The first of the chronological volumes in this acclaimed critical edition of Bonhoeffer's work gathers his one hundred earliest letters and journals from after the First World War through his graduation from Berlin University. It also contains his early theological writings up to his dissertation. These seventeen works include, for example, works on the patristic period for Adolf von Harnack, on Luther's moods for Karl Holl, on biblical interpretation for Professor Reinhold Seeberg, as well as essays on the church and eschatology, reason and revelation, Job, John, and even joy. Rounding out this picture of Bonhoeffer's nascent theology are his sermons from the period, along with his lectures on homiletics, catechesis, and practical theology.
In translation for the first time, these writings show Bonhoeffer as pastor and theologian alert to his times and developing the formative themes of his religious worldview.
Table of Contents:
General Editor's Foreword to Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works
Abbreviations
Editor's Introduction to the English Edition, Paul Duane Matheny
PART 1 Letters, Diary, Documents
A. The First World War and the Beginning of the Republic. Final School Years. January 1918 - March1923.
B. Student Life in Tubingen. April 1923 - February 1924.
C. Trip to Italy. April - June 1924.
D. University Years in Berlin. June 1924 - July 1927.
E. Graduation with a Doctoral Degree and First Theological Examinations. July 1927 - January 1928
A. Papers from Secondary School Years. February 1920 - January 1923.
B. Papers Reflecting Theological Orientation. 1925.
C. Papers on the Third Article in the Field of Bonhoeffer's Dissertation. January - November 1926.
D. Papers in the Final Phase of His University years: Doctoral Examination and the First Theological Examination. January 1927 - January 1928
A. Congregational Sermons and Children's Sermons Before Taking Part in Seminars in Practical Theology. October 1925 - May 1926.
B. Texts from the Homiletics and Catechetical Seminar. Summer Semester 1926.
C. Addresses for Children's Worship Services. November 1926 - April 1927.
D. Paper for a Youth Group, Catechetical Lessons for Youth, and an Examination Sermon. April - October 1927
Appendices
Bibliography
Index of Scriptural References
Index of Names
Index of Subjects
Editors and Translators
About the Author :
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the most significant Protestant theologians of the twentieth century, a legacy sealed by his imprisonment in a German concentration camp and eventual execution. His resistance against Nazism and pivotal role in the Confessing Church movement have been key points of illumination for many on the nature of Christian political witness and action. Millions have been inspired by his rich reflections on the Christian life, especially his beloved works on discipleship and ethics. As a professor, seminary leader, and ecumenical theologian, Bonhoeffer's work also profoundly shaped academic theology, especially systematic theology, and the life of the church.
Clifford J. Green is professor emeritus of theology, Hartford Seminary, Connecticut, and author of numerous works on Bonhoeffer. He is the executive director of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works.
Marshall D. Johnson was a biblical scholar, pastor, and former editorial director of Fortress Press. He wrote several books, including Making Sense of the Bible (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2002) and The Evolution of Christianity (Continuum, 2005). He lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
