The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a comprehensive resource for understanding the German theologian, pastor, and resistance conspirator Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) and his writings. It surveys, assesses, and presents the field of research and debates on Bonhoeffer and his legacy, featuring contributions from leading scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive volume offers a valuable resource for those seeking to delve into the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), a renowned German theologian, pastor, and resistance conspirator. During his lifetime, Bonhoeffer made significant contributions to various theological disciplines, including ecclesiology, creation, Christology, discipleship, and ethics. The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer serves as a comprehensive survey, assessment, and presentation of the field of research and debates surrounding Bonhoeffer and his legacy, as well as previous scholarship on him.

Featuring contributions from esteemed Bonhoeffer scholars, historians, theologians, and ethicists, the handbook explores both the positive aspects of Bonhoeffer's thought and the limitations and problems inherent in it. The book is divided into five parts, each providing a detailed outline of Bonhoeffer's biography and the contexts that shaped his theology.

In the first section, contributors delve into the intricate relationship between Bonhoeffer's life and his theological ideas. They examine how his experiences, both personal and historical, influenced his theological development and how his theology responded to the challenges of his time.

Section two presents rigorous engagements with and assessments of Bonhoeffer's theology on its own terms. Contributors analyze his key concepts, arguments, and methodologies, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and exploring their relevance to contemporary theological discourse.

Section three highlights the deep integration of Bonhoeffer's ethical claims and engagements with his theological commitments. Contributors examine how his ethical principles shaped his understanding of the church, society, and human relationships, and how they continue to inspire and guide contemporary ethical debates.

The fourth section showcases some of the most influential and groundbreaking work that draws upon Bonhoeffer to address contemporary challenges. These essays explore topics such as feminism, race, public theology in South Africa, and contemporary philosophy, demonstrating how Bonhoeffer's writings can continue to contribute to our understanding of these pressing issues.

In recent decades, Bonhoeffer's theology has sparked significant critical reflection on social and cultural matters. The essays in the fifth and final section exemplify how his writings can continue to inform and inspire such reflection in the present day. The section includes resources for further study, such as primary sources, secondary literature, and online resources, to assist scholars and students in exploring Bonhoeffer's theology in greater depth.

Overall, The Oxford Handbook of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding the life and thought of this remarkable theologian. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of Bonhoeffer's legacy, offering insights into his theological contributions, ethical concerns, and the ongoing relevance of his ideas to contemporary society.

Weight: 880g
Dimension: 245 x 170 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198904007