Bonhoeffer and Christian Moral Teaching

Question 1

What does Bonhoeffer say about Christian ethics compared with other ethical systems?

Answer 1

They are very different.

Question 2

What is human nature like according to Bonhoeffer?

Answer 2

Humans are sinful and finite so a human decision can be absolutely right or wrong.

Question 3

What does Bonhoeffer say we should do in extreme situations?

Answer 3

Act out of despair but in light of faith and hope

Question 4

Why does Bonhoeffer disagree with autonomous Christian ethics?

Answer 4

As it is based on agape and if love was knowable as Fletcher argues then it would be a human idea.

Question 5

How should we respond to the will of God?

Answer 5

Through prayer, following Jesus’ example, our conscience, and life within a Christian community.

Question 6

What the government’s aim according to Bonhoeffer?

Answer 6

To impose law and order on the human tendency towards disorder.

Question 7

What passages from the New Testament suggest we have a duty to God and the state?

Answer 7

1) Jesus was asked whether they should pay taxes to the Romans he responded “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and give to God the things that are God’s”
2) St Paul wrote “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities as there is not authority except from God and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.”

Question 8

What is the issue with the state?

Answer 8

It often has too much power and makes it’s ideals superior to justice. It does not represent God’s will because it is too self important. Bonhoeffer argues that leadership is about matters beyond the leader

Question 9

What state did Bonhoeffer see become corrupted?

Answer 9

Germany under Nazi regime became about the leader himself rather than God’s will. He said the imperfect father/teacher believed himself to be perfect leading the German people to become enslaved by a tyrant.

Question 10

Finish the quote “Reasonable…”

Answer 10

“Reasonable people face unreasonable situations”

Question 11

What does Bonhoeffer suggest is the role of the church?

Answer 11

Not to be part of the state but to check it.

Question 12

When will God’s will be revealed to Christians?

Answer 12

In the moment of action

Question 13

What did Bonhoeffer see conscience as?

Answer 13

As an experience of disillusion with yourself and a moment of self knowledge when you must engage with the terrible alternative.

Question 14

Why does Bonhoeffer argue for civil disobedience?

Answer 14

As the church has a duty to the state to ensure that it acts in accordance to God’s will and if the sate is making “reasonable people face unreasonable situations” then a Christian has duty to disobey it.

Question 15

What did Bonhoeffer say Jesus was?

Answer 15

“A man for others”

Question 16

What are the 3 ways the church can fight political injustice?

Answer 16

1) By questioning whether the state’s actions are legitimate
2) By helping victims of injustice
3) By fully engaging with resistance - “not just bondage the victims under the wheels”

Question 17

Who did Bonhoeffer plot to assassinate?

Answer 17

Hitler

Question 18

How did Bonhoeffer explain his plot to kill Hitler?

Answer 18

As an action that cannot be justified by human ethics but as a “bold action as the free response of faith.” He wrote that murder is a sin and no human reason can justify it but God will forgive the man “who becomes a sinner in the process”.

Question 19

What did Bonhoeffer say about the modern world?

Answer 19

That it was a “world come of age” because it disregarded superstition and embraced rational understanding. Bonhoeffer argued for a “religionless Christianity” without superstitions of the past but with no new beliefs - he said there should be no “rusty swords” such as religious holidays which are selfish etc. However a more liberal society has lead to the “western void” which creates a moral vacuum allowing dangerous beliefs such as Nazism.

Question 20

What did Bonhoeffer create the Confessing Church in response to?

Answer 20

Hitler’s evangelical church which only allowed ‘Aryan’ clergy men

Question 21

What is the name of the church Bonhoeffer set up?

Answer 21

The Confessing church

Question 22

What are the 3 fundamentals Christianity should be based on?

Answer 22

Christ, Scripture, and faith

Question 23

What was the community in Finklewalde like that prepared for the confessing church?

Answer 23

1) very basic with few luxuries
2) had mediation as prayer
3) discussion of scripture
4) saw themselves as a brotherhood
5) wanted to look outward and engage with the world

Question 24

What did Bonhoeffer think of Karl Barth?

Answer 24

He agree that Christianity and knowledge of God came from revealed theology but took Barth’s ideas further arguing we must act on these revelations

Question 25

How did Bonhoeffer practice civil disobedience himself?

Answer 25

He wrote books criticizing Nazism, he set up the confessing church, helped Jews escape with his brother by giving them money which led to his arrest, he then plotted to kill Hitler which led to him being put to death.

Question 26

What was Bonhoeffer’s views on grace?

Answer 26

He said going through rituals is “cheap grace” and that the church teaches that because Jesus died for our sins we don’t have to do anything which is not correct. Bonhoeffer said true Christianity is about “costly grace “ and giving your life - sometimes literally. Jesus said “said take up your cross and follow me” which supports this. Jesus dies despised and alone which is what Christians should expect.

Question 27

What are weaknesses of Bonhoeffer’s view?

Answer 27

• When do Christians obey the state or stand against it?
• Bonhoeffer lived in a time of great suffering which is not relevant anymore
• Is it possible to live a Christian life during peace?
• What about those who can’t help? Eg) pregnant, disabled
• Bonhoeffer is dismissive of the resurrection - focuses too much of crucifixion
• encourages extremism eg) abortion doctors getting death threats
• don’t have to do civil disobedience - protest, vote etc
• could lead fideism which is dangerous

Question 28

What are strengths of Bonhoeffer’s view?

Answer 28

+ there is always suffering so it will always be applicable
+ Emphasizes need for change
+ considered all of church teaching as he studied the whole bible
+ during apartheid in America / south Africa civil obedience was necessary