Christian Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
““Let the Christian remain in the world, not because of the good gifts of creation, nor because of his responsibility for the course of the world, but for the sake of the Church. Let him remain in the world to engage in frontal assault on it, and let him live the life of his secular calling in order to show himself as a stranger in the world all the more. But that is only possible if we are visible members of the Church. The antithesis between the world and the Church must be borne out in the world. That was the purpose of the incarnation. That is why Christ died among his enemies. That is the reason and the only reason why the slave must remain a slave and the Christian remain subject to the powers that be.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Ethics, 1947
Christians should stay engaged in the world as visible members of the Church, confronting its flaws while remaining faithful to their calling.
In simple terms: Christians live in the world to challenge it, showing their faith through visible church membership.
Key Takeaway
Live faithfully while actively engaging societal structures.
Themes
faith
social engagement
church mission
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- church involvement
- social justice
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
theology
public witness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can believers be both obedient and prophetic?
- What risks arise from confronting secular powers?
A Different Perspective
Balancing submission to authority with prophetic critique is difficult.
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