Christian Moral Action Flashcards
What was Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s main concern regarding the role of the Church and the State?
Bonhoeffer believed the Church should be more active in pursuing justice and argued against the traditional view that the Church and State are equal, insisting that obedience to the State must be questioned if it conflicts with God’s will.
How did Bonhoeffer’s time in America influence his theology?
His experience with black churches in America emphasized to him the importance of building Christian relationships without boundaries and highlighted the need for Christian social responsibility.
What was the Confessing Church and why did Bonhoeffer support it?
The Confessing Church opposed the Nazi-influenced German Evangelical Church, accepted only Christ as authority, and rejected the exclusion of non-Aryans from the Church.
What radical step did Bonhoeffer take to resist Nazism?
He joined the resistance against Hitler, believing that attempting to overthrow the regime was a moral obligation despite his previous pacifist views.
What did Bonhoeffer mean by “secular pacifism”?
He believed secular pacifism fails to tackle evil because it doesn’t recognize that true peace and justice are not of this world, thus perpetuating lies.
How did Bonhoeffer justify participating in the plot to kill Hitler?
He believed that though killing is wrong, in extreme situations, Christians must act with faith, and God would forgive the sinner who acted from conscience.
What does Bonhoeffer say about Christian ethics in his book ‘Ethics’?
He argued that Christian ethics must acknowledge human sinfulness and avoid ideological systems, acting instead with faith in moments of moral crisis.
What was Bonhoeffer’s stance on obedience to state authority?
He questioned whether obeying the state aligned with God’s will and argued that Christians must sometimes disobey the state when it contradicts divine justice.
How did Bonhoeffer define knowing God’s will?
He taught that God’s will becomes clear only in the moment of action, making obedience an act of faith rather than a rational deduction.
What is “costly grace” according to Bonhoeffer?
Costly grace demands a disciple’s life and active faith, unlike “cheap grace,” which offers forgiveness without true transformation or sacrifice.
What did Bonhoeffer mean by a “religionless Christianity”?
He believed Christianity should shed institutional baggage and superstition, focusing instead on Christ, Scripture, and faith, particularly in a secular world.
What criticism did Bonhoeffer have of the Confessing Church later on?
He felt it became self-focused and defensive, failing to be a Church that exists for humanity and actively engages with the world’s suffering.
What are the three obligations Bonhoeffer said the Church had against political injustice?
- Question the state’s legitimacy
- Help victims regardless of faith
- Engage in resistance against injustice.
How did Bonhoeffer respond to the Nazi destruction of Jewish synagogues and businesses?
He publicly condemned it as godless violence, rejecting the idea that it was divine punishment for Jewish rejection of Christ.
What was Bonhoeffer’s favorite description of Jesus and its implication for the Church?
He described Jesus as a “man for others,” implying that the Church must be in solidarity with the oppressed and exist for the sake of humanity.
How did Bonhoeffer view ethics as action rather than abstract thought?
Influenced by Karl Barth, he emphasized that Christians must be doers of the Word, not just thinkers, acting upon God’s revelation through Christ.
What did Bonhoeffer say about telling the truth in moral decision-making?
While truth is absolute, he acknowledged its application varies by situation, guided by faith and conscience rather than relativism.
How did Bonhoeffer view moral pluralism and Fletcher’s interpretation of his ethics?
Though Fletcher saw him as a situationist, Bonhoeffer rejected moral relativism, grounding truth in Christian community and faith.
What role did Bonhoeffer envision for Christianity in global politics?
He saw the Church as a moral conscience in politics, reminding leaders not to confuse tolerance with disengagement from truth and justice.
How does Bonhoeffer’s theology challenge the idea of a stable liberal democracy?
Some critics say his ethics were only suited to extreme situations, but his focus on truth and faith-based action offers relevant moral guidance even today.
