Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a Theology of the Exception

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Engaging with the many debates about the meaning and character of Bonhoeffers late resistance theology and action, particularly as it relates to his participation in the attempted coup detat against Hitler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a Theology of the Exception attends to Bonhoeffers understanding of the exception. Resisting the common reduction of the exception to a political or ethical concept, O'Farrell argues that the exception for Bonhoeffer is an extraordinary moment in history that disarms persons, impinging on ones understanding of politics and ethics. Through a wide engagement with the Bonhoeffer corpus, this book states that this leads to distinctive narrations of key concepts in Bonhoeffers corpus: responsibility, the free venture, simple obedience, and action beyond the law. It also offers a different portrait of Bonhoeffer to contemporary narrations. The Bonhoeffer that emerges is neither a Niebuhrian realist, a pacifist, or a religious fanatic, but one who is impelled to act apart from the law without this action becoming arbitrary. This Bonhoeffer provides a hopeful political witness that seeks a world beyond the conflicts and divisions of this age.

Author Bio

Kevin OFarrell is Senior Manager of Theological Engagement at Joni and Friends Disability Ministry, USA.