Between Resistance and Submission : Bonhoeffer, Luther, and Christian Witness as Political Theology

Blanton deftly analyses how Bonhoeffer’s political theology forms at the intersection of his historical context alongside the influence of Luther’s theology, before considering its place in the moderns world.

Is there a place for Bonhoeffer''s political theology within contemporary society? With the continued interest in Bonhoeffer''s theology and life there has been an emergence of divergent voices claiming that our political climate has created a series of Bonhoeffer Moments. But what, precisely, is a Bonhoeffer Moment and does it signal that Bonhoeffer''s political theology is of continued use?

These questions form the centre of Blanton''s project. Bonhoeffer''s theology combines his specific historical context alongside the influence of Luther''s theology. Blanton deftly analyses Bonhoeffer''s political writings with these influences in the background.

The first half of this work focuses on explicating the importance of these influences and highlights various issues which emerge when Bonhoeffer is read outside of them. The second half, then, turns to Bonhoeffer''s writings themselves, covering over a decade of his work.

Ultimately, Blanton highlights how Bonhoeffer''s political theology falls somewhere between resistance and collaboration. Bonhoeffer''s political responsibility is distinctly rooted in the willingness to live into God''s command and bear responsibility for the neighbour. It is a qualified action that does not easily lend itself to full-scale action or adoption, but in its emphasis on individual responsibility, does have a place in the modern political discourse.