Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Date of Birth: February 4, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 9, 1945

Biography

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church. Born on February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), Bonhoeffer showed an early interest in theology and philosophy, influenced by his family’s intellectual background. He pursued theological studies at the University of Tübingen and later at the University of Berlin, where he earned his doctorate under the supervision of Reinhold Seeberg. Bonhoeffer’s theological work was deeply influenced by his experiences and observations of the moral failures of the church in Nazi Germany. His seminal works, such as “The Cost of Discipleship” and “Life Together,” reflect his commitment to living out the principles of Christianity in a time of crisis. His involvement with the Confessing Church, which opposed the Nazi regime’s interference in church affairs, made him a prominent figure in the resistance. In 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. After spending two years in prison, he was transferred to Flossenbürg concentration camp, where he was executed on April 9, 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated by Allied forces.

5 Interesting Facts about Dietrich Bonhoeffer

1. Bonhoeffer’s twin sister, Sabine, also played a significant role in his life and work.

2. He was a key member of the Abwehr, a German military intelligence organization, which he used as a cover for his resistance activities.

3. Bonhoeffer’s book “The Cost of Discipleship” is a modern classic in Christian literature, emphasizing the need for personal sacrifice and devotion.

4. He spent time in the United States, studying at Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he was influenced by the Social Gospel movement.

5. Bonhoeffer’s legacy continues to inspire theologians, ethicists, and human rights advocates around the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer

1. “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

2. “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

3. “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”

4. “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.”

5. “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not achieve significant personal wealth. His life was dedicated to theological study, pastoral care, and resistance work, rather than financial success.