1. Is Bonhoeffer’s theology relevant for today?
Learning objective:
To recap what we have learnt about Bonhoeffer so far
To evaluate whether his theology has relevance in today’s society
Key Words
Discipleship
Solidarity
Costly grace
Passion

2. Recap – what do you know about…
What Bonhoeffer thought about his duty to church and state?
What he thought about civil disobedience?
What he thought the role of the Christian Church should be?
His role at Finkenwalde?
The difference between cheap and costly grace?
The link he placed between discipleship and suffering?
What he thought about solidarity?

3. Does Bonhoeffer put too much emphasis on suffering?
Hmk feedback
Does Bonhoeffer put too much emphasis on suffering?

4. Bonhoeffer’s beliefs about Christianity affected his ethics and therefore how he behaved. Is Bonhoeffer’s theology relevant for today? In pairs create a table or 2 mind-maps with reasons for and against this question.

5. Yes his ideas do have relevance today
No his ideas do not have relevance today
Christian beliefs should have a place in world politics. Political leaders should focus on truth and what is moral, rather than merely pleasing people and being tolerant.
Most societies today assume that people should be tolerant of other people’s values up to the point where they are seen to harm others. Bonhoeffer supports this view.
Bonhoeffer stood in solidarity with the marginalised and oppressed. There are still many who would appreciate this kind of empathy.
Bonhoeffer’s challenge to abandon self-interest may be relevant in societies with an emphasis on material gain and success.
His ideas were developed under Nazism, and so only have relevance in similar extreme circumstances
His theology does not apply in stable, liberal societies
Post-modernism says that there is no absolute moral code. People decide right and wrong for themselves.
Bonhoeffer thought that the Jews he saved should, eventually, convert to Christianity. This is incompatible with multi-faith, tolerant societies.
Bonhoeffer emphasised obedience to God rather than updating moral values which the Christian Church is often encouraged to do in modern society.
Religion is often seen as a threat to countries and state loyalty is valued. This is contrary to what Bonhoeffer taught.

6. Give each point a score out of 10 in terms of how persuasive the point is.
Which side wins? Overall, how far are Bonhoeffer’s ideas relevant in today’s society?

7. Homework
To what extent, if at all, does the theology of Bonhoeffer have relevance for Christians today? [40]