EP 08: The Unfinished Hero
Rise of Bonhoeffer: 8-part audio docuseries on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Hey Theology Nerds,
In this episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we explore the profound theological struggle of Dietrich Bonhoeffer from prison. The discussion delves into Bonhoeffer’s critiques of traditional religious constructs and his vision of 'religionless Christianity.' We trace his time of imprisonment and eventual execution by the Nazis. In his letters from prison, Bonhoeffer wrestles with Christianity's relationship to the modern world, its future, and the profound question of how Christ is to be understood in a 'world come of age.'
SUBSCRIBE to the Rise of Bonhoeffer Podcast and listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on www.BonhoefferPodcast.com.
Join Our Online Advent Class Now!
Each week, Dr. Tripp Fuller will be joined by a fellow scholar who specializes in that week’s theologian, providing a dynamic, engaging introduction to the thinker’s life, theology, and Advent preaching.
Each session will combine lecture, lively dialogue, and interactive Q&A, ensuring that you not only gain historical and theological insight, but also feel empowered to consider how these thinkers can speak to our present moment.
Whether you’re new to theology or a seasoned reader, this Advent journey promises to deepen your understanding of Christmas—and the God who arrives when the world is most in need.
4 Lectures On Each Advent Topic & Theologian
Watch each 30 minute lecture and read the accompanying pdf to help you engage with the subject and theologian on a deeper level.
"The Radical God of Advent" - Karl Barth
"Incarnation as Resistance" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Courage to Be in the Face of Advent" - Paul Tillich
"Demythologizing Advent" - Rudolf Bultmann
4 Livestreamed Sessions with Tripp and Our Scholars
Watch and engage in livestream sessions where Dr. Tripp Fuller will be joined by a fellow scholar who specializes in that week’s theologian, providing a dynamic, engaging introduction to the thinker’s life, theology, and Advent preaching.
Livestream Schedule: Mondays (11am PT / 2pm ET) - December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd with replays available.
Question and Answer Time During Livestreams
Interact directly with Tripp and featured scholars during the livestreams.
Receive personalized responses to your questions, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the course material.
Online Community
Join a supportive and vibrant online community, connecting with fellow participants who share similar experiences and questions.
Foster meaningful relationships, share insights, and grow together in a space that values diverse perspectives.
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.
COST: A course like this is typically offered for $250 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can (including $0) to help make this possible for everyone!
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.
Elanor McLaughlin is Tutor in Theology at Ripon College Cuddesdon, with a focus on doctrine and ethics. She holds theology degrees from the University of Oxford (BA and DPhil) and the University of Geneva (Maîtrise en Théologie). Her research interests include the life and thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theological anthropology and disability theology.
Di Rayson is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji and is an ecotheologian and Bonhoeffer scholar, having published widely. Her first book was Bonhoeffer and Climate Change: Theology and Ethics for the Anthropocene. Di is an Anglican lay preacher, singer and cellist. When in Australia she lives on a small farm between the mountains and the sea.
Barry Harvey is professor of theology in the Religion Department as well as in the Great Texts program of the Honors College here at Baylor University. Among other specialties, Barry is a Bonhoeffer scholar, exploring Bonhoeffer’s thought in classes, articles, and a book titled Taking Hold of the Real: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Profound Worldliness of Christianity. He has served on the Board of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section, and the Editorial Board of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works.
Robert Vosloo is professor in Systematic theology at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and a senior researcher at the Beyers Naudé Center for Public Theology at the same institution. His most recent book is entitled Reforming Memory: Essays on South African Church and Theological History.
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.
SHARE WITH A FRIEND: Here are several 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.
Let’s Go to Berlin Together in June 2025!
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.
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.
