Ethics

Ethics is a difficult work to encounter, largely because the work was unfinished when Bonhoeffer was arrested and imprisoned. Most versions of Ethics require an editor to arrange the manuscripts into a coherent whole - but this being the "Works" edition includes all of the information (including notes about context and translation from German) surrounding the writing of the Ethics manuscript. This is the version to get if you want "completeness", in-depth discussion, or research purposes (the volume contains an exhaustive bibliography) but it might not be for the casual reader that wants an overview of Bonhoeffer's formulation of ethics. (Otherwise, you might not understand why you are reading a chapter titled "History and Good" twice!)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book on "Ethics" reveals an underlying message that runs deeper than just a "how to" guide on ethical behavior. This message is that Jesus Christ was more than a prophet, enlightened man, or guide for life. Namely, that Christ, the "I AM" and Adonai Elohim revealed in God's Word is our personal savior from sin and the only key to eternal life with God. This book has weaved within the surface of conscious law the free redemptive work of Christ as payment for the sin of the world, and our resulting praise in ethical living no longer demanded by God, but now offered in thanks to Him. If you are looking for an enhanced understanding of our position in God's spiritual kingdom while on earth, then this book offers a marvelous insight into that ethical position by bringing us to know God's immeasurable love for mankind.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a rare individual. He transcended the human plane as he practiced what he taught. This is his last writing, and it is unfinished because he was executed in prison for living the ethics he preached. In this book, Bonhoeffer states, "Ethics as formation, then, means the bold endeavor to speak about the way in which the form of Jesus Christ takes form in our world, in a manner which is neither abstract nor casuistic, neither programmatic nor purely speculative." Partly because his theology would not allow a speculative ethic, Bonhoeffer returned from the safety of New York City to a Germany ruled by the insanity called National Socialism. There, he became a leader, along with Martin Niemueller and Karl Barth, in the "bekennende Kirche" opposing National Socialism and an advocate on behalf of Jewish People. His efforts earned him imprisonment in 1943. As the Second European War (1939-1945) came to a close, Bonhoeffer was hanged until dead in the concentration camp at Flossenburg. Dietrich Bonoeffer understood the cost of discipleship. I think that this book has something to offer people who have faith, regardless of creed. It is written by someone of strong convictions, and is inspiring to me as I develop my own ethical standards. It is not easy to develop a spiritual relationship in a temporal world. Reading "Ethics" increased my resolve and desire to try. If you are interested in learning about Christianity and ethics from someone who lived what he taught, this book will be interesting to you.