Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian, pastor, and anti-Nazi dissident. He was born on February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland), and died on April 9, 1945, in Flossenbürg concentration camp, Germany.
Bonhoeffer was known for his courageous opposition to the Nazi regime and involvement in the German Resistance movement during World War II. He strongly opposed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi ideology, advocating for protecting human rights and preserving Christian principles in the face of tyranny.
As a theologian, Bonhoeffer emphasised the importance of a "religionless Christianity" that actively engages with the world and confronts social injustices. He believed that true faith should be demonstrated through concrete actions and that Christians should not remain silent in the face of evil.
Bonhoeffer's most influential works include "The Cost of Discipleship" (1937), in which he explores the concept of "cheap grace" versus "costly grace," and "Letters and Papers from Prison" (1951), a collection of his writings during his imprisonment.
Despite his efforts to resist the Nazi regime, Bonhoeffer was arrested in April 1943 and was imprisoned for his involvement in the resistance activities. He was implicated in a plot to assassinate Hitler and was executed by hanging just weeks before the end of the war.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and writings inspire people worldwide, highlighting the moral courage and unwavering commitment to justice even in the darkest times. He is regarded as one of the most prominent Christian martyrs of the 20th century.
