Existing for Others: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Ecclesiology

Abstract

Bonhoeffer’s life is what initially draws attention. His church and Christ based theology are what keeps it. His theological legacy is one of bold faith, a life of real community, and action. As brilliant as his theological mind was, he acknowledges himself over and over again that theory, without practice is pointless. Because the Church is "Christ existing as community", it must strive for costly grace, it must engage in action and exist for others as Jesus did. His theology was not formed in a vacuum. His beliefs are the very thing that drove him to resistance and ultimately, death. The injustice and severity of the Nazi regime forced many Christians, including Bonhoeffer, to decide what their duties to God and fellow man were. Out of this crucible came a theology centered on the Church as a unified body, a faith that costs a disciple his life, and an ethic and sociology based on real interactions. The point where intellectual positing falls flat in the face of a need for action is where Bonhoeffer lives.