The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
1. Full Citation
Bonhoeffer, D. (1937) The Cost of Discipleship. Translated by R.H. Fuller. London: SCM Press.
2. Introduction
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a seminal work on Christian ethics, discipleship, and grace. Written during the rise of Nazi Germany, it presents a radical challenge to comfortable Christianity, sharply distinguishing between what Bonhoeffer calls “cheap grace” and “costly grace.” Rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, the book calls believers to a life of obedience, suffering, and Christ-centred commitment. This review explores the theological weight, moral urgency, and historical significance of Bonhoeffer’s uncompromising message, assessing its impact on Christian thought and discipleship movements.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident. Educated at Tübingen and the University of Berlin, he was deeply influenced by Karl Barth’s neo-orthodoxy and participated in the Confessing Church movement. Bonhoeffer’s resistance to Hitler, his founding of an underground seminary, and his eventual execution by the Nazis for his role in a plot against Hitler, give his writings rare existential credibility. His life and theology embody the martyr’s witness of faith lived under oppression.
4. Summary of Contents
The book is structured in four main parts:
- Grace and Discipleship – Critiques “cheap grace,” which offers forgiveness without repentance, baptism without discipline. Contrasts it with “costly grace,” which demands obedience and imitation of Christ.
- The Sermon on the Mount – Interprets Matthew 5–7 as a radical ethical manifesto. Discusses themes such as turning the other cheek, loving enemies, and renouncing worldly gain.
- The Messengers – Focuses on the commissioning of the twelve apostles, stressing the authority and suffering that come with proclaiming Christ.
- The Church and the Life of Discipleship – Explores the role of the church community in fostering obedience and suffering in the world.
Bonhoeffer draws heavily on Scripture, early church practices, and Reformation theology to call for a discipleship grounded in the cross.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
Bonhoeffer’s writing is theologically dense but coherent, with strong scriptural grounding and prophetic urgency. The logical movement from grace to ethics is clear and forceful, although readers unfamiliar with his context may find the tone austere.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
The book is one of the most original ethical responses to modern Christianity, reasserting obedience in an age of institutional compromise. Bonhoeffer’s concepts of costly grace and incarnational discipleship have become enduring theological categories.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
The work is steeped in biblical exegesis, Reformation theology (especially Luther), and existential reflection. While not academic in style, its scriptural engagement and theological rigour are formidable.
d. Style and Accessibility
The prose is demanding, solemn, and rich in moral conviction. It is less accessible to casual readers than C.S. Lewis or J.I. Packer, but deeply rewarding for those willing to wrestle with its content.
e. Limitations and Critiques
Critics sometimes see Bonhoeffer’s radicalism as unrealistically idealistic or overly ascetic, particularly in relation to grace and nonresistance. Others note its context-bound focus, though its theological principles transcend time and place.
6. Comparative Context
Bonhoeffer’s theology echoes elements of Søren Kierkegaard’s critique of Christendom and Martin Luther’s theology of the cross, while anticipating later liberation theology. In contrast to grace-centred popular theology (e.g., Max Lucado or even Lewis), Bonhoeffer’s call to costly obedience is far more demanding and communal.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
The Cost of Discipleship is foundational for Christian ethics, political theology, ecclesiology, and pastoral theology. It has inspired movements in social justice, martyr theology, and the theology of resistance. It is studied in seminaries, leadership courses, and peace-building organisations globally.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
This book has shaped generations of Christian leaders, from civil rights activists to underground churches. It is used in discipleship training, missionary preparation, and theological formation to cultivate serious commitment and resilience. Its radical ethics challenge nominal Christianity and consumerist religion.
9. Conclusion
The Cost of Discipleship is a theological and ethical classic, calling Christians to follow Jesus not merely in belief but in radical, self-denying action. Bonhoeffer’s courageous witness makes his message hard to ignore. It is a book that exposes complacency and reawakens sacrificial faith.
Recommended for: Theological students, pastors, Christian ethicists, church leaders, and all believers seeking to deepen their understanding of discipleship in difficult times.
10. Other Works by the Same Author
- Letters and Papers from Prison (1951) – Reflections from Bonhoeffer’s final years in Nazi captivity.
- Life Together (1939) – A theological and practical vision of Christian community.
- Ethics (published posthumously, 1949) – Bonhoeffer’s unfinished treatise on moral theology.
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Søren Kierkegaard – Practice in Christianity
- Stanley Hauerwas – Resident Aliens
- John Stott – The Cross of Christ
- Rowan Williams – Being Disciples
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Kierkegaard, S. (1850) Practice in Christianity.
- Stott, J. (1986) The Cross of Christ. Leicester: IVP.
- Hauerwas, S. (1989) Resident Aliens. Nashville: Abingdon Press.
- Williams, R. (2016) Being Disciples. London: SPCK.