Description: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's example of self-sacrificing
discipleship has for over fifty years inspired Christians around
the world in both their resistance to evil and their devotion to
Jesus Christ. Yet for some readers--particularly those who suffer
trauma, abuse, and other forms of violence--Bonhoeffer's insistence
on self-sacrifice, on becoming a ""person for others,"" may prove
more harmful than liberating. For those already socialized into
self-abnegation, uncritical applications of Bonhoeffer's teachings
may reinforce submission, rather than resistance, to evil. This
study explores Bonhoeffer's understandings of selfhood and
spiritual formation, both in his own experience and writings and in
light of the role of gender in psycho-spiritual development. The
central constructive chapter creates a mediated conversation
between Bonhoeffer and these feminist psychologists on the
spiritual formation of survivors of trauma and abuse, including not
only dimensions of his thinking to be critiqued from this
perspective but also important resources he contributes toward a
truly liberating Christian spirituality for those on the underside
of selfhood. The book concludes with suggestions regarding the
broader relevance of this study and implications for ministry. The
insights for spiritual formation developed here provide powerful
proof of Bonhoeffer's continuing and concretely contextualized
relevance for readers across the full spectrum of human selfhood.
Endorsements: ""In light of the nearly legendary stature that
Dietrich Bonhoeffer . . . has attained in our time, it is a
daunting challenge to tackle the thorny issue of the way his
theology can be, and at times has been, employed to further abuse
and oppression rather than liberation by a facile confusion of
submission to the needs of others with authentic Christian
discipleship. Lisa Dahill, herself a Lutheran theologian, has
addressed this problem with courage and balance. . . . May this
excellent study be read by many."" -Han van den Blink, Professor
Emeritus of Ascetical and Pastoral Theology, Bexley Hall Episcopal
Seminary ""Lisa Dahill's study of the spirituality of Dietrich
Bonhoeffer in relation to the experience of women victims of
gender-based abuse is a remarkable combination of unflinching
academically-based criticism and deeply appreciative appropriation
of Bonhoeffer's challenging and inspiring spirituality. It also
offers a highly original theoretical approach to the study of
spirituality as a rich and demanding resource for those who deal
pastorally with abuse victims in a faith context as well as for all
of us who, in one way or another, deal with the ""underside"" of
our own selfhood. Her conclusions about both the value of
particular spiritualities for the universal church and the
non-universality of particular spiritualities themselves
demonstrate precisely the specific contribution of the scholarly
study of spirituality in itself rather than as a subset or offshoot
of theology, ethics, or the personal or social sciences."" -Sandra
M. Schneiders, Professor of New Testament and Christian
Spirituality, Jesuit School of Theology About the Contributor(s):
Lisa E. Dahill is Assistant Professor of Worship and Christian
Spirituality at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. She is
co-chair of the Bonhoeffer: Theology and Social Analysis Group of
the American Academy of Religion and a scholar and translator of
Bonhoeffer's works for the DBWE series from Fortress Press
(Conspiracy and Imprisonment, 1940-1945, DBWE 16, published in
2006; and Resistance and Surrender: Letters and Papers from Prison,
DBWE 8, in process). In addition, she is author of Truly Present:
Practicing Prayer in the Liturgy (2006).
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