Dietrich Bonhoeffer: In the Midst of Wickedness (Christian Heroes: Then and Now)

We love all of these books by this author. Very well written for adults and kids, even though they’re written for kids.

Dietrich lived during both World War I and II. Although Dietrich and his family were somewhat cushioned during World War I due to their wealth and summerhouse which they could escape to, they still felt the effects of the rationing whilst in Berlin. Brought up as a Lutheran, Dietrich's mother did all the Bible readings. Dietrich's father, a psychiatrist and neurologist, was not a believer.As a teenager, Dietrich decided he wanted to be a theologian much to his family's surprise. His 18th birthday present was an extended two month trip to Italy with his brother, Klaus. Dietrich loved Rome and this trip changed his life. By the time Dietrich arrived back in Berlin, he had found his life's mission - to investigate the real meaning of the word 'church'.Klaus, Dietrich's brother, was working beside Albert Einstein and Max Planck so that gives you an idea who was around in this era. Dietrich spent one year as an assistant pastor to a Germany community in Barcelona, Spain. He enjoyed his time there and learned to speak fluent Spanish. From 1930-31 he was in the USA where he was amazed at the racial discrimination. Studying in New York, he also traveled to Washington D.C., Cuba and Mexico.In this book you will learn how Hitler and the Nazi Party came into control over Germany. It was fast and swift! In the beginning it all sounded good to many but it was not long before the Aryan Paragraph was introduced (April 1934). In July the state run church for German Christians was introduced. Dietrich opposed all this but many ministers were happy with the arrangement! What happened on June 29th, 1934? When was the invasion of Poland?Dietrich helped start up the Confessing Church. The seminary he taught at and ran was away from Nazi prying eyes for a year enabling Dietrich to help graduate two sets of students. It was not long though before the Gestapo were arresting pastors from the Confessing Church. Joining the resistance was dangerous but Dietrich knew he had to do it. Where was he stationed? What was his job? When was he arrested?Read this compelling story of a man dedicated to the Lord no matter the cost. For those of you who are not aware, Dietrich's life on this earth ended by a trip to the gallows so if you are reading this aloud to you family, make sure you are prepared for the questions that may arise. This book is well written and I highly recommend it from our family to yours!Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906 to 1945

Overall this book was a good read. A little slow going in the beginning but the second half of the book got better. It details his life through WW1 and WW2. It tells of his work in the church trying to encourage people to not give in to the Nazis. I recently read Corrie Ten Boom so it was interesting to read about life in the same time but different area of the war zone. Would I read it again? Probably not, but it was still worth reading.

A fascinating and inspiring story of courage. I plan to read more by this author. Well researched and well written.

Great read. Covered all aspects of his life with a good summary of his early days. Definitely worth a read

How many of us pray for the end of evil? How many of us do anything about it? Take a lesson from Deitrich Bonhoeffer. A Christian, a Pastor and a man that started his battle on his knees and ended it on his feet. This book takes you through his life from an early age untill his death (also early). With the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich, Bonhoeffer knew within his heart and soul he had to do something to stop this ever growing evil. Follow him as he makes his decision as to what he was to do and how he would do it. I personally seen a close resemblance to him and the Apostle Paul by their actions and ministry both in and out of prison. I'm glad this book was printed under the title of "Christian Heroes, then and now" because Bonhoeffer, without a doubt qualifies as one. The book was well written and easy to follow. I hope you will take the time to read it.

This book is excellent, for older children and adults! I was able to explain a little bit about this terrible time in our history to my young grandchild. He understands now that heros can be real people being brave, and not just fictitious characters.

When I think I've got a difficult life packed with much better options that mock from so far beyond my grasp... there's that whole WORLD WAR II thing with the opposition led by a tyrant who despite the number & quality of the attempts, will not be stopped! This is a story well told, thank you for that!

Didn't actually read it myself, bought it for a Sunday School prize giving. Sorry.

An excellent introduction to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Very easy to read.

It is not a detailed biography but mainly serves as a introduction to Bonhoeffer's life. One notable omission I felt were the songs that he wrote.. could have been added as an appendix. Can be good gift to youngsters

This is a great story of someone who fought back against the government of the day due to his strong faith.

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