What's up Theology Nerds! Today on the podcast I'm joined by Lori Brandt Hale, Bonhoeffer scholar and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, for a mind-expanding exploration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological journey. Rather than just rehashing the heroic end of Bonhoeffer's story, we dive deep into the continuous threads that run through his work - from his early dissertation on community to his prison writings. Lori unpacks how Bonhoeffer's encounters with others - from Jean Lasserre at Union Seminary to his experiences in the ecumenical movement - kept "changing the lenses" through which he viewed Christianity and the world. We explore the powerful concept of "Stellvertretung" (vicarious representative action), his evolving critique of religion, and how his Christology led to his boundary-dissolving vision of the church. Lori also challenges mainstream interpretations of Bonhoeffer by exploring "post-theist" readings of his prison theology and pushes back against those who weaponize his legacy to justify Christian nationalism. This conversation reveals a Bonhoeffer whose theological clarity came through encounter with the other, whose central question remains "Who is Jesus Christ for us today?", and whose vision offers profound challenges to churches seeking power rather than becoming "the church for others."

Lori Brandt Hale is professor and chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. She is the Vice President of the International Bonhoeffer Society and co-editor of and contributor to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theology, and Political Resistance. She is also the co-author of Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians.

Join Lori, Jeff, and Tripp at Theology Beer Camp this October 16-18 in St. Paul, MN.

Theology Beer Camp ⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠Get info and tickets here⁠.

Upcoming Online Class:⁠⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠⁠

"⁠⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth.

⁠⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here.

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⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠

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