In this discussion, Reggie L. Williams, Stephen Haynes, and Gary Dorrien explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer's transformative year in New York City. Williams highlights Bonhoeffer's engagement with the Harlem Renaissance, reshaping his views on race and solidarity. Haynes reflects on Bonhoeffer's peace ethic and friendship with Jean Lassere, while Dorrien emphasizes the impact of his time at Union Seminary. Together, they uncover how Bonhoeffer’s encounters dismantled his nationalist beliefs, leading him towards a more profound and inclusive Christian identity.

Garry Dorrien, a leading scholar in liberal Protestant theology, Diana Butler Bass, an insightful commentator on contemporary spirituality, and Robert C. Jones, founder of PRRI, discuss the complex ties between democracy and religion in America. They analyze systemic racism's impact on politics, personal histories within faith communities, and the urgent need for social justice initiatives. The conversation highlights the role of community organizing and the importance of educational approaches to combat book bans and foster solidarity in social change.

Reggie L. Williams, an Associate Professor and author, joins prominent Bonhoeffer scholars Lori Brandt Hale, Stephen Haynes, and Gary Dorrien for an enlightening discussion. They explore Bonhoeffer's transformative year in New York City, where he moved from a nationalist mindset to a commitment to social justice and discipleship. His experiences within the Harlem Renaissance and the Abyssinian Baptist Church profoundly reshaped his theological views, emphasizing love, solidarity, and the importance of community amidst societal suffering.