Bonhoeffer had “Street Cred” in the Neighborhood

Last Friday (April 9, 1945) was the 70th anniversary of the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The German theologian and dissident, was hanged for opposing the Nazi regime. He is not just remembered for his death, but for his clear articulation of the incarnational faith, ministry, and community.

Though never fancying myself as much of a theologian, I do enjoy the likes of activist theologians such as Lesslie Newbigen and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. You could say they had “street cred” in the neighborhood. They not only talked of God, they lived out the missio dei (the mission of God).

An introspective question I often ponder is this, “Do I”? Or, am I simply a person who talks a good God game, but when it comes to living it out in my neighborhood, do I really?

I hope I do…I pray I do…and even more so, I pray WE do!

Bonhoeffer was the real deal when it came to living incarnationally and engaging the world around him. These are a few of my favorite (and convicting) thoughts from his writings:

“The Church is the Church only when it exists for others…not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.”

“We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.”

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.”

“We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.”

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

Desiring “street cred” in the neighborhood for the Kingdom’s sake,

Jim

John 1:14

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