From the Phraseological to the Real: Bonhoeffer in America

Posted on December 28, 2015 by PLT Staff

Lecture given by Charles Marsh at the American Academy in Berlin, Germany. Marsh proposes Bonhoeffer to be a theologian for our time, reflecting on his life and legacy in light of his first visit to America in 1930-1931. The presentation focuses on three aspects of Bonhoeffer’s “journey to reality”: his encounter with American social theology, his encounter with the American organizing tradition, and his encounter with African American Christianity and culture. For a listing of all our Occasional Lectures, click here.

Excerpt: “In a time of deception and mass oppression, Bonhoeffer saw clearly how dangerous new forces were emerging in world history that could not have been seen in the old alternatives. He pondered whether in response there would arise responsible-thinking people who would have the strength to stand fast, remain honest, and live with civil courage in the face of deception and propaganda.”

  • Video Information
  • Date Recorded:March 11, 2010
  • Location Recorded:Berlin, Germany
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