DIETRICH BONHOEFFER
The German Lutheran pastor and theologian actively resisted the Nazis during World War II when he joined a military secret service unit to avoid compulsory combat service.
He became a double agent and joined a group that attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and executed by hanging two years later — just a few weeks before the Nazis surrendered to Allied Forces.
Bonhoeffer’s view of the role of Christianity in the secular world has become very influential, and he is considered by many to be one of the most significant theologians of the 20th century.
“He called for Christians to be involved in the political life of their nation, that political involvement is a form of neighborly love,” states a news release from St. Ansgar Lutheran Church.
To that end, the Portland church will be celebrating Bonhoeffer’s life and exploring his philosophies from April 27-29. The centerpiece of the weekend will be “Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Worldly Christianity: Beyond Evangelical Conservatism and Liberal Modernism,” a presentation by Clifford Green, the founding president of the International Bonhoeffer Society and a prominent Bonhoeffer scholar.
The presentation will be followed by lunch and a panel conversation. All events, including lunch, are free.
Green will investigate how Bonhoeffer’s theology is relevant for people today. “Many current-day evangelicals believe that the U.S. is a Christian nation and that Americans should adopt conservative cultural perspectives,” states the release. “Liberals tend to dismiss talk of moral claims and to avoid thinking about sin and or evil. Green believes that both points of view can be challenged by Bonhoeffer’s theology and witness.”
For a complete schedule of events or list of panelists, call 774-8740, email conference2012@saintansgar.org, or visit www.saintansgar.org.
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