics seem unworkable today?

It risks legitimising assassination of political leaders in non-fascist societies.

How does Bonhoeffer avoid subjectivism?

God’s will must be discerned through Bible meditation in Christian community, not personal opinion.

Why weren’t Bonhoeffer’s ideas followed properly by extremists?

They did not engage in humble, communal biblical reflection.

Why doesn’t misuse invalidate Bonhoeffer’s ethics?

All moral theories can be misused — that alone is not grounds for rejection.

Why is resistance to fascism ethically important?

Both Christians and secular people should resist totalitarian evil.

Why wouldn’t Bonhoeffer justify killing democratic leaders?

His ethics are aimed at fascist dictatorship, not lawful democracy.

Why is action central to Bonhoeffer’s ethics?

Failure to act allows evil to triumph.

What famous quote summarises this view?

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil… Not to act is to act.”

Why is moral certainty impossible for Bonhoeffer?

Humans live in a fallen world, so we can never be sure of God’s will.

Why must Christians act despite uncertainty?

God still demands obedient action, even if it risks being wrong.

What is the true “cost” of discipleship here?

The risk of sinning by mistake, trusting God’s forgiveness.

How did Bonhoeffer view his own role in the Hitler plot?

He was unsure it was right and said he would step down as a priest if he survived.

Why does Bonhoeffer appear unbiblical?

Jesus taught non-violence and Paul said to obey rulers (Romans 13).

How does Bonhoeffer respond to this criticism?

He held a neo-orthodox view of the Bible — not the literal word of God.

What is Bonhoeffer’s view of biblical authority?

God speaks through the Bible during humble meditation, not directly as the text.

What are “rusty swords”?

Outdated ethical commands that no longer effectively resist evil in certain contexts.

Why can’t Bonhoeffer be criticised using Bible verses alone?

Because he rejects biblical literalism, focusing instead on lived obedience.