Christian Moral Action AO2 and Essay Plans

Question 1

Suffering as central to discipleship

Answer 1

• Everyone experiences some sort of suffering in their life, therefore his teaching of suffering applies to all Christians.
• Bonhoeffer also focusses on the joys and the fulfilment of being in solidarity with those who suffer.
• It ensures that people live out the authentic message of Christ, that discipleship isn’t easy and it requires sacrifices
• The inclusion of suffering leads people to receiving costly grace, which is something that will truly save them and revitalise them in their life/
• As seen with Christ, suffering is necessary to enjoy an eternal life.
• To avoid the pain and suffering of bearing ones cross is failing to follow Jesus’ commands and example

Question 2

Suffering as central to discipleship

Weaknesses

Answer 2

• Bonhoeffer is a product of his times- it is an extreme reaction to an extreme situation and it cannot be right for Christians to subject themselves to the same amount of suffering.
• The idea that you must suffer an arbitrary amount to be considered Christian leads to an elitist mindset and seems almost masochistic.
• Having to be in solidarity with those who suffer leads to a negative-mind set where one views suffering as a chance to prove their virtue.

Question 3

Strengths of civil disobedience

Answer 3

• It follows the idea that Christians should be in solidarity with those who suffer, as it is actively taking a stand against injustice.
• Jesus supported creating a new understanding of discipleship, this often meant going against the status quo including the state.
• It is an example of taking seriously the Christian commitment to love God more than anything else, by giving oneself to complete obedience of God.
• Depending on the situation it can bring communities of all faiths together under the cause of those who suffer, this is arguably the biblical message.
• Depending in the nature of the state and the resistance, it can be the right thing to do regardless of religious beliefs- as such it demonstrates the righteousness of civil disobedience.
• The prophets of the old testament spoke out against rulers who were failing their duties to the people.

Question 4

Weaknesses of civil disobedience

Answer 4

• Jesus does not specifically support civil disobedience at any point in the Bible.
• Furthermore, he actively supports the idea that people should follow at least the basic rules of the state
• In St Paul’s letters to the Romans is tats that anyone who disobeys the state “Brings judgement on themselves”- Civil disobedience is unchristian.
• Bonhoeffer is only right to practice civil disobedience because of the extreme circumstances he is in.
• Civil disobedience can, and often does, lead to more pain and uneccesary suffering, something that Christians are supposed to help others cope with, not increase.
• It is dangerous to completely disregard the laws of the state.

Question 5

Bonhoeffer is relevant today

Answer 5

• his teachings on the old way of life resonate with the current discontent with a materialistic culture.
• This movement may lead people to live more fulfilling lives.
• The idea of solidarity is universal, as there are people who are less fortunate than ourselves who we must support- liberation theology.
• it reminds Christians that their only duty is the one they have towards God, not any earthly power.

Question 6

Bonhoeffer is not relevant today

Answer 6

• his thinking raises problems where adherence to religious laws causes terrorism and violence.
• The direct opposition of State and Christian values leads to an unnecessary division between the two, when they are both working for roughly similar goals.
• Bonhoeffer’s theology is simply a reaction to an extreme situation and as such only has relevance in the context of Nazi Germany.