Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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A concise and deliberate observation is to be considered about the treatment of Dietrich Bonhoeffer?s perspectives on the connection between State and Church. He posits, that both entities share a symbiotic relationship, whereby they rely on each other for the preservation of a just society. While their duites may be separate, they both act on behalf of humanity.[footnoteRef:1] The German theologian is essentially correct in his postulation? indeed the State and the church do act on behalf of people, nevertheless there are even further implications that ought to be measured before one can make any proper connections. Their service to humanity come in different ways, and for different reasons; sometimes they work in the best interest of the …show more content…
Written in 1933 for a discussion group of pastors, he challenged his fellow clergy to speak out against the machinery of injustice that Jews encountered under Hitler?s rule. Likewise, Bonhoeffer saw national socialism as an illegitimate form of government, and called on the church to oppose it by recognizing their ?unconditional obligation? to help all victims of injustice, regardless of their religious beliefs.[footnoteRef:10] In short, he reminds them to ?Do good to all people.?[footnoteRef:11] [10: Dietrich Bonhoeffer,?A Testament to Freedom: the Essential Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, rev. ed. (San Francisco, Calif.: HarperSanFrancisco, ?1995), 130.] [11: Ibid.]

Bonhoeffer admonished his colleagues to perform the ?revolutionary act of ?jamming a spoke in the wheel.?[footnoteRef:12] in order to bring the machinery of injustice to a halt. In the same way, many activist groups have made their voices heard in order to put a stop to the injustices that have been perpetrated by the Trump administration. From the very first day since Trump took office, there have been countless marches and demonstrations that have taken place in solidarity with likeminded individuals who love justice and desired to see a more just and righteous community. [12: Ibid., …show more content…
He was consequently executed in 1945 after he had been linked to the July 20, 1944 conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime by assassinating Hitler. Many people have questioned Bonhoeffer?s motives for being involved with the consiparcy, and perhaps some might even say that he was unethical and that he went against his own theology and ethical persuasions by conspiring against the government of his day. However, I contend that since the state, according to Romans 13, is given the sword to reward the good and to punish the evil. That would include the punitive act of bringing to justice the evil aggressors who attempt to destroy the creation. Insofar as one is a police officer or a soldier, it is not considered a sin to shoot and kill, so long as the ends justify the means. In this case, Bonhoeffer?s means of getting rid of Hitler was a just cause for the benefit of all
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