Stephen Haynes

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.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and prominent figure in the Confessing Church known for his resistance to Nazism, teams up with Stephen Haynes, a Bonhoeffer scholar. They discuss Bonhoeffer’s brave stand against Nazi influence on Christianity. Key topics include his role in forming the Confessing Church, grappling with anti-Semitism, and drafting the vital Barmen Declaration. The conversation also touches on Bonhoeffer's theological struggles and his transformative experience in New York, emphasizing peace and justice amidst a turbulent political landscape.

Stephen Haynes, an esteemed scholar and author of "The Battle for Bonhoeffer," delves into the nuanced legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He addresses common misconceptions in American evangelicalism and critiques the manipulation of Bonhoeffer's ideas in contemporary politics. Haynes explores Bonhoeffer's theological journey, his resistance to Nazi ideology, and the importance of his prison letters. The conversation emphasizes the need for vigilance against political misuse of his legacy and reflects on the transformative potential of education for a robust Christian identity.

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.

Stephen Haynes, the Albert Bruce Curry Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College, dives deep into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, exposing how his legacy has been distorted in modern politics. Haynes critiques populist interpretations, particularly in the context of Trump-era evangelicals and important social justice issues like systemic racism. He emphasizes Bonhoeffer's insights on nationalism and the church's response to contemporary challenges. Listeners gain a nuanced view of Bonhoeffer's relevance and the moral complexities facing today's Christian community.