Christian Moral Action: Bonhoeffer Summary Notes

Cheap vs Costly Grace

• Critique of Cheap Grace

  • Bonhoeffer criticized mainstream Christianity for promoting "cheap grace," which lacks true discipleship and sacrifice.
  • Example: Catholicism's emphasis on simply confessing sins for salvation.
  • Cheap Grace is described as grace without discipleship, the cross, or Jesus Christ.

• True Costly Grace

  • True grace requires sacrifice, solidarity, and sometimes suffering.
  • Reference to Jesus' call to "pick up your cross" (Mark 8).
  • Civil disobedience may be required, as exemplified by Bonhoeffer's actions.

• Counterarguments

  • Relevance questioned in modern times as society is not like Nazi Germany.
  • Bonhoeffer's emphasis on suffering seems disconnected from average life.

• Evaluation

  • Sacrifice remains relevant due to ongoing global issues like sexism, racism, and climate change.
  • Examples of modern discipleship include Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai.

Bonhoeffer's Views on Church, State, and Civil Disobedience

• Confessing Church & Civil Disobedience

  • Bonhoeffer's involvement in the Confessing Church and actions against Nazi control demonstrate civil disobedience.
  • Advocated civil disobedience when rulers act against God's will.

• Counterarguments

  • Criticism that Bonhoeffer's views justify dangerous acts like political assassinations.
  • Subjectivity in knowing God's will, as shown by historical misuse.

• Evaluation

  • Proper meditation and community are needed to understand God's will.
  • The potential misuse of any theology doesn't invalidate its core principles.

Knowing and Acting on God's Will

• Bonhoeffer's Beliefs

  • Moral action is central, even at risk of suffering.
  • Evil triumphs when good people do nothing; silence against evil is itself evil.
  • Acknowledges uncertainty in God's will but stresses the need for action.

• Counterarguments

  • Violence contradicts biblical teachings of peace and non-resistance.

• Evaluation

  • Bonhoeffer's neo-orthodox view: Bible isn't the perfect word of God but can guide us if meditated upon with humility.
  • Outdated principles ("rusty swords") may not suit all situations.

Summary

• Bonhoeffer's theology emphasizes costly grace involving sacrifice and possible suffering, especially in oppressive contexts.
• His stance on civil disobedience aligns with resisting unjust rulers, though it's contentious in interpreting God's will.
• The necessity of action, meditation on scripture, and community are key in discerning moral paths, despite inherent uncertainties.