The True Story Behind ‘Bonhoeffer,’ Explained

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As I delve deeper into the remarkable life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I find myself awestruck by his unwavering courage and unyielding commitment to justice. Born into a world engulfed by darkness, he chose to be a beacon of light, defying the oppressive regime that sought to crush the human spirit.

Bonhoeffer: Clergyman. Intelligence Agent. Potential Assassin – this title encapsulates the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian, pastor, and a man who dared to resist the Nazi regime during World War II, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his courage.

Bonhoeffer provides a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of Bonhoeffer’s life, yet it’s essential to remember that this complex individual transcends any cinematic portrayal. Bonhoeffer traversed various parts of the world in pursuit of knowledge, and amidst a religious establishment that had drifted from his principles, he covertly led ministries. The account of Bonhoeffer’s childhood in Germany, his global journeys, and his courageous acts of resistance serve as an engrossing exploration of the eternal struggle between righteousness and wickedness and one man’s endeavor to effect change.

‘Bonhoeffer’ Details Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Unlikely Path to Religion

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, born in 1906 in Breslau (now Poland), was the child of a psychiatrist and neurologist, Karl, and a teacher, Paula. He was part of a family with seven other siblings, including his twin sister, Sabine.

Bonhoeffer’s family fostered education, and he demonstrated proficiency in piano playing and music; however, his inclinations steered him towards religious pursuits. The passing of his brother, Walter, during World War I might have played a role in this choice, although his brothers Karl-Friedrich and Klaus were critical. To them, religion was perceived as a diversion from the pressing matters of championing equality and human rights, and becoming a theologian seemed like an escape from reality.

Before relocating to the U.S., Bonhoeffer persisted and completed his theology doctorate in Berlin during 1930. In America, he collaborated with Christian organizations in New York City and adopted pacifism as a belief, which he later carried back to Germany in 1931. However, two years following his return, Adolf Hitler assumed power in Germany.

Bonhoeffer Recognized the Insidious Nature of the Third Reich’s Ideologies

During 1933 and onwards, Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich implemented various changes to Germany’s religious institutions. However, Dietrich Bonhoeffer resisted Nazi ideologies and actions from the start. He emphasized that “Hitler’s Jewish policies… were a matter for the church… and essentially political in nature.

Personally speaking, I found it profoundly disagreeable when the church started leaning towards pro-Nazi administration. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a revered lecturer and pastor, emerged as a pivotal figure within the Confessing Church – a movement that advocated for German Protestantism to reject any commands from the current Church Government and its authorities. This movement aimed to distance itself from those who chose loyalty to this ecclesiastical leadership.

As a passionate moviegoer, I find myself drawn to the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who bravely spoke out against the oppressive Third Reich regime. His bold criticism ultimately led to the revocation of his teaching permit, banishment from Berlin, and a prohibition against public speaking and writing. However, this did not silence him. He persevered, continuing to write in secret while also raising funds and overseeing clandestine ministries.

Bonhoeffer Became a Double Agent

In 1940, Dietrich Bonhoeffer chose to join the German counterintelligence agency known as the Abwehr, thereby circumventing active military service. This membership also provided him with an opportunity to travel extensively across Europe. During this time, he collected and shared valuable intelligence with the Allied forces. Additionally, Bonhoeffer and his brother-in-law, Hans von Dohnányi (portrayed by Flula Borg), aided Jews in their escape from Germany, and were reportedly part of the July 20, 1944 conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

In 1943, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Hans and his wife Christel Dohnanyi (who was also Bonhoeffer’s sister), were taken into custody for alleged acts that went against the German military’s interests. Although Christel was freed shortly afterward, Bonhoeffer and Dohnányi remained imprisoned for several years. Their participation in the July 20, 1944 plot to overthrow Hitler had not been exposed at this point; however, once the plot failed, evidence of their involvement in the conspiracy emerged from hidden documents.

Bonhoeffer refused to explain or defend his role in the conspiracy, and this ultimately led to his execution by hanging. However, he penned down thoughts on the perils of wickedness and the necessity of taking action against it.

The deception of wickedness often disguises itself as goodness, necessity, and justice, leaving people in our conventional moral system puzzled. This phenomenon is particularly perplexing for those with traditional ethical beliefs, like Christians who follow the Bible. For them, it serves to underscore the profoundly corrupt nature of evil.

Additionally, he urged bravery among the German populace amidst wickedness, stating, “In these years, we’ve witnessed a great deal of courage and self-sacrifice, yet there has been a scarcity of civic courage, even within ourselves… Civic courage can only develop when individuals take charge of their own actions. The Germans are just now understanding the essence of personal responsibility.

On April 8, 1945, Bonhoeffer, aged 39, was sentenced to death and executed the next day along with five other resisters. Previously, he had provided spiritual support and religious guidance to fellow captives. Just before his execution, there’s debate among scholars about whether he delivered a final sermon. After his passing, Bonhoeffer’s remains were not disclosed; his family didn’t learn of his death until June 1945. Similarly, Hans von Dohnanyi lost his life in 1945 due to his participation in the plot.

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2024-12-01 21:02