Bonhoeffer for the Church

Read Bonhoeffer for the Church with your church community! Matthew Kirkpatrick maps the terrain of the biography, writings, and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer like an expert travel guide, highlighting not only the major attractions but also points of interest off the beaten path. Bonhoeffer spent far more of his working life in the church than in the academy, and Kirkpatrick shows how and why Bonhoeffer’s understanding of the church has made him among the most influential and compelling Christian witnesses of the twentieth century. Throughout, Bonhoeffer’s personality and passion are brought to life through the events that animated and the ideas that informed his communally lived theology of responsibility, offering fresh vistas to the layperson, clergy, and scholar alike for our life together. –Matthew Puffer, associate professor of humanities and ethics, Valparaiso University

Kirkpatrick has lifted up elements of Bonhoeffer’s thought often sidelined, especially about the inner workings of the church. Organized around themes like intercessory prayer, pastoral care, leadership, and worship, this book gives space for readers to consider whether and how these aspects of Bonhoeffer’s work may be helpful for their own ecclesial life. –Jennifer M. McBride, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section

With this book, Professor Kirkpatrick offers us a tremendously helpful overview of Bonhoeffer’s life and work. Whether you are a layperson reading about Bonhoeffer in a church group, or a student studying Bonhoeffer in a formal academic setting, this book is a great place to start. –Reggie L. Williams, professor of Christian ethics, McCormick Theological Seminary

Matthew D. Kirkpatrick is Tutorial Fellow in Christian ethics and doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, the University of Oxford. He has published widely on Bonhoeffer’s thought, including Attacks on Christendom in a World Come of Age (2011), Bonhoeffer’s Ethics (2011) and, as editor, Engaging Bonhoeffer (2016).