by F. Scott Nickerson
Most of us are somewhat familiar with the Bonhoeffer story. But in the last 4+ years, there have been many new additions to the account of the German Pastor confronting the German Church about the evils of Nazism and how he stood up to the Nazi’s themselves, becoming a martyr in the closing days of World War II.
A new film about the German pastor and theologian came out last month and has been shown in major theaters on Friday’s. It is titled “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” and was written and directed by Todd Komarnicki. I was surprised to see that it was NOT based on the recent biography by Eric Metaxas, which has a very similar title.
This latest film about Bonhoeffer masterfully captures the remarkable life and legacy and inspiration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He observed that the German churches were acquiescing to the Nazi ideology far too easily, especially about the treatment of Jewish people. The passivity of most of the Christians and Pastors in Germany deeply troubled Bonhoeffer. He preached to his fellow Lutherans and anyone who would listen to having faithful allegiance to the bible and its authority in the face of increasing pressure and intimidation to comply with the Nazi State.
The increase of attention shown to this story in recent years is different than just telling the story about his life again. It is about sounding the alarm once again as to how complacent the churches have become today toward a woke ideology of a new progressive Christianity, much like that of 1930’s Germany. We are called to see the similarities between back then and today’s current events as we see antisemitism rampant on US college campuses.
The film offers a powerful, poignant, and deeply meaningful portrayal of a man driven by unshakable faith and unwavering courage. It pays homage to a true hero whose legacy continues to resonate today. I’ve always liked films that show how one individual can make a difference in the world when they exhibit this kind of biblical faith, courage and moral integrity. Bonhoeffer is a premier example of this kind of individual.
Lastly, it was evident that Bonhoeffer knew that the Jewish people were God’s historic covenant people and that we should reach out to support and help them when they are attacked. And he clearly realized that Yeshua was Jewish. The challenge for us is to NOT BE SILENT when this is happening again now. Today, we have been shown that we need to go much further than just not being silent, but to learn to “draw near” to our brothers and sisters of Yehudah. Ezekiel 37:15-23 lays out the Father’s plan to draw us (Ephraim/Joseph and Yehudah/Jews) together that we may become One Stick in His hand. In verse 22 we see the ultimate prophetic purpose when the LORD says, “and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms.”
Further resources:
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy – October 6, 2020
by Eric Metaxas
Letter to the American Church – September 20, 2022
by Eric Metaxas
Religionless Christianity: God’s Answer to Evil – April 23, 2024
by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer: From Tyranny to Freedom – March 13, 2020
by Dinah Dye
Woke Jesus: The False Messiah Destroying Christianity
by Lucas Miles | Jun 6, 2023
