Bonhoeffer and Christian Moral Teaching Flashcards
What does Bonhoeffer say about Christian ethics compared with other ethical systems?
They are very different.
What is human nature like according to Bonhoeffer?
Humans are sinful and finite so a human decision can be absolutely right or wrong.
What does Bonhoeffer say we should do in extreme situations?
Act out of despair but in light of faith and hope
Why does Bonhoeffer disagree with autonomous Christian ethics?
As it is based on agape and if love was knowable as Fletcher argues then it would be a human idea.
How should we respond to the will of God?
Through prayer, following Jesus’ example, our conscience, and life within a Christian community.
What the government’s aim according to Bonhoeffer?
To impose law and order on the human tendency towards disorder.
What passages from the New Testament suggest we have a duty to God and the state?
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.”
What is the issue with the state?
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
What state did Bonhoeffer see become corrupted?
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.
Finish the quote “Reasonable…”
“Reasonable people face unreasonable situations”
What does Bonhoeffer suggest is the role of the church?
Not to be part of the state but to check it.
When will God’s will be revealed to Christians?
In the moment of action
What did Bonhoeffer see conscience as?
As an experience of disillusion with yourself and a moment of self knowledge when you must engage with the terrible alternative.
Why does Bonhoeffer argue for civil disobedience?
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.
What did Bonhoeffer say Jesus was?
“A man for others”
What are the 3 ways the church can fight political injustice?
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”
Who did Bonhoeffer plot to assassinate?
Hitler
How did Bonhoeffer explain his plot to kill Hitler?
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”.
What did Bonhoeffer say about the modern world?
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.
What did Bonhoeffer create the Confessing Church in response to?
Hitler’s evangelical church which only allowed ‘Aryan’ clergy men
What is the name of the church Bonhoeffer set up?
The Confessing church
What are the 3 fundamentals Christianity should be based on?
Christ, Scripture, and faith
What was the community in Finklewalde like that prepared for the confessing church?
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
What did Bonhoeffer think of Karl Barth?
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
