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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This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. In it, I unpack Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological reflection on Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, which he sees as a central metaphor for authentic Christian faith. I struggle with Bonhoeffer's conviction that true Christianity isn't found in religious performance or institutional power but in standing with God in suffering. Following Bonhoeffer's interpretation of Jesus's question, "Could you not stay awake with me one hour?" I explore how he sees Jesus calling believers to practice solidarity with those who suffer rather than seeking religious escape or comfort. According to Bonhoeffer, authentic faith emerges through presence in places of abandonment and vulnerability, where God is revealed not as a problem-solver but as one who enters fully into human suffering.

I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+ other people on Process This. If you want to read or watch the essay, you will find it here on SubStack.

ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today

The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"

Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.

Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.

As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!

_____________________

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

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.

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In this illuminating conversation, South African theologian Robert Bonhoeffer shares how Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work influenced the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and continues to speak to contemporary challenges. He describes how Bonhoeffer's theology provided a framework for confronting apartheid's theological justifications, highlighting how the German church struggle offered parallels for South Africa's own church struggles. Robert explores Bonhoeffer's Christology as central to his work, emphasizing how recognition of Christ in others challenges systems of separation and exclusion. The discussion moves to our current global moment, where Robert suggests we may be at a similar historical juncture as the early 1930s, requiring theological vigilance against hardening identities and nationalist rhetoric. He advocates for a theology that remains open to being decentered through engagement with different contexts and voices, even as it stays rooted in particular commitments. Throughout, Robert emphasizes Bonhoeffer's continuing relevance in addressing issues of democracy, populism, and the church's responsibility to guard against dangerous rhetoric that minimizes past injustices.

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.

ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today

The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"

Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.

Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.

As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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In this episode, Tripp & Jeff are joined by Dr. Jennifer McBride. We explore Bonhoeffer's role in McBride's academic and ministerial journey. As a past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society in North America, Jennifer sheds light on how Bonhoeffer's theology has profoundly influenced her life and work. The discussion covers her introduction to Bonhoeffer at the Southeast White House in Washington, D.C., her time teaching in prisons, and her perspective on the church's role in contemporary society. We also explore themes like the importance of community, the significance of repentance, and the challenges of maintaining humility and boldness in public witness. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how Bonhoeffer’s theology can inform and transform modern Christian practice.

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer M. McBride (Ph.D. University of Virginia) is Associate Rector for Formation at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Previously, she served as Associate Professor of Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary and held the Board of Regents Endowed Chair in Ethics at Wartburg College. McBride is the recent past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society and serves as co-editor of the T&T Clark book series, New Studies in Bonhoeffer’s Theology and Ethics. She is author of You Shall Not Condemn: A Story of Faith and Advocacy on Death Row, Radical Discipleship, The Church for the World, and is co-editor of Bonhoeffer and King: Their Legacies and Import for Christian Social Thought.

Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.

Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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In this episode, Tripp & Jeff are joined by theologian Dr. Barry Harvey to unpack the profound legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, examining his intellectual journey, theological insights, and the practical implications of his work. Barry Harvey, notable author of Taking Hold of the Real, shares his deep engagement with Bonhoeffer's philosophy, discussions on Bonhoeffer's critical stance on the use of violence, the importance of truth-telling in Christian communities, and Bonhoeffer's perspectives on tradition and modernity. This comprehensive conversation also explores notable influences on Bonhoeffer, including his connections with Paul Lehman and the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The dialogue spans Bonhoeffer's broad theological contributions and their relevance in today's socio-political context, offering a rich narrative on how Christ-centered allegiance can shape our responses to contemporary issues.

Barry Harvey is Professor of Theology in the Honors College and the Graduate Program in Religion at Baylor University. His other books include Politics of the Theological, Another City, and Can These Bones Live? He has served on the Board of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section, and the Editorial Board of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works.

Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.

Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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In this episode, Tripp & Jeff sit down with esteemed scholar Stephen Haynes, author of The Battle for Bonhoeffer, to explore the complex legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They discuss Bonhoeffer's early influences, his pivotal works, and his controversial political stances. Haynes also sheds light on common misconceptions about Bonhoeffer, especially in the American evangelical context, and critiques the portrayal of Bonhoeffer by figures like Eric Metaxas. The conversation spans Bonhoeffer's theological journey, his resistance to Nazi ideology, and the implications of his teachings for contemporary Christian thought. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted life and impact of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

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.

Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.

Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Pugh and Dr. Diana Rayson have an intimate conversation on the theology and ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Discover Dr. Rayson's journey from climate change activism to Bonhoeffer studies and her unique insight into applying Bonhoeffer's theology to contemporary issues like eco-theology and eco-ethics. Delve into Bonhoeffer’s radical ideas, his focus on Christ's presence in community, and the relevance of his teachings in today's world faced with challenges such as climate change and rising nationalism. This episode offers a rich dialogue on the intersection of historical theology and modern ethical dilemmas.

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.

You can hear her previous conversation on the Homebrewed Christianity podcast - Bonhoeffer & Theology for the Anthropocene.

Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.

Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Tripp & Jeff are joined by Dr. Reggie Williams to delve into the transformative journey of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Williams shares Bonhoeffer's origin story as a theologian and his profound engagement with the black church and Harlem Renaissance. They explore Bonhoeffer's initial philosophical and theological perspectives, his experiences in New York, and the radical shift in his understanding of faith through his encounters with the black community. The conversation also explores how Bonhoeffer's immersion in the Abyssinian Baptist Church and Harlem Renaissance influenced his views on suffering, racism, and Christian responsibility. Williams provides a nuanced view of Bonhoeffer, highlighting both his brilliance and the limitations of his ethnocentric perspectives, and examines the potential pitfalls of mythologizing historical figures without critical reflection. This episode offers deep insights into Bonhoeffer's legacy and its relevance today.

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. He recently released the documentary film “The Cloud of Witnesses: Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Harlem 1930/31."

Here’s Reggie’s previous visits to the Homebrewed Christianity podcast:

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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In this episode, 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.'

Follow the Rise of Bonhoeffer podcast here.

Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE

Want 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. You can get more info 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.

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.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life from the collapse of his seminary to his imprisonment, focusing on his involvement in anti-Nazi conspiracy and failed assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer's internal and external struggles under the oppressive Nazi regime are explored, including his banishment from Berlin, the closure of his seminary by the Gestapo, and the imprisonment of his students. His moral quandaries, including whether to serve in Hitler's army, his bonds with his family, and his eventual involvement in the anti-Nazi resistance, are discussed. The conversation demythologizes aspects of Bonhoeffer's legacy, providing historical clarity on his roles in Operation Seven and his non-involvement in direct assassination plots. To close, we look at his ethical struggle in his 'After 10 Years' letter, illustrating Bonhoeffer's enduring commitment to Christ in a time of cataclysmic moral challenge, making him a complex and unfinished hero of history.

Follow the Rise of Bonhoeffer podcast here.

Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE

Want 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. You can get more info 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.

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.

Michael DeJonge is Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies department, where he teaches about the history of Christian thought, theories and methods in religious studies, and religion in modern society. He’s been teaching at USF since earning a Ph.D. in Religion from Emory University in 2009.

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.

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.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,00 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices