Bonhoeffer Essay Flashcards
Should Christian’s practice civil disobedience
A government aim is to impose law on sinful human tendency towards disorder. Christians have a duty to the state and God. Give to Caesar, the things that are Caesars, and to God, the things that are gods.
However, the state too often has too much power and makes justice subordinate to its policies and ideals. It does not represent gods will, it is a Christians duty to keep this in check.
Bonhoeffer was writing at a time of extreme circumstance in the west, most live in places where there is a political voice such as votes, marches, rallies, petitions, et cetera. No need for civil disobedience. In luke authorities that exist have been instituted by God. In the age of terrorism, Christians should dissociate themselves from extremist action, particularly where not necessary.
On the other hand there are Christians in bad places with no political voice do support civil disobedience, although political changes were brought about by peaceful, means rather than violence
BonHoffer felt that God called him to direct action. He saw conscience as the experience of disunion with yourself in a moment of self-knowledge, when you must engage with a terrible alternative. Born Hoffa’s assumed to have attempted to murder, Hitler
However, how do you know the will of God? A Christian bombing an abortion clinic cannot be seen as the will of God. These ideas about civil disobedience may be dangerous
Does Bonhoeffer put too much emphasis on suffering?
Cheap grace costly grace. His work at finkenwalde- overcome the Temptations of this world and suffer the same spirit as Jesus did. costly as it costs a man his life and grace as it’s the only true life
Bonhoeffer lived at a time of great suffering and danger, and it could be argued that this influenced his thinking, so that he overemphasised suffering as an essential part of discipleship.
There is always suffering in the world poverty homelessness illness, the church should be outward, looking at exist to serve others. Bottom up
Bonhoeffer downplays, the Resurrection, Jesus rose from the dead, for all of our sins and puts too much emphasis on the crucifixion, rather than the resurrection He calls the church’s teachings that Jesus’s death has made it possible for everyone to enter heaven, cheap grace, which is dismissive of the hope that brings to many people who seek comfort in salvation, and want to live a day-to-day Christian life.
In the context, of costly grace, it could be said that his emphasis on suffering is correct = discipleship. Jesus called all people to follow after him and his suffering, so the emphasis on suffering is true to the gospel message.
Does this mean that those who cannot put themselves in situations of suffering such as ill pregnant, not make them true disciples and that we all have to search danger working with refugees in Syria or nursing in Africa
Bonhoeffers teachings on ethics are still relevant today
It can be argued they are too extreme for todays society. He took much inspiration from Mark 8:34-35 “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up the cross”. He believed that you should give up your life again, the grace, and that is the cost. You should therefore deny yourself. This is too big of an ask in today’s society or society is relatively peaceful.
However, the church modernising and changing its views to fit the world, as well as the church cameo role in challenging politicians can be relevant in any society . Prevents poor politics.. although religion not as strong as politics anymore
Although the point remains positive Bonhoeffer can cloud this effort with his focus on suffering many Christians want to live a good Christian life day today they in many cases do not need to stand up for anything and suffer for the costly grace, especially as they can live a normal day-to-day life in western society
Bonhoeffer teachings, justifies civil disobedience, which in a time like today, can be dangerous, such as extremism and Christians instead should distance themselves as the laws are legislations are to stop disorderly tendencies. this can lead to trusting Gods will which may just be delusion and cause more harm than good.
However, there are some cases where civil disobedience is necessary in some parts of South Africa where there is a racial divide standing up to rules can be necessary
