A Book with Legs Podcast: Eric Metaxas on Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Hosted by Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of A Book with Legs, hosted by Cole Smead of Smead Capital Management, the discussion centers on Eric Metaxas’s 2011 book, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, which delves into the life of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas, an accomplished author and speaker, explores Bonhoeffer’s profound impact on theology, ethics, and resistance against the Nazi regime.
2. Eric Metaxas on Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Motivation and Background
Cole Smead begins by sharing his personal connection to Bonhoeffer, mentioning how a high school teacher introduced him to Bonhoeffer's courage and legacy. This foundational experience led Smead’s team to use Metaxas’s book as a devotional tool within their company, pairing reading segments with proverbs to glean wisdom relevant to contemporary challenges such as the persecution of Jewish people.
Notable Quote:
"I looked back on my life and it seems so obvious that God created me to write the Bonhoeffer book." — Eric Metaxas [03:13]
Metaxas attributes his calling to write about Bonhoeffer to his family's history and his own spiritual journey. His mother's experiences in Nazi Germany and the discovery of a pro-Nazi sermon from 1943 underscore the personal and historical significance of Bonhoeffer's story.
3. Bonhoeffer’s Family and Early Influences
Metaxas provides an in-depth look into Bonhoeffer’s illustrious family background. Bonhoeffer was raised in a household steeped in intellectual and cultural richness. His father was a renowned doctor, and his mother was a devout Christian who influenced the family's religious upbringing. Bonhoeffer, the only one among his eight siblings to pursue ministry and theology, was nurtured in an environment that valued both academic excellence and deep-seated Christian ethics.
Notable Quote:
"Bonhoeffer is the only one of all of his brothers and sisters because there were eight who said, 'I want to go into the ministry, I want to go into theology.'" — Eric Metaxas [06:40]
The evenings in the Bonhoeffer household were vibrant with music, art, and intellectual discussions, fostering a culture of decency and truth that would later define Bonhoeffer's resistance to Nazi ideology.
4. Theological Views and Education
Bonhoeffer's theological education at Berlin University exposed him to both liberal and conservative theological perspectives. Although trained in a predominantly liberal theological environment, Bonhoeffer maintained a steadfast belief in the divine nature of the Bible and the existence of God. His mentorship under Karl Barth, a pivotal figure in modern theology, reinforced Bonhoeffer’s commitment to truth and his resistance to the secular drift within the church.
Notable Quote:
"True Christianity transcends national boundaries. It doesn't mean you're not patriotic, but as a Christian, your identity is deeper." — Eric Metaxas [20:26]
Metaxas emphasizes Bonhoeffer’s open-mindedness and his ability to discern truth beyond cultural and nationalistic influences, highlighting his commitment to an ecumenical and universal Christian identity.
5. The German Church and the Nazi Regime
The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime posed a profound challenge to the German church. The introduction of the "Aryan Paragraph" aimed to exclude Jews from the church, forcing Christians like Bonhoeffer to confront ethical and theological dilemmas. Bonhoeffer vehemently opposed the Nazis' attempts to Nazify the church, advocating for an inclusive and truthful Christian community based on faith rather than ethnicity.
Notable Quote:
"It is rather the task of Christian preaching to say, 'Here’s the church where Jews and Germans stand together under the word of God. Here’s the proof whether a church is still a church or not.'" — Eric Metaxas [29:19]
Bonhoeffer's essay, The Church and the Jewish Question, articulates his stance against racial discrimination, asserting that true Christianity cannot be confined by racial or nationalistic boundaries.
6. Bonhoeffer’s Stand Against Nazism
Bonhoeffer's resistance culminated in his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler, reflecting his deep commitment to opposing evil despite the personal risks. Metaxas draws parallels between Bonhoeffer’s decisive actions and the necessary urgency required when confronting moral and ethical crises.
Notable Quote:
"Bonhoeffer knew it was over. So everything he did after that was kind of like a changing response because he knew that our chance to save the country in the way we could have before, that's gone." — Eric Metaxas [38:10]
Bonhoeffer's proactive measures exemplify his belief in living out one's faith through courageous and sometimes drastic actions to uphold justice and truth.
7. Parallels with Contemporary Church and Society
Smead and Metaxas draw insightful comparisons between Bonhoeffer’s time and present-day challenges within the church and society. They discuss the temptation of the church to conform to societal norms, potentially compromising its foundational values. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct and truthful Christian identity amidst external pressures.
Notable Quote:
"If you really understand things, unless you're only a serious Christian, you don't know which way to turn when the pressure comes." — Eric Metaxas [35:27]
Bonhoeffer's legacy serves as a reminder to contemporary Christians to remain steadfast in their beliefs and to resist the erosion of ethical standards by societal influences.
8. Bonhoeffer’s Relationships and Impact
Bonhoeffer’s relationships, particularly with figures like Bishop George Bell of England, were instrumental in amplifying his efforts against the Nazi regime. These alliances facilitated the dissemination of his message and encouraged international support for the oppressed.
Notable Quote:
"Bonhoeffer finds an ally in George Bell. And George Bell realizes that Bonhoeffer is this heroic, brilliant, young Christian man." — Eric Metaxas [42:18]
Additionally, Bonhoeffer’s exposure to the African American churches in Harlem profoundly impacted his understanding of authentic, lived faith, further shaping his resistance against institutionalized evil.
9. Reflections on the Bonhoeffer Movie
Metaxas acknowledges the cinematic portrayal of Bonhoeffer, praising its fidelity and emotional depth. While appreciating the film’s depiction of Bonhoeffer’s emotional moments, Metaxas notes that the movie may take creative liberties, encouraging listeners to engage with both the film and his book for a comprehensive understanding.
Notable Quote:
"I agree with you that there were things about it that I said now that doesn't seem right to me." — Eric Metaxas [50:11]
The discussion highlights the complementary nature of the book and the movie, each offering unique perspectives on Bonhoeffer's multifaceted character.
10. Final Insights and Recommendations
In concluding the episode, Metaxas emphasizes the universal relevance of Bonhoeffer’s story, advocating for its reading beyond Christian audiences due to its profound moral and historical significance. He invites listeners to explore his upcoming projects, including a comprehensive book on the American Revolution, and to engage with his ongoing efforts to seek and disseminate truth through platforms like Socrates in the City.
Notable Quote:
"The story of Bonhoeffer, ultimately, you know, I mentioned I said that I know that God created me to write this book. This is, you know, it's not me writing it. This is God giving us this story for such a time as this." — Eric Metaxas [50:47]
Smead encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and decisions through the lens of Bonhoeffer’s legacy, advocating for introspection and moral courage in the face of contemporary challenges.
Conclusion
This episode of A Book with Legs provides a comprehensive exploration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life, theology, and resistance against Nazism through Eric Metaxas’s insightful analysis. By intertwining historical context with personal narratives, the discussion offers valuable lessons on faith, ethics, and the enduring struggle between good and evil. Listeners are encouraged to delve deeper into Bonhoeffer’s story and apply its timeless wisdom to their own lives.
For More Information:
- Eric Metaxas’s Website: ericmetaxas.com
- Socrates in the City: socratesinthecity.com
- Upcoming Book by Metaxas: Exploring the American Revolution, releasing next year.
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