Homebrewed Christianity Bonhoeffer’s Witness Against Christian Nationalism
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Dec 8, 2025 In a thought-provoking discussion, Andy Root, a theologian known for connecting Bonhoeffer’s ideas to youth ministry, joins fellow scholars Reggie Williams, Lori Brandt Hale, and Jeff Pugh. They dive into Bonhoeffer's life and how his critique of nationalism and collective stupidity resonates today. The panel addresses the church's failures and the importance of community action amidst authoritarianism, emphasizing prayer and nonviolent resistance. They explore how Bonhoeffer's insights can guide us in confronting contemporary crises with courage and compassion.
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Family As Formation
- Bonhoeffer's family, especially his twin relationship, shaped his vocation and thinking in deep ways.
- Understanding his family context helps explain his communal commitments and resistance.
Black Social Gospel's Influence
- Abyssinian Baptist Church and Black social gospel offered Bonhoeffer a counter-narrative to dominant Christianity.
- That experience foreshadowed his later commitments to the Confessing Church and solidarity work.
Community As Ethical Practice
- Bonhoeffer practiced community-building at Finkenwalde as an ethic of care, not just theory.
- His seminary work turned abstract dissertation ideas into concrete communal practices.