Book review: Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born into a turbulent time in early 20th century Germany. Early on in his life he felt a strong conviction to devote his life and work to the Gospel and the study of practical theology. His life, profession, and writings continue to demonstrate and describe how faith in Jesus permeates every real and practical aspect of our living as we journey through this world.

Bonhoeffer stood in bold opposition to Nazi Germany. He worked with the underground movement. He shared his ideas in Germany and abroad. He could have remained safely outside of Germany, but when presented with an opportunity to return to his home country for the sake of the Gospel, he went. Ultimately, this path led to him being captured and killed in a concentration camp. Until the very end, he lived out the Gospel of Jesus’ love and truth, shining a light for the Lord in even the darkest of places.

‘It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians. Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone.’ (p.17)

Bonhoeffer goes on to quote Zechariah:

‘“I will … gather them; for I have redeemed them: … and they shall return” (Zech. 10:8,9). When will that happen? It has happened in Jesus Christ.’ (p.18, emphasis added)

Life Together is a beautifully clear and practical exposition on how to live out our faith in community and what it means, on a daily basis, and in light of our daily earthly responsibilities, to function as the body of Christ.

Fellowship with and in Jesus Christ is what makes life-giving spiritual community possible in the midst of a dark and fallen world.

We believers living in the western “Christian” world too often take it for granted that we can freely gather with other believers and share our faith without fear that it might lead to being rounded up and taken away to a concentration camp. We can post ideas freely on social media, discuss our faith with colleagues, wear t-shirts with the name of Jesus printed on them. Consequently, we are able to find community with other believers – we talk to people, hear from people, read others’ thoughts expressed online, and see others identify as Jesus followers with their t-shirts or bumper stickers, and we know that we are not alone. We are free to seek refuge and connection in Bible studies and prayer groups, follow inspirational personalities on social media, attend joy-filled church gatherings where we can relate to others and experience life in a spiritual community.

Many followers of Jesus do not enjoy this level of freedom and cannot find such community so easily. Yet – and yet – God, in His infinite grace, power, wisdom, and kindness has provided a way for followers of Christ in far flung dark places to be as intimately connected with spiritual community – perhaps even more so – as we who enjoy such state-sanctioned privileges in the west.

“It is true, of course, that what is an unspeakable gift of God for the lonely individual is easily disregarded and trodden under foot by those who have the gift every day. […] Therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his heart.” (p.20)

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Bonhoeffer, D. (1954). Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. United Kingdom: Harper Collins.

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2024-04-11

Reviewed by Lia Sergio