Bonhoeffer and Living for Others - with Joel Lawrence

Joel Lawrence, Bonhoeffer scholar and Executive Director of the Center for Pastor Theologians, joins Justin and Stephen to discuss the life, theology, and ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Joel also talks about the difficulties and benefits of applying the lessons of 20th century Germany to the American context today. The discussion includes conversation Bonhoeffer’s time in the US, the African American influence on Bonhoeffer, and the illegal seminary at Finkenwalde. Justin, Stephen, and Joel discuss themes of confession (vs. accountability), morality, ethics, the church in a world come of age, Christian nationalism, power, and eschatology. They also consider the role of pastor theologians and the academy. Justin and Stephen also consider the theme of nostalgia as the holidays approach. We have show notes for you at profsinrooms.com and bonus material on Patreon! To donate to production costs, visit profsinrooms.com or become a patron. Resources from this episode: • Resources from Justin and Stephen’s conversation: ◦ Prof in Rooms guest (S2, E1) Michial Farmer on “The Uses of Nostalgia” ◦ Stephen’s post about “Feeling the Loss in Leaving” ◦ Stephen’s book Transitions Across Cultures on Bookshop or Amazon • Background podcasts and videos about Bonhoeffer and about Joel: ◦ Two podcasts episode Joel appeared on entitled “Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Pastoral Journey” ◦ Lecture (video) Joel gave entitled “Death Together: Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Becoming the Church for Others” ◦ Podcast about “Becoming a Pastor Theologian” • References from the conversation with Joel: ◦ Center for Pastor Theologians ◦ Martin Buber’s I and Thou on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ James Loewen’s Sundown Towns on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Kathrine Stewart’s The Power Worshippers on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Joel’s article “Pastoring in the Age of Anger” ◦ Pankaj Mishra’s Age of Anger on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Oliver O’Donovan’s Common Objects of Love on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Jaques Ellul’s The Subversion of Christianity on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Jaques Ellul’s Money and Power on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Jaques Ellul’s The Technological Society on Bookshop or Amazon • Bonhoeffer Resources: ◦ Joel’s book: Bonhoeffer: A Guide for the Perplexed on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Sanctorum Communio on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Christ the Center on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Ethics on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Cost of Discipleship on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Life Together on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Letters and Papers from Prison on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Creation and Fall on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Martin Doblmeier’s documentary: Bonhoeffer at IMDB ◦ Eberhard Bethge’s Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Paul House’s Bonhoeffer’s Seminary Vision on Bookshop or Amazon ◦ Bonhoeffer: Act and Being on Bookshop or Amazon About Joel Lawrence: Dr. Joel Lawrence serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Pastor Theologians. Prior to this role, Joel served for seven years as the Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church (St Paul, MN) and for eight years on the faculty at Bethel Seminary, teaching systematic theology and ethics. Joel holds degrees from Texas A&M University (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM.), and Cambridge University (MPhil. and PhD.). He is the author of Bonhoeffer: A Guide for the Perplexed (T&T Clark, 2010), as well as numerous articles and chapters in books on a variety of theological and pastoral subjects.

Credits: Regular Theme Music by Josiah Enns. This episode was recorded on the land of the Wahpekute, Anishinabewaki, and the Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux). We may receive commission from Amazon or Bookshop.org for purchases made through some of our links. Thank you for your support.