Dietrich Bonhoeffer Quote by Hammann Konrad
““Among the theologians of the Confessing Church who early on took Bultmann’s side in the debate over demythologizing was Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In 1942 he declared the commentary on John and the Alpirsbach lecture to be among the most important recent theological publications,269 and expressed his pleasure that with his venture Bultmann had begun an intellectually honest discussion of a problem that many had suppressed. In Asmussen and Dilschneider’s “arrogance” and the “Pharisaism of belief” Bonhoeffer saw “a real disgrace for the Confessing Church.”270 To be sure, he could not endorse Bultmann’s position completely. “I would like to speak with Bultmann about this, and I would like to expose myself to the breeze that emanates from him. But then the window will have to be closed again. Otherwise, those who are delicate will too easily catch a chill.”271 Later, during his imprisonment in Tegel, Bonhoeffer came to think that Bultmann had not gone far enough, and that it was necessary to subject not only mythological but all religious concepts to a nonreligious interpretation.272””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Prison correspondence, Tegel, 1944
Bonhoeffer critiques Bultmann’s demythologizing, urging a more radical reinterpretation of religious concepts while acknowledging the risk of losing essential meaning.
In simple terms: He wants deeper reinterpretation of religion, but warns of losing core meaning.
Key Takeaway
Balance critical analysis with respect for tradition.
Themes
theology
philosophy
ethics
interpretation
Mood
reflective
critical
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- ethical decision‑making
- historical research
Key Concepts
existentialism
historical criticism
faith
courage
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the line between reinterpretation and destruction?
- How can faith remain vital amid radical critique?
A Different Perspective
Over‑critical analysis may erode faith foundations.
