EP 05: Setting the Table in the Midst of the Nazis
Rise of Bonhoeffer: 8-part audio docuseries on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Hey Theology Nerds,
In the fifth episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we begin in the pivotal year of 1933. As Hitler ascends to power, massive transformations occur in Germany, impacting both society and the church. The episode explores Bonhoeffer's resistance to Nazi influence, the formation and legacy of the Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer's move to London, and his eventual return to Germany to steer an underground seminary at Finkenwalde.
Key events such as the drafting of the Bethel Confession, the German Christian movement's alignment with Nazi ideology, and the significance of the Barmen Declaration are explored. This episode uncovers Bonhoeffer’s theological struggles, his unwavering fight against anti-Semitism and authoritarianism within the church, and his turn to the ecumenical movement as allies in waging peace.
SUBSCRIBE to the Rise of Bonhoeffer Podcast and listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on www.BonhoefferPodcast.com.
LET’S GO TO BERLIN TOGETHER IN JUNE 2025!
Spend a week with Tripp and Andrew Root at Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience.
READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BONHOEFFER?
Join our open online companion class, The Rise of Bonhoeffer, and get access to full interviews from the Bonhoeffer scholars, participate in deep-dive sessions with Tripp and Jeff, unpack curated readings from Bonhoeffer, send in your questions, and join the online community of fellow Bonhoeffer learners. The class is donation-based, including $0. Our next livestream for class members is on Tuesday, November 5th at 10am PT / 1pm ET (with replays available).
SHARE WITH A FRIEND: Here are are three websites that are easy to share!
RiseofBonhoeffer.com - invite them to join the online class.
BonhoefferPodcast.com - share the new eight-part audio docuseries.
BonhoefferTrip.com - join Tripp and Andrew in Berlin!
BonhoefferGiveaway.com - enter to win Bonhoeffer Works worth $1000.
See you inside the class!
Tripp
P.S., After you listen to the episode, we invite you to leave a review here.
Featured Scholars in This Episode
Victoria J. Barnett served from 2004-2014 as one of the general editors of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, the English translation series of Bonhoeffer’s complete works. She has lectured and written extensively about the Holocaust, particularly about the role of the German churches. In 2004 she began directing the Programs on Ethics, Religion, and the Holocaust at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum until her retirement.
Reggie L. Williams is an Associate Professor of Theological Studies at St. Louis University. He is the author of “Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance,” which was selected as a Choice Outstanding Title in 2015 in the field of religion. The book focuses on Bonhoeffer’s exposure to Harlem Renaissance intellectuals and worship at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist during his time at Union Seminary in New York from 1930 to 1931.
Lori Brandt Hale, trained in philosophical theology and philosophy of religion, specializes in the life and legacy of German theologian and Nazi resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and currently serves as the president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language. She is the co-editor of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theology, and Political Resistance. She is also the co-author of Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians.
Stephen Haynes is the Albert Bruce Curry Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee and Theologian-in-Residence at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. He is a Dietrich Bonhoeffer scholar and author or editor of over 14 books including The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon, The Bonhoeffer Legacy, and The Battle for Bonhoeffer: Debating Discipleship in the Age of Trump. In this book, Haynes examines “populist” readings of Bonhoeffer, including court evangelical Eric Metaxas’s book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
Register Now for the Online Class!
An Original 8-Part Audio Docuseries
Our audio docuseries will guide you through Bonhoeffer's life, giving the details needed to read his texts in a historical context.Interviews with Prolific Bonhoeffer Scholars
Extended interviews with many of the prolific living Bonhoeffer scholars will deepen your understanding of his life.9 Livestreams With Dr. Pugh & Dr. Fuller
Our hosts Dr. Jeffrey Pugh and Dr. Tripp Fuller will unpack the selected readings and Bonhoeffer scholarship.Class Resource Page With Access to Replays
Can't make one of the livestreams? All replays will be available on the Class Resource Page, and you can go back to listen anytime during the class.Private Online Community to Connect and Share
Join the private Facebook group to connect with other participants and access all lectures and livetream replays.Answers to Your Questions
Dr. Jeffrey Pugh and Dr. Tripp Fuller will answer questions from class members during the livestreams.
COST: A course like this is typically offered for $250 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can to help make this possible for everyone - including the option to donate $0!
ASYNCHRONOUS 100% ONLINE - You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. All lectures, livestreams, and replays are available on the Class Resource Page.
About Dr. Jeffrey C. Pugh
Dr. Jeffrey C. Pugh recently retired as Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of Religious Studies and Distinguished University Professor from Elon University in North Carolina. The author of six books ranging from Barth, religion and science, and the apocalyptic imagination to Bonhoeffer, Pugh’s work has focused on Christian complicity in the Holocaust and the lessons that can be applied to instruct future generations. His latest work, a chapter on his reflections while he was participating in the clergy resistance at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, is found in Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theology, and Resistance. He and his wife Jan, a retired United Methodist minister, make their home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
About Dr. Tripp Fuller
Tripp Fuller recently moved back to North Carolina and started as Visiting Professor of Theology at Luther Theological Seminary after three years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theology & Science at the University of Edinburgh. He recently released Divine Self-Investment: a Constructive Open and Relational Christology, the first book in the Studies in Open and Relational Theology series. For over 15 years Tripp has been doing the Homebrewed Christianity podcast (think on-demand internet radio) where he interviews different scholars about their work so you can get nerdy in traffic, on the treadmill, or doing the dishes. Last year it had over 4 million downloads. It also inspired a book series with Fortress Press called the Homebrewed Christianity Guides to... topics like God, Jesus, Spirit, Church History, etc. Tripp is a very committed and (some of his friends think overly) engaged Lakers fan and takes Star Wars and Lord of the Rings very seriously
Bonhoeffer Trip to Berlin
RISE OF BONHOEFFER: Travel-Learning Experience
June 21-26, 2025 (Berlin, Germany)
Explore theology, culture, and Christianity through the lens and story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Dr. Andrew Root & Dr. Tripp Fuller will guide us through an integrative mix of lectures, tours, conversations, and experiential learning.
