The last few days I’ve been under the weather and it’s been a tremendous benefit. Why? Because I used the time to listen to a book on CD that did me a world of good.
The book: Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas.
Actually, I’ve known the Bonhoeffer name for a long time, and something of his life. Anne read the book last year along with members of her book club. But until now I’ve had little idea.
This was a thorough-going 22 hours of listening, on 18 disks! I admit I slept at moments, but mostly it not only kept my mind off my malaise but truly on higher things.
Sometimes it’s a great benefit being sick.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived in Germany during the days of Hitler. By his resolve, conviction, education (doctorate by age 22) and his surrender to following the words of Jesus literally, he was the exact antithesis to Adolf Hitler.
Much of his work was to fortify the church which, along with most of the German culture, was caving in to the pragmatics and early successes, not to mention the unstoppable force, of the dictator.
Last year I read two books featuring that life. The first was Hitler’s Cross, by Irwin W. Lutzer, a documented account of Hitler’s early occult probings and his establishing the swastika as supreme symbol even over the church. Then I read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, A History of Nazi Germany, in 1200 pages, by William Shirer. That book mentioned nothing of the more-than-natural powers Hitler seemed to have, but I was struck at the many times hellish opportunities just opened before him.
There were a number of internal attempts to stop him, none succeeding. One of those involved Dietrich Bonhoeffer, for which he gave his life, by hanging, at age 39, just weeks before the war ended.
But this wasn’t to be a book report. Actually, I don’t know what it was to be. Except to say that on reading the one (Rise and Fall) I continually waged my head, and while reading (listening to) the other, I continually lifted my head.
I’ve since ordered and am reading The Cost of Discipleship, authored by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Somehow I missed this one until now. Once again I’m gaining a great deal, going through it very slowly, and after this, will again.
If anything, it’s adding to my health. And this time I’m not even sick.
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Next: The Blank Canvas blog will feature paintings made leading up to, during, and after September’s time in Wyoming.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
2:32 am
It will be 70 years in April since Bonhoefer was executed. And yet he continues to inspire all who happen to read about him. Unmatched his last words: «This is the end. For me the beginning of life.» Wow!
6:39 am
That was a fearsome time in the world’s history and makes me doubly thankful that someone Greater has the ultimate control of the outcome of our ragged old earth. I did read Rise and Fall but have only heard of Bonhoeffer. Someday I will get his books into my head also.
A good year to you and family.
9:45 am
Many authors have elaborated on the idea of “voluntary displacement” in the Christian life. Contrary to the go-with-the-flow attitude of our culture, which seems only to spiral us downward. Thanks for bringing Bonhoeffer’s story to our attention. A life truly laid-down for the sake of Christ and others. One lived so generously and with such singleness of purpose towards God is to be admired, and considered.
11:48 am
This book was one of my all time favorites. I realized the value of illuminating the every day affairs and self-educating strengths of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. What a guy!!! Inspiring and revelatory for me. I had a renewed insight about the creeping socialism and communistic ideologies prevalent at that time. I kept flashing to present-day news items and changing culture in America. Anyone else have similar tendencies while reading this book?
2:07 pm
Very interesting hyatt. I want to read this book……”
Love your blogs.
2:54 pm
Thanks Hyatt. Always looking for reading suggestions. Don’t forget to read Minka’s book, The Waiting. I think you’ll enjoy that one. Just ordered the Bonhoeffer book on Amazon.
4:51 pm
If you read on any topic 15 minutes a day for one year, you will become an expert on that topic. Welcome, Mr. Expert?
5:18 pm
Hyatt, sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well, and happy to hear you’re feeling better!
Last year, Eric Metaxas spoke at a special event at the church I attend. He offered Bonhoeffer at an irresistible price! Unfortunately, I haven’t read it yet. Not sure I can if it’s too graphic. I have trouble with the account of Jesus’ crucifixion in Isaiah!
Just listened to your recent speaking engagement at Capobeach Church on Comfort. It was convincing, and loved the insight you offered on the Book of Isaiah!
Always prayers for you and your family.
7:28 pm
Hyatt,
I enjoyed your comments about the Bonhoeffer book and the circumstances surrounding Hitler and Nazi Germany during the war.
Lately I have been thinking about Nazi Germany vis-à-vis ISIS today in the middle east.
Growing up as a child I remember viewing old footage of German atrocities at the hands of the Nazis during WWII. The concentration camps, mass graves, medical experimentations and of course the mass murders.
As a child, it was difficult to fathom how that could have ever happened, as I believed that in my world, in my time, surely none of our leaders would ever allow such evil to flourish.
Yet now, history seems to be repeating itself with mass murders of Christians, unspeakable atrocities upon women and children, beheadings and terrorism allowed to rampage throughout the civilized world.
A sober reminder that pure evil always has and always will exist and ignoring it at the alter of political correctness will only strengthen its hold.
Let’s pray that in 2015 men of good faith will prevail. Only by recognizing true evil can we, with God’s help, confront it.
Feel better, my friend.