The Life & Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Join us for a three-part evening series exploring the extraordinary life, faith, and moral courage of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A German pastor and theologian, Dietrich was executed by the Nazis in April 1945, just two weeks before Allied forces liberated the Flossenbürg concentration camp where he spent his final hours.

What could lead a young, conservative Lutheran from an erudite, influential Berlin family to join a plot against Adolf Hitler? Why do Bonhoeffer’s writings continue to challenge and inspire people across political, theological, and cultural divides today? And how might his story help us wrestle with questions of conscience, community, and courage in our own time?

Led by Rev. John Matthews, past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society (English Language Section) and retired ELCA pastor and religion instructor at Augsburg University, this series will trace Bonhoeffer’s remarkable journey and the enduring impact of his thought. Rev. Matthews knew members of Bonhoeffer’s family and colleagues from the Confessing Church, offering rare personal insight into his life and legacy.

Session 1 – Ambiguous Inspiration (Nov. 18)
We begin with Bonhoeffer’s biography: his family roots, early education, theological formation, and work within the Confessing Church. His eventual involvement in military counterintelligence and his death by hanging in April 1945 reveals a life full of conviction and contradiction. His story offers what Rev. Matthews calls it “ambiguous inspiration.”

Session II – A Tapestry of Opposites (Nov. 25)
This session delves into the personal and theological tensions that defined Bonhoeffer’s life and the conflicting experiences within his family, frienships, education, vocation and theology, examining Bonhoeffer as a “tapestry of opposites.”

Session II – Enlightened Patriot or Misguided Traitor? (Dec. 2)
In his final years, Bonhoeffer moved from pacifist theologian to active participant in the resistance. His choice to cooperate with military intelligence opens up the question for us to ask: Was Bonhoeffer an enlightened patriot or misguided traitor? Together, we’ll explore the complexity of his final act of conscience and its continuing relevance for today.

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Pastor John Matthews’ book A Brief Overview of the Life and Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is be available in advance for $26. Copies can also be purchased on site. Pastor Matthews will also be recommending books for further study for those who wish to engage further with the material.
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The workshop will take place at St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102 in the University Center (Rooms 1506-1512). The best way to access the University Center is to use the West Entrance of the college (see map below, highlighted in pink, for location). Paid parking is available in the  St. Paul college parking lots – Hourly Parking Rates: Under 20 minutes – Free; 20-59 minutes – $1.00; 60-179 minutes – $3.00; 180 minutes and over – $5.00.

This event is being offered with sliding scale pricing which offers multiple price options for the same ticket, allowing customers to choose the amount they pay based on their financial means. This approach aims to make events or services more accessible by accommodating different income levels. Customers can select a price tier that best fits their budget, ensuring that the experience is available to a wider audience while supporting the sustainability of the event.