Book Review - Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

 Personally, one of the best things I’ve found to deepen my own faith (apart, of course, from scripture itself) is to read and learn about past heroes of Christianity.  I’ve found that I come away inspired to a deeper commitment to God, and in the case of this Dietrich Bonhoeffer biography, I come away also with an intriguing look at the questions and theologies that he wrestled with.  Reading Bonhoeffer’s own material has challenged me to think more deeply and take serious consideration of many of the theological/ethical questions he addresses.  It’s amazing to me how relevant these questions are today, even after things in our world seemed to have changed so much.

    In, Bonhoeffer:  Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy, Eric Metaxas presents an exhaustive account of the life and person of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor during the time of Hitler.  The level of detail given about Bonhoeffer’s life is so extraordinary that it leaves the reader feeling as if they actually know and understand him.  What I enjoyed even more, though, was the ease with which this quite lengthy biography read. The language is conversational, and I never felt that making my way through the 500-600 page book was tedious.  In fact, I couldn’t put it down!

    If you’re looking for a faith-building book to read, let me suggest this one!  It will not only provide a good biographical story, but leave you considering more deeply questions of pacifism, civil disobedience, spiritual responsibility, and following God at all costs.  I got so much out of it that I’m willing to purchase it again, just to have it on my Nook!