Living Out Our Faith

 

The theological implications of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s thoughts and actions are deeply intertwined with his existential situation as he faced the Nazi regime. This reality provides a profound context for discussing what it means to live out one’s faith and follow Jesus today, particularly through the lens of Bonhoeffer’s concept of “religionless Christianity.” This exploration draws from the Bible to reflect on spiritual truths and scriptural references.

Bonhoeffer’s Context and the State of Christianity

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and theology were formed against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, a context in which the Christian confession faced real and existential challenges. Bonhoeffer’s resistance to the Nazi regime and his involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler are reflections of his understanding of what true discipleship entails. This dilemma was not merely a theoretical stance but a costly discipleship that led to his execution.

Bonhoeffer’s theological journey, particularly during his time in prison, led him to question the very essence of Christianity in contemporary society. His thoughts during this period were captured in his letters and papers from prison, where he expressed a shift towards a “religionless Christianity.” He speculated about a future where Christianity would need to exist without the traditional religious trappings that had been its markers throughout history.

Living Out Faith: Following Jesus in a “Religionless” Context

It is essential to reflect that following Jesus might look radically different from the institutional and cultural Christianity most are accustomed to understanding Bonhoeffer’s concept of living out faith in a “religionless” context. Bonhoeffer challenged the Church to return to the essence of what it means to be followers of Christ—living out the teachings of Jesus in practical, everyday actions, particularly emphasizing social justice, mercy, and humility.

In grappling with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of a “religionless Christianity,” we encounter a provocative challenge to traditional views of what it means to live out faith. This challenge is not simply a critique of institutional religiosity but a radical call to embody the teachings of Jesus in ways that confront and engage the complexities of modern existence. The call to follow Jesus in a “religionless” context necessitates a transformative understanding of discipleship that transcends the boundaries of cultural and institutional Christianity to engage deeply with the world in its present state.

Theological Foundation in Scripture

To begin, we must anchor this discussion in the scriptural basis for understanding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Gospel, according to Matthew, provides a profound insight into the essence of what Jesus preached and how he lived. In Matthew 5:1-12, known as the Beatitudes, Jesus outlines the blessings on those who embody meekness, humility, righteousness, mercy, and peacemaking. This passage calls Christians not merely to internal spirituality or ritual compliance but to an outward, lived reality that reflects the kingdom values:

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:7-9, ESV)

These beatitudes are not abstract ideals but tangible qualities that should characterize the lives of those who follow Christ. They challenge the followers of Jesus to live in a way that visibly differs from societal norms, emphasizing humility, justice, and compassion.

Discipleship as Active Engagement

Bonhoeffer’s view of discipleship sharply critiques forms of Christianity that are disengaged from societal and existential realities. He argued that true discipleship involves stepping into the social issues of the time with the transformative message of the Gospel. This discipleship is evident in his own life, where he engaged directly with his time’s political and social turmoil, reflecting Jesus’ engagement with the marginalized and oppressed of society.

The Book of James reinforces this concept of active faith, stating:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, ESV)

James challenges the believer to demonstrate faith through action, underscoring the inseparability of faith and works. James’ challenge aligns with Bonhoeffer’s insistence that the Christian faith must be lived authentically in the public and private arenas of life.

Implications for Modern Christianity

In today’s globalized world, rife with injustice, poverty, and conflict, the call to a “religionless Christianity” emphasizes the need for a faith that is actively engaged in the world rather than retreating into privatized spirituality or cloistered religious communities. This approach demands reevaluating how the Church engages with the world, advocating for a model of being Christ’s deeply incarnational body—present and active in the places of greatest need.

As followers of Jesus, the challenge is to embody the Gospel in ways that meet the world’s real needs—feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed, and being agents of reconciliation in a divided society. Embodying the Gospel is the essence of living out our faith in a “religionless” context, where the focus shifts from religious rituals to the transformative and redemptive action in the world, guided by the teachings and spirit of Jesus.

The Outcome of Following Jesus: Bonhoeffer’s Vision

According to Bonhoeffer, following Jesus involves a transformation of life that engages with the world in a deeply incarnational way. Bonhoeffer saw Jesus as a figure of worship and a model for engagement in the world. This engagement leads to a faith active in social and political realities, a faith that challenges injustices and stands with the oppressed—a clear echo of Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus identifies himself with the least in society.

Theological Reflections

Bonhoeffer’s theology can be enriched and expanded by scriptural reflections. For instance, Philippians 2:6-8 emphasizes Christ’s humility and incarnation, resonating with Bonhoeffer’s ideas on the visibility of faith in the world. Similarly, James 2:14-26 discusses faith without works being dead, which parallels Bonhoeffer’s criticism of a faith that does not act.

Bonhoeffer’s Legacy and Contemporary Christianity

Bonhoeffer’s life and thoughts pose critical questions for contemporary Christianity. How does the Church respond to the moral challenges of its time? What does it mean to live as true disciples in a world full of conflict and suffering? These questions compel a reevaluation of religious practices, urging a more authentic, action-based faith that transcends traditional religious boundaries yet is deeply rooted in Christological foundations.

Conclusion

According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this exploration of living out faith, set against his historical context and theological reflections, reveals a compelling vision of discipleship that is profoundly relevant for today’s Church.

Bonhoeffer’s vision of following Jesus in a “religionless” context offers a compelling paradigm for contemporary Christianity. It calls for a discipleship that is not confined by the walls of the Church but is dynamically involved in the world, seeking to manifest the kingdom of God through acts of love, justice, and peace. This vision challenges each believer to reflect on the depth and authenticity of their faith—how it is lived out daily in response to the call of Jesus and how it resonates with the profound scriptural mandates that guide Christian life and witness.

Bonhoeffer’s theology, particularly his development towards a “religionless Christianity,” offers a critical lens through which to view the challenges and responsibilities of modern Christians. His emphasis on living out faith through actions that reflect Jesus’s teachings invites believers to engage with the world in transformative ways, ensuring that the faith that professes allegiance to Jesus is visible in loving, serving, and standing for justice.