Letters Papers from Prison Author:Dietrich Bonhoeffer "Bonhoeffer is teaching a few Protestants what it means to say 'yes' to the 20th century and still somehow stay recognizably Protestant. A look at a few of his seminal ideas will make this clear. The significant works are the ETHICS...and, most important of all, LETTERS AND PAPERS FROM PRISON.... Three central ideas from this book are in the p... more »rocess of becoming part of the general intellectual equipment of a good many younger observers of the American scene, both those of a good many younger observers of the American scene, both those with and those without an interest in what is usually called theology." --William Hamilton, The Nation
This new, greatly expanded version of LETTERS AND PAPERS FROM PRISON, while omitting nothing found in the earlier edition, shifts the emphasis of earlier editions on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological reflections to the private sphere of his life. Bonhoeffer's letters now appear in far greater detail, and show his daily concerns and the enormous warmth and humanity of the young German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his part in the "officers plot." References to Bonhoeffer's fiancee and their plans for marriage, omitted in earlier editions, are now included as is her recent article containing excerpts from his personal letters. Letters from Bonhoeffer's parents, brothers, sisters, and other relatives have been added. The book also contains hitherto inaccessible letters and legal papers referring to Bonhoeffer's trial, a reminiscence by Karl-Friedrich Bonhoeffer of the time spent in prison by members of his family, and a new introduction by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's close friend Eberhard Bethge. These and other pieces -- when combined with the historical and theological passages -- give aspects of Bonhoeffer's experience a new setting in the context of the war years.« less