Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Bonhoeffer

51nA41AoReL__SL500_AA300_Bonhoeffer – Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Written by Eric Metaxas
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace, a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler.

A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism.

After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double-agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer, and was hanged in Flossenberg concentration camp at age 39. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the 20th century.

Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the 20th century, and uncovers never-before-revealed facts, including the story of his passionate romance.

Who is Eric Metaxas?

Eric Metaxas was born in New York City and grew up in Danbury, Connecticut. Upon graduation from Yale University in 1984, he was awarded two senior prizes for his undergraduate fiction, and he co-wrote and delivered "The Class History," a satirical address that is a Yale commencement tradition. His books for Tommy Nelson include: The Bible ABC, The Prince of Egypt A to Z, and Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving. Eric lives in New York with his wife, Susanne, and daughter, Annerose.

My Thoughts

It has been a while since I read an interesting biography.  And I have heard the name Bonhoeffer in the past.   I knew he was some sort of Christian hero but I didn’t know his story – until now that is…

I must confess that I am still reading the book.   It is a brick of over 500 pages and I like to take my time when I read biographies.   I am quite enjoying discovering the life of a Christian who took a stand to defend the Jews during the second World War.   This book covers his whole life from before his birth with the history of his parents to until the broadcast of his funeral.

I was surprised to read about the fact the he was homeschooled during the early years of their life.   There was a schoolroom in their house.   The Bonhoeffer children went to regular school at the ages of 7 or 8.   Until then, their sole educator was their mom.  When they got to school they excelled in their studies.   Reading this information encourage me to pursue homeschooling.   Every now and then an homeschool mom needs encouragement and learning that the Bonhoeffers were doing it is very encouraging.

As I said, I am not done with the book.  When I read biographies, I need to take a break once in a while to digest the life, joys and trials of the person.  Bonhoeffer was one of the few who stood up against Hitler in Germany and he got sent to prison for that.   Reading about historical events is important for everyone – young and old.   

Want to know more about the book?  Here’s a video about it!

This Christmas is you have a loved one who loves reading biographies, please do consider Bonhoeffer.    It is well written and full of interesting fact about this man who took a stand to defend the people in need.

Bonhoeffer is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

1 comment:

  1. I have really enjoyed the life of Bonhoeffer. I have found this book to be a little difficult. I am needing to get a dictionary at least once a chapter. But i love learning more about Bonhoeffer.

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