Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

German Pastor and Theologian

"The world is overcome not through destruction, but through reconciliation. Not ideals, nor programs, nor conscience, nor duty, nor responsibility, nor virtue, but only God's perfect love can encounter reality and overcome it. Nor is it some universal idea of love, but rather the love of God in Jesus Christ, a love genuinely lived, that does this." Bonhoeffer was a theologian who called us to action. He was deeply concerned with the, 'cheap grace' of the German Church, rather than a "costly grace". The cost of discipleship and loving the way Jesus loved, could very well get you crucified. 

After Hitler rose to power Bonhoeffer left Union Theological Seminary in New York, to return to Nazi Germany. He would later be accused of a plot to assassinate the Führer, and spend two years in prison.

He was executed by the Nazi regime at Flossenbürg concentration camp on April 9, 1945.