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Theologian. Conspirator. Martyr. Saint. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed in the waning days of World War II, having been implicated in the July 20th assassination attempt on Hitler. Since his death, Bonhoeffer's life and writings have inspired contradictory responses. He is often seen as a model for Christian pacifist resistance, and more recently for violent direct political action. Bonhoeffer's name has been invoked by violent anti-abortion protestors as well as political leaders calling for support on a "war on terror" inthe aftermath of 9/11. Petra Brown critically analyses Bonhoeffer's writing preceding and during his conspiracy involvement, particularly his recurring concept of the "extraordinary." Brown examines this idea in light of "the state of exception," a concept coined by the one-time Nazi jurist and political theorist, Carl Schmitt. She also draws on the existentialist philosopher Sören Kierkegaard to consider what happens when discipleship is understood as obedience to a divine command. This book aims to complicate an unreflective admiration of Bonhoeffer's decision for conspiracy, and draws attention to the potentially dangerous implications of his emerging political theology. 

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05698-8

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Introduction

Brown Petra

1-11

Bonhoeffer

Brown Petra

13-34

Pacifism

Brown Petra

35-56

Bonhoeffer's turn to conspiracy

Brown Petra

57-78

Political theology and the state of exception

Brown Petra

79-100

The extraordinary situation and the state of exception

Brown Petra

101-121

The obedient existential disciple

Brown Petra

123-144

The limits of the extraordinary situation?

Brown Petra

145-166

Bonhoeffer in a crisis-world

Brown Petra

167-188

Conclusion

Brown Petra

189-200