Homebrewed Christianity

Standing Firm: Bonhoeffer's Urgent Wisdom for Our Dangerous Times

8 snips
Sep 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey C. Pugh, a Bonhoeffer scholar and author, highlights the urgency of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's prison writings in today's chaotic society. He delves into Bonhoeffer's insights on recognizing God among the suffering and the dangers of collective stupidity. Pugh emphasizes the church's role in fostering discernment amid political turmoil and the misleading nature of 'safety.' With an eye on practical resistance, he encourages a courageous Christian witness in a world rife with deception.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

See History From The Oppressed

  • Bonhoeffer insists we must see world events "from below" by standing with the oppressed to perceive God and truth.
  • Entering the space of the suffering cultivates empathy and reveals where justice is needed.
ANECDOTE

Personal Discovery Of Bonhoeffer

  • Jeffrey Pugh recounts discovering Dietrich Bonhoeffer in college and finding him a compelling hero for resisting evil.
  • Bonhoeffer's life and writings drew Pugh into deeper theological and ethical study.
ADVICE

Practice Resistant Empathy

  • Resist oppression by practicing "resistant empathy": accompany, feed, and physically stand with vulnerable people when possible.
  • Small acts of bearing witness build the muscle for democratic and communal solidarity.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app