Synopses & Reviews
Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer is certain to inspire a new consideration of Bonhoeffer's place in contemporary theology. In this groundbreaking study, Charles Marsh offers a new way of reading the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer--a Christian theologian who was executed for his role in the resistance against Hitler and the Nazis. Focusing on Bonhoeffer's substantial philosophical interests, Marsh examines his work in the context of the German philosophical tradition, from Kant through Hegel to Heidegger. With an eye on the contemporary debate about the sources of the self, Marsh argues that Bonhoeffer's description of human identity offers a compelling alternative to post-Kantian conceptions of selfhood. By evaluating Bonhoeffer's writings against the background of modern German philosophy, Marsh shows that Bonhoeffer, while working within the boundaries of Barth's theology, provides both a powerful critique and an innovative redescription of the tradition of transcendental subjectivity. Attentive to past scholarly endeavors as well as to recent conversations in critical theory, philosophical hermeneutics, and systematic theology, this fresh and original study of Bonhoeffer will undoubtedly provoke important discussion not only in the theological academy and the church, but also in the broader forums of intellectual life.
Review
"This book is a theological sensation....At the end of the 20th century, I consider it to be an exciting event. Nobody who attempts to define Bonhoeffer's legacy today will be able to ignore Marsh's book."--Eberhard Bethge, friend and biographer of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"A careful and detailed reading of everything Bonhoeffer wrote. His theological analysis of these writings, few published in his lifetime, is meticulous....Beautifully written....The whole book is well documented throughout and the notes are full and helpful."--Theology
"Excellent....It is a scholarly, although accessible work....The achievement of this book is impressive and amply delivers on its stated goal of `Reclaiming Dietrich Bonhoeffer'. I hope that it will renew interest in Bonhoeffer's theology and become a sure guide for those eager to make their way into the complexities of his thought."--Reviews in Religion and Theology
"Charles Marsh has done an uncommon thing: he has written an original book on Bonhoeffer."--The Expository Times
"...Marsh's book is excellent....I recommend this book to anyone concerned with theology and the renewal of the church. His book is...innovative...and should not be missed."--Journal of the NABPR
"In this book the author has done something unique..."--The Princeton Seminary Bulletin
Synopsis
In this book, Marsh offers a new way of reading the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian theologian who was executed for his role in the resistance against Hitler and the Nazis. Focusing on Bonhoeffer's substantial philosophical interests, Marsh examines his work in the context of the German philosophical tradition, from Kant through Hegel to Heidegger. Marsh argues that Bonhoeffer's description of human identity offers a compelling alternative to post-Kantian conceptions of selfhood. In addition, he shows that Bonhoeffer, while working within the boundaries of Barth's theology, provides both a critique and redescription of the tradition of transcendental subjectivity. This fresh look at Bonhoeffer's thought will provoke much discussion in the theological academy and the church, as well as in broader forums of intellectual life.