Christian Moral Action Flashcards
ecumenical
promoting unity between christian denominations
What is Bonhoeffers main book
Cost of Discipleship
Aryan Paragraph
removed jewish heritage ministers from church in Germany
what did Bonhoeffer return to Germany in 1935 to do
teach at the finkenwalde seminary for the confessing church
why was Bonhoeffer killed
for taking part in a plot to assassinate Hitler
what did Bonhoeffer believe being a christian was
responding to the call of Jesus by following his teachings with obedience
civil disobedience
decision to refuse certain laws or practices of government
what did Bonhoeffer believe about duty and how did he act
he believed duty to god was more important than duty to state so spoke out against Nazism
why did Bonhoeffer attempt to assassinate Hitler
he believed inaction was wrong and that because humans were fallen there is never any absolute right or wrong
Reasons why Duty to God is more important
- defeating a nation is better than defeating christianity
- believed inaction was just as bad as wrong action
- bottom up approach places gods protection of the oppressed over the state
- Abandonment of comfort gives more meaning to life
- He believed Tyranicide was Gods Will and he would be forgiven
Reasons why Duty to the state is more important
- Jesus Caesar quote encourages living lawfully
- Bible says earthly authority is god given
- follow Jesus example of speaking out whilst obeying the law
- Lutheran tradition that authority is good and instills order on disorder
What is the main critique of Bonhoeffer
his circumstance was very extreme and isn’t relevant nowadays
what is true faith
being entirely obedient to gods will
what is a good christian life for Bonhoeffer
one where the Bible and Jesus are centralised
what was Bonhoeffer’s understanding of leadership
a true leader was one who kept his followers focused on God. as humans naturally follow the human leader they must not become idolised
Why is Jesus so important for Bonhoeffer
He was the sole mediator between Gods will and humans so was an example to follow
Barmen declaration
written by the confessing church states that Jesus is central and the way to God
Reasons why Christians can know Gods will
- For good christians Conscience in the moment of action is Gods will
- Bonhoeffer argues good christian communal life (finkenwalde) lessens the risk of wrong interpretation of Gods will
- Reason is God given helps us to know him
Reasons why Christians cannot know Gods will
- The fall means humans and reason are corrupt so they can never know God
- God gave humans free will so knowing Gods will isn’t necessary
- Bonhoeffer interpreted Gods will as assassination, this could have been wrong as killing is wrong
Why did Bonhoeffer disagree with the confessing church
They didn’t focus on all minorities and didn’t do enough to challenge the Nazis
religionless Christianity
Bonhoeffer thought this was what christianity should become which moves away from past traditions and the western void
western void
removal of superstition and Christian values from society which leaves a moral vacuum for other ideologies like Nazism
rusty swords
useless christian traditions that have no place in modern society
what was the way of life at finkenwalde
simplicity and discipline which centred around the bible and Jesus hoping
what was the aim of the way of life at finkenwalde
reflection on their own spirituality would help them to act correctly and form a good conscience
Strengths of Bonhoeffer’s way of life
- christian life should be centred around God and Jesus
- well formed conscience would help to act correctly in the world
- in line with early biblical ideas of communal living
weaknesses of Bonhoeffer’s way of life
- Not ideal for those leading a normal life not as a priest
- no one way of faith is superior to another
- requires a great theological understanding which isn’t common among most people
cheap grace
people thinking grace is a free gift from God with no obligation
costly grace
grace cost god the life of Jesus so must cost a human something
what is true discipleship for Bonhoeffer
being prepared to give up as much as Jesus in return for Gods grace, there is a cost for being a true christian
What is Bonhoeffer view of solidarity
Christians must act and work with those in need by standing alongside them, Bonhoeffer stood with the jews which cost him his life
strengths of Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship
- all humans are in gods image and equal
- makes christianity active and relevant in the world
- emphasis on simplicity makes it accessible
weaknesses of Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship
- unrealistic expectation of suffering for standard christian
- grace is freely given as gods generosity
- Bonhoeffer neglects personal and spiritual connection with God
Reasons why Bonhoeffer places too much emphasis on suffering
- He lived in a unique time with a lot of suffering
- Jesus suffering was once and for all to save everyone from sin
- Bonhoeffer didn’t seek suffering so emphasis shouldn’t be read into too much
Reasons why Bonhoeffer does not place too much emphasis on suffering
- relevance as oppression is still present today
- suffering comes from solidarity which is Jesus approach
- Jesus called all people to follow his example so people should suffer
Reasons why Bonhoeffer is relevant today
- There is still persecution today
- society is very materialistic so religionless christianity and costly grace are relevant
- spiritual discipline and finkenwalde way of life is timeless
- emphasis on Jesus as starting point to follow is accepted widely
Reasons why Bonhoeffer isn’t relevant today
- Bible isn’t authoritative nowadays so his emphasis is flawed
- extreme circumstances
- Anachronistic view as society has changed a lot with globalisation
- following gods will isn’t possible without the church guidance
