Letters Papers from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (PDF)

Description

One of the great classics of prison literature, Letters and Papers from Prison effectively serves as the last will and testament of the Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his part in the “officers’ plot” to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This expanded version of Letters and Papers from Prison shifts the emphasis of earlier editions of Bonhoeffer’s theological reflections to the private sphere of his life. His letters appear in greater detail and show his daily concerns. Letters from Bonhoeffer’s parents, siblings, and other relatives have also been added, in addition to previously inaccessible letters and legal papers referring to his trial. Acute and subtle, warm and perceptive, yet also profoundly moving, the documents collectively tell a very human story of loss, of courage, and of hope. Bonhoeffer’s story seems as vitally relevant, as politically prophetic, and as theologically significant today, as it did yesterday.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐It was over 50 years since I had read “Letters and Papers from Prison” and somewhere along the line my copy must have been loaned to someone and went missing. However, it was the original shorter edition containing only the letters from Dietrich to his good friend Eberhard. This expanded edition also contains most of his letters to his family members and his fiance. I am so glad I got this edition. It is the only way to see Bonhoeffer’s depth of thought, his struggles with his conscience as to whether a Christian pacifist (himself) can justify participating in the assassination of Hitler. He also goes into depth about his suggestion for a “non-religious Christianity.”You will also trace his wrestling with his prison life, and where it might lead. HOWEVER, I highly recommend that before you read LPP that you read Chapter 13 of Bethge’s Biography of Bonhoeffer. Unless you do you will get the impression that he thinks his case will be resolved quickly. His letters to his family members often sound optomistic and up-beat, which is far from the truth. His family knew full well his case would probably end up with his execution, but Bonhoeffer wrote to them in a code that they would understand which gave them a much darker expectation. For instance, he often mentions the health of “Uncle Rudy.” “Uncle Rudy” is the code for the war raging throughout Germany. There are many such codes in his letters to family which are given so they will pass the Nazi censors. These codes are well explained in Chapter 13 of Bethge’s Biography. Many of the letters to Bethge (he was a seminary student years earlier taught by Bonhoeffer) were smuggled out of the prison and bypassed the censors, that’s why their content is so much bleaker.If you want to understand Bonhoeffer at all you must at least read “Letters and Papers from Prison” and then surely read “The Cost of Discipleship.”

⭐Bonfoffer was imprisoned by the Nazis as a resistor — and was hung by them around the age of 39. It was an act of his Christian conscience. These letters are very real, and honest in a time today where honesty is hard to find. He shares his doubts and his joys. He stood against those taking the lives of mostly jewish people, also Gypsies, the handicapped. And it cost him his life, oh that we would be inspired to have the same kind of bravery when needed. He is a role model and hero that is easy to forget, but not where it really counts.

⭐Reading all of the correspondence between Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his family and friends, instead of just the lifted out theological truths was extremely helpful to me in forming a clearer picture of this man. I loved the way theological insights just seem to appear in the midst of every day correspondence. It was like finding Easter eggs or, better still, like finding that treasure buried in a field that Jesus told us about.

⭐Add this to your reading short list, esp if you desire to better understand what people face under Nazi injustice . Dense, yet impactful. Bonhoeffer never quit on God. His letters provide intelligent hope that persecution does not have the final say.

⭐Dietrich Bonhoeffer was “rounded up” as a co-conspirator in a plot to kill Adolph Hitler. He was kept in prison for a length of time but was able to communicate with his family and friends. He was an outstanding Christian individual with high principles and realized that his country was heading down the wrong path. His legacy is an outstanding one and should be an inspiration to all Christians who seek to do the right things while living on this earth.

⭐Other works by Bonhoeffer are very deep philosophically and are very polished in their presentation. This collection of his letters gives a much better perspective of who the man was. The collection brings out the richness of his friendships, the respect and care for his family, and also the devotion to God that kept him strong. One might think any letters from prison would be depressing, but Bonhoeffer chose to seek the heart of God even when it was hard, and it is incredible how much joy flowed from his personal correspondence.

⭐Dietrich Bonhoeffer clearly had a link with God. Many people may not agree completely with his theology, but as evidenced in his letters he clearly had an understanding from which most people can stand to learn. These letters are raw and real, profound and easily adaptable.

⭐Super excited to get my book, which arrived on time and in great condition. Thank you!

⭐Excellent service and great quality product. Had a little difficulty tracking this book down for study purposes but Amazon to the rescue once more!

⭐Abridged but a good selection of Bonhoeffer’s letters

⭐very interesting rather hard to understand in places which he could have explained further. the poems were excellent and moving will keep a copy

⭐This man puts into a more helpful context, the contemporary ‘need’ for comfort. There is a lot to learn from here

⭐Collection of letters from Dietrich while incarcerated in Prison in the 1940s in Germany. Covers wide range of topics from relationships (The Marriage Sermon), managing hardships in isolation. Minces no words in talking about the issues in theology and religion’s relation to the modern world. The most important piece of writing for me though – is the discussion about the true meaning of Christianity, about the concept of a Suffering God instead of an all powerful God.

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