Becoming Simple and Wise
Moral Discernment in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Vision of Christian Ethics
- Theology
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2015
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Publisher's Description
How does a Christian discern the will of God? While this question lies at the heart of the Christian moral life, religious communities struggle to articulate responses that balance simple faith and rational reflection. Some characterize discernment as simple obedience to the commandments in Scripture; others portray it as an exercise of human reason and conscience. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian, pastor, and political conspirator who embodied a life of discernment amidst difficult circumstances in WWII Germany, offers a compelling theological account of how to seek and respond to God's will. By tracing Bonhoeffer's understanding of moral discernment throughout his writings, and especially in his Ethics, Joshua Kaiser demonstrates the importance of discernment for Bonhoeffer's vision of Christian ethics and explores how his view combines elements of simple faith and rational reflection. While the results of the study will be significant for those interested in Bonhoeffer, they will also be relevant to all who struggle along the path of Christian discipleship.
Endorsements (3)
“Bonhoeffer's theology, spirituality, and ethics center in discernment, the risky and exhilarating practice of openness to the will of God. Yet until now no full-length study has actually explored the place and shape of discernment for Bonhoeffer. Kaiser's compelling new book does precisely this, revealing the prayerful polyphony at the heart of Bonhoeffer's witness. A groundbreaking scholarly contribution.”
“Kaiser engages with the oldest and most central question in Christian ethics: 'How can I discern and do God's will?' In close conversation with Bonhoeffer's exemplary life and theology, and writing with clarity and verve, Kaiser offers his readers an interpretation that will serve students of Bonhoeffer, and of Christian ethics more generally, for years to come.”
“With Becoming Simple and Wise, Joshua Kaiser makes an invaluable contribution to scholarship on Bonhoeffer's theology and ethics. While attending to prima facie tensions in Bonhoeffer's own comments about moral agency and ethical deliberation, Kaiser convincingly shows that there are deep resources in Bonhoeffer for a rigorous conception of moral discernment. This is a remarkable achievement; it deserves to be read and studied carefully by all those with interests in Bonhoeffer, Lutheran ethics, and moral theology.”
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