DIETRICH BONHUerren

Reality and Resistance LARRY L. RASMUSSEN

How did Dietrich Bonhoeffer reach his momentous dechion to becinte actively involved in the astassination attempt on Hitler's life on July 20, 1944, a dechion that led to his death? What is the interweaving pattern of hit resistance ities and his theological reflections and ethical decisiom? Is it necessary to under stand Bonhoeffer the gentle resister in order to understand him as a pathfinding theologian?

Dr. Rammusen sorts out these intriguing and complex relationships in Bon hoeffer's life and thought during the period of the 1990s and 1940s. He explains the theological and ethical bases of Bonhoeffer's resistance activity, investigating pasticular polar points in his opposition to Nazism, such as his pacifion and his approval of tyrannicide. He then makes azcritical analysis of the highlights of these explanations.

Bonhoeffer's life and decisions are especially relevant to our own tirne, and the iwues raised here will prove timely the unjust acts of government. In light of current acte of resistance to

LARRY L. RASMUSSEN is anistant professor of religion at St. Olsi College in Northheld, Minnesota. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College (BA), Lamber Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Unam Theological Seminary (TD).

This is another in the series of Studies in Christian Fahics publabed by Abingdon under the general editorship of a beard headed by James M. Co tafson of Yale University, Pand Ramsey of Princeton University, and Rd A. McCormick, SJ., of Bellarmine School of Theology.