Editor @Salann

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, anti-Nazi pastor and theologian, was martyred 75 years ago today, on April 9 1945. Painfully, his death was only weeks before the surrender of Germany and the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

Born and raised in Germany but later spending time in America, Bonhoeffer had the opportunity to wait out the war in safety on distant shores. But he felt called to suffer with his people, and returned to Germany to battle Hitler.

Bonhoeffer famously became persuaded of the need for violence against the Nazi regime and joined a group called the Abwehr, whose primary mission was to assassinate Hitler.  

Tragically, he was arrested for his suspected involvement in this group as well as helping Jews flee the country. He was sentenced to hang with co-conspirators.

Bonhoeffer was a hero. Fearless, wise and principled to the end. His writings gave hope to many Christians facing similar persecution in Germany, and in other places in subsequent decades.

Whilst in prison, he wrote powerful letters that were smuggled out to fellow believers to encourage them, and encourage the resistance. The letters of Dietrich Bonhoeffer serve as a touchstone for Christian opposition to injustice.

As well as being inspiring, Bonhoeffer’s work is encouraging and challenging. It speaks to us today just as powerfully as it spoke to Christians in 1945.

Consider these five great quotes by the martyr.

One

“There is meaning in every journey that is unknown to the traveler.

Two

“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.” 

Three

“The blessedness of waiting is lost on those who cannot wait, and the fulfillment of promise is never theirs. They want quick answers to the deepest questions of life and miss the value of those times of anxious waiting, seeking with patient uncertainties until the answers come. They lose the moment when the answers are revealed in dazzling clarity.”

Four

“Seek God, not happiness  – this is the fundamental rule of all meditation. If you seek God alone, you will gain happiness: that is its promise.” 

Five

“One act of obedience is worth a hundred sermons.”