LOA’s Flashcards
(4 cards)
Should Christians practise civil disobedience?
Christians should practise civil disobedience when laws clearly contradict God’s commands and justice, but only after careful spiritual discernment and accepting the potential cost—making civil disobedience a serious, not casual, ethical choice.
Is it possible always to know God’s will?
In conclusion, Bonhoeffer offers a radical yet inspiring vision of Christian ethics grounded in personal sacrifice, spiritual discipline, and responsiveness to divine revelation.
His theology allows for the possibility of knowing God’s will—but only through a cultivated sensitivity that is inherently difficult and subjective.
This raises significant problems of inconsistency, relativism, and moral error. While Bonhoeffer’s legacy affirms that Christians must strive to discern and act upon God’s will, especially in the face of injustice, it is unrealistic to claim this is always possible.
Final Line of Argument: It is possible to know God’s will at times—particularly for the spiritually disciplined who seek justice—but the limitations of human subjectivity, biblical ambiguity, and moral complexity mean it cannot be reliably known in all circumstances.
Does Bonhoeffer put too much emphasis on suffering?
Bonhoeffer’s focus on suffering is not excessive but proportionate to the demands of his context.
His theology serves as a powerful call to authentic discipleship, but should not be universalised as the only Christian posture. His emphasis is justified historically and biblically, but modern Christians must balance it with other dimensions of the faith—joy, peace, and daily love in action.
Does Bonhoeffer’s theology have relevance today?
Bonhoeffer’s theology continues to be relevant because it addresses the core dilemma Christians face today: how to respond faithfully in the face of moral and political injustice.
Though shaped by the horrors of Nazi Germany, his insights into discipleship, resistance, and spiritual integrity offer necessary guidance in a world where state actions often challenge Christian conscience.
While not all of his radicalism is easily transferable, the principles underlying his theology still inspire authentic moral action in our time.
