Dietrich Bonhoeffer

1906-1945 20th century Feast day: April 9

Grace is costly. A faith that cannot be separated from commitment.

Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

German Protestant theologian, opponent of the Nazi regime from 1933 at age 27. Founder of the underground seminary at Finkenwalde. Active member of the resistance, he took part in a plot against Hitler. Arrested in April 1943, imprisoned for two years, executed by hanging at Flossenbürg on April 9, 1945, two weeks before the camp’s liberation. His Letters and Papers from Prison shaped 20th-century theology.

In their own words

Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church.

The Cost of Discipleship, ch. 1

When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.

The Cost of Discipleship, ch. 1

By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting come what may, we know that God is with us night and morning, and never fails to greet us each new day.

"Von guten Mächten," prayer written in prison, New Year 1945