Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Content Warning: Bonhoeffer makes frequent reference to issues relating to antisemitism under the Nazi regime, including the persecution, torture, and mass murder of the Holocaust.

The Prologue begins at the end—at Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s memorial service in the summer of 1945, in London, England. The service at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton Road, was broadcast across England and Germany, and for many listeners it served as their first introduction to a German pastor and theologian who had served the German church all his life, even to the point of seeking to eliminate Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer was the friend of George Bell, one of the most prominent bishops of the Anglican church, and the son of Germany’s leading psychologist, Karl Bonhoeffer.

The Prologue’s focus zooms in on a house in Berlin to give a glimpse of Karl and Paula Bonhoeffer, sitting and listening as their son’s life and passing was recounted for all the world to hear.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born into a prestigious family. His mother trained as a teacher and his father was one of the most notable psychologists in Germany at the time. Both sides of their family tree were full of people with notable accomplishments: On his mother’s side, imperial officials, theologians, artists, musicians, and philosophers; and on his father’s side, judges, lawyers, and leaders in local politics.