Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

Eric Metaxas delivers an extensive biography of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas chronicles Bonhoeffer’s life from childhood, through his academic years, his pastoral years, time spent with the German Resistance against Hitler, and finally ends with his execution. Throughout the biography, Metaxas inserts letters and writings that further help us to understand the thought process behind Bonhoeffer’s actions. Additionally, Metaxas includes a lot of history to help the reader understand the culture and times in which Bonhoeffer lived.

I LOVED this biography. I would HIGHLY recommend it to everyone I know. I haven’t read much Bonhoeffer, but reading about his life and the small snippets of his writings makes me want to immediately go out and read everything he’s ever written. This work was inspiring and often quite convicting. There were times when Metaxas was very wordy and he really enjoyed using clichés, but I was willing to look past all that because of how incredible the story was. And the fact that Bonhoeffer actually lived and did all these things rather than just being some made up hero figure is what really makes this biography so great. It shows us that we can live truly powerful lives if we completely commit ourselves and our wills into God’s hands. Don’t be daunted by how long this book is. Every once in awhile it seems to drag, but it is truly worth the time.

*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255