Dorothee Soelle once wrote, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is the one German theologian who will lead us into the third millennium." As we near the end of the first decade of this third millennium, Bonhoeffer continues to inspire new generations as a spiritual guide for their actions on behalf of peace and social justice. This book by Geffrey Kelly provides a critical analysis and reading guide to two of the spiritual classics that are now available in new English translations. 'Reading Bonhoeffer' offers a running commentary of each segment of these popular texts along with discussion questions suitable for the university and seminary classroom as well as parish adult education programmes. In a final section of the book, Kelly excerpts and analyzes three significant texts by Bonhoeffer on the need for world peace against the rising militarism and continued glorification of war. Geffrey B. Kelly is Professor of Systematic Theology at La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Best known for his research and publications on the theology and spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Kelly is past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section. The present book is the offshoot of his editorial work for the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works English Edition. Among his recent works on Bonhoeffer are 'Liberating Faith' (2002), 'The Cost of Moral Leadership' (2002), and 'A Testament to Freedom' (1995).

Description: Though Soren Kierkegaard and Dietrich Bonhoeffer both made considerable contributions to twentieth-century thought, they are rarely considered together. Against Kierkegaard's melancholic individual, Bonhoeffer stands as the champion of the church and community. In Attacks on Christendom, Matthew D. Kirkpatrick challenges these stereotypical readings of these two vital thinkers. Through an analysis of such concepts as epistemology, ethics, Christology, and ecclesiology, Kirkpatrick reveals Kierkegaard's significant influence on Bonhoeffer throughout his work. Kirkpatrick shows that Kierkegaard underlies not only Bonhoeffer's spirituality but also his concepts of knowledge, being, and community. So important is this relationship that it was through Kierkegaard's powerful representation of Abraham and Isaac that Bonhoeffer came to adhere to an ethic that led to his involvement in the assassination attempts against Hitler. However, this relationship is by no means one-sided. Attacks on Christendom argues for the importance of Bonhoeffer as an interpreter of Kierkegaard, drawing Kierkegaard's thought into his own unique context, forcing Kierkegaard to answer very different questions. Bonhoeffer helps in converting the obscure, obdurate Dane into a thinker for his own, unique age. Both Kierkegaard and Bonhoeffer have been criticized and misunderstood for their final works that lay bare the religious climates of their nations. In the final analysis, Attacks on Christendom argues that these works are not unfortunate endings to their careers, but rather their fulfilment, drawing together the themes that had been brewing throughout their work. Endorsements: ""Kierkegaard and Bonhoeffer are undoubtedly two of the greatest figures of modern theology, and there has been much speculation and suggestion as to the influence of the one on the other. However, Kirkpatrick is the first to have documented the scope of Bonhoeffer's reading of Kierkegaard and laid the foundations for a proper scholarly assessment of their relationship, including recognition of their differences. But he does more than this, since he goes on to explore the interweaving of shared themes in their two bodies of work and to show how they combine to offer both a powerful critique of conventional Christianity and a vision for the renewal of Christian discipleship. Kirkpatrick's work is an excellent example of how to combine Christian commitment and scholarly rigor and may be strongly commended to all contemporary Christians who are seriously concerned about the church's uncertain, intellectual response to modernity."" --George Pattison Christ Church, Oxford ""Finally we have a book on Kierkegaard and Bonhoeffer that reflects a comprehensive study of both men, thereby providing a solid basis for future research in the area as well as identifying in the two a powerful, shared voice for speaking to today's world."" --Andrew J. Burgess Professor of Philosophy Emeritus The University of New Mexico About the Contributor(s): Matthew D. Kirkpatrick is tutor in Theology and Ethics at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford.

In this book, a physician, well-known for praying with his patients, and an award-winning professor of theology share their insights on how religious faith can provide help in the healing process of today's health care ministry. The authors avoid rehashing analytical theories on suffering and the "miracles" of healing they may have seen, instead examining how personal faith can enhance the immune system, how a spiritual outlook can help bear the burden of suffering and grief, and how forbearance and forgiveness are crucial in maintaining a healthy attitude toward life.

Description: Dorothee Soelle once wrote, ""Dietrich Bonhoeffer is the one German theologian who will lead us into the third millennium."" As we near the end of the first decade of this third millennium, Bonhoeffer continues to inspire new generations as a spiritual guide for their actions on behalf of peace and social justice. This book by Geffrey Kelly provides a critical analysis and reading guide to two of the spiritual classics that are now available in new translations through Fortress Press. Reading Bonhoeffer offers a running commentary of each segment of these popular texts along with discussion questions suitable for the university and seminary classroom as well as parish adult education programs. In a final section of the book, Kelly excerpts and analyzes three significant texts by Bonhoeffer on the need for world peace against the rising militarism and continued glorification of war in Germany and other European nations. Endorsements: Geffrey Kelly fuses personal characteristics that define him--deep sensitivity for spirituality, ecumenical openness and knowledge, the discipline of individual and communal practice of devotion, a sharp eye for contextuality, and his unmistakable Irish passion--and mingles them into this study of two widely acclaimed works by Bonhoeffer. The combination of those elements, and his intimate knowledge of the literature by and on Bonhoeffer, make for a fresh, well-written, and compelling introduction . . . and highlight Dietrich Bonhoeffer's relevance for living in today's context as followers of Christ. --H. Martin Rumscheidt Atlantic School of Theology Halifax, Nova Scotia Reading Bonhoeffer--both vintage Kelly and vintage Bonhoeffer--will serve to introduce yet another generation to this important voice from the church's immediate past. Specialists and those looking for an introduction to Bonhoeffer's faith and witness, as well as the average Christian seeking to grow in faith, will benefit from this text. In this presentation, both Bonhoeffer's and Kelly's passion for Christian discipleship comes through. --H. Gaylon Barker V. P., International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section Editor, Theological Education at Finkenwalde, 1935-1937 Geffrey Kelley, a prolific writer in the field of theology and religion, has now provided what I think is his best and most helpful work in spirituality--a work useful for ordinary readers as well as scholars in living their own daily lives."" --Charles W. Sensel United Methodist Minister Emeritus Board Member, International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section About the Contributor(s): Geffrey B. Kelly is Professor of Systematic Theology at La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Best known for his research and publications on the theology and spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Kelly is past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section. The present book is the offshoot of his editorial work for the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works English Edition--the new translations and critical editions of the collected writings of Bonhoeffer, which are being published by Fortress Press. Among his recent works on Bonhoeffer are Liberating Faith (2002), The Cost of Moral Leadership (2002), and A Testament to Freedom: (1995).

Karl Rahner's (1904-84) creative proposals in theological areas made him one of the giants of 20th-century theology. The depth of his contributions has made study of Rahner's writings difficult, but Kelly's anthology of Rahner's writings overcomes the obstacles beautifully. A select bibliography neatly organizes the vast work by and on Rahner. Part of The Making of Modern Theology Series.