Join LCMS Pastors Jim Hill and Tyler Cronkright as they look at different quotes from German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer and weave them together with Jesus and current cultural affairs.
"This is the end; for me, the beginning of life." - Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Thank you all for you love and support. We love you so much. Go find SUFFERING SERVANTS wherever you listen to podcasts.
Pastor Cronkright and Pastor Hill bring 2022 to a close. In this episode we review the Christmas happenings at our churches and introduce a Bonhoeffer contemporary, Alfred Delp, a Jesuit priest who was also martyred by Hitler's Nazi regime. We ALSO have a big announcement: This is the last episode of Jesus, Dietrich, and Me. We will be continuing an EXPANDED discussion on the new Suffering Servants Podcast in 2023. Look for it in January! More information will come early next week. Follies this week include Whoopi Goldberg and (shockingly!) the lying American government.
Today we take a look at an interesting piece from Desiring God about Dietrich's first Christmas in prison. We talk about prison life, the two-sided coin of Christmas (waiting and suffering), desiring to be rescued, and how suffering brings a more meaningful and authentic Christmas. Follies of the week include scientific exploding toilets and vaccinated Christmas. Christmas In A Cold Prison Cell - https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/christmas-in-a-cold-prison
"God is with us." That is the message of Dietrich on April 15, 1928 for Easter. It is the same message for Christmas 2022: "God is with us." On this episode we talk about what that means for us in our day-to-day lives. God is with us whether we like it or not. How will we respond? This week's follies include the Georgia Senate "race" and the racism of Shark Week!
Maybe there is more to Christmas and Advent than what we are often told in the movies, television shows, books, and music (spoiler: there is). Today we take a look at an article from Jeff Walters from Southern Seminary, who flushes out some of Bonhoeffer's preaching on Advent. To Dietrich, Advent means waiting. It also means judgment. At the end of the day, the baby in the manger is your Savior and your Messiah...but He is also your Judge. At Christmas, the apocalypse begins! Follies include Black Friday and the spineless Justin Trudeau. Audio of Elf is curtesy of HBO Max, which we pay for.
Churches are canceling Christmas Day service? Why? We continue discussing Bonhoeffer's secret weapons for resisting evil, one of which is true accountability with your brother (sister). We also spend a little time near the end talking about Thanksgiving. Have a listen! Follies this week include Covid (again) and canceling Christmas Day services.
We had to. We discuss Proposal 3 and the evil it is. Pastor Hill introduces Pastor Paul Schneider from Germany and how he was a spoke in the wheels of injustice. We also continue with a new article about Bonhoeffer's "secret weapon." Guess you'll have to listen to find out! Tyler's article in response to Proposal 3: https://tylercronkright.com/2022/11/10/proposal-3-passed-now-what/ Follies include the election and 10 fool proof ways to ensure you win an election.
In this episode, we close out the controversial article from episode 102. We discuss religionless Christianity, understanding God's Word, the parts of Scripture that "don't matter," and venerating God's Word simply because its God's Word. Dietrich holds God's Word in such high regard because at the end of the day, he is Sacramental. He believes God reveals himself to us in the written, spoken, and tangible Word that is Jesus Christ. Follies this week include Twitter and Election Day 2022.
Here we go again with another article of criticism, this time paired with an article of defense by JW Wartick. In this episode we discuss the importance of context and dive a little deeper into "religionless Christianity," which Bonhoeffer (and we), reject. Article in question: https://www.equip.org/articles/troubling-truth-bonhoeffers-theology/ Defense of Dietrich: https://jwwartick.com/2016/01/25/btt/ Follies this week include elections and assault in the Michigan/MSU game (and not just on the field).
On this episode, we break apart a spiritual "hit-piece" on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and debunk some outlandish claims about moral relativism, pluralism, and even a made-up heresy. Today's folly includes the ambiguous wording of Michigan's Proposal 3.
Well, we did it! 100 episodes. On this episode we discuss Psalm 100. Dietrich addresses his students from Finkenwalde and talks about the danger of apathy. Have our churches grown apathetic? How can that be dangerous to 21st Century Christianity? We also take a moment to address Michigan's Proposal 3 and the "right" to reproductive freedom. This week's follies include a new Covid variant, Turkish boarder control, and an absurd video used by extreme leftists to scare you into voting Democrat.
In lieu of an episode this week, enjoy Pastor Hill's sermon from last week's Epistle lesson: the love of money is the root of all evil. We will be back for EPISODE 100 next week!
On this week's episode, we discuss Dietrich's involvement with the plot to kill Hitler, a letter he writes to Eberhard and Renate Bethge, and success and failure within ministry. We also have a heart-to-heart discussion about the intentionality of ministry. Follies of the week include the arrest of a pro-life activist and the politicizing of hurricanes.
Back in the Meditations on the Psalms this week! Taking a look at the Psalms of help and suffering. How do these things relate to marriage? Is suffering righteous? Can/should we (as sinners) bless sinners? All that and more in this week's episode. Follies this week include Evangelical statistics & Nyquil Chicken
In this episode, we take a look at an article about Dietrich Bonhoeffer's take on infant baptism. Spoilers: BAPTIZE YOUR BABIES. What role did baptism have during Nazi Germany? Is there a case for withholding baptism from infants? Is it possible for baptism to be an act of cheap grace? All this and more! Follies of the week include Pastor Cronkright calling "Pastor" Brandan J. Robertson to repentance for saying that Jesus was a sinner & continuously misleading his followers, and a discussion about God's repentance.
We return from a one week hiatus to conclude Bonhoeffer's mediation on Psalm 119. We cover a whole plethora of topics ranging from Joyce Meyer, to longing for God's Word, to pride and arrogance. How do these things impact our faith and our discipleship? We also talk about Dietrich mysteriously cutting off a sentence within his mediation... Read Pastor Cronkright's blog post about Joyce Meyer here: https://tylercronkright.com/2022/03/24/why-i-cant-recommend-joyce-meyer-period/
On this episode we continue the discussion of Psalm 119. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's commentary about being a stranger is particularly influenced by his return to Germany, which had changed dramatically since he was in the United States. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a story from Pastor Jim, highlighting the struggles of Family of God. This weeks follies include a workbook for the woke and theologians majoring in the minors.
We begin a very lengthy Psalm today (119), addressing issues of life and blindness. Is life truly "life" apart from Christ? Absolutely not. We also talk about spiritual blindness and the plea to Jesus to open our eyes to His Word. Today's follies include the weaponization of the rosary and "seeker friendly" churches. Pastor Cronkright also wrote about the recent shooting in Southwest Detroit. You can read about it here: https://tylercronkright.com/2022/08/16/911-call-me/
November 9, 1938 has become known in German history as "The Night of Broken Glass" or Kristallnacht. On this night, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews. Dietrich, becoming more and more frustrated with the Church's response to persecution, took to his Bible and underlined a single verse in Psalm 74. We discuss all of that and more on today's episode. Follies of the week include a revisit to the New York "pastor" who was robbed of millions of dollars in jewelry & sexualization of television commercials.
It is rare when Pastor Hill disagrees with our good friend Dietrich. But his views of pacifism in the church spark a good discussion on today's episode. Can the church be pacific? Should it be? Is there a "distinction" between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament? Follies this week include President Biden and the NFL.
On this episode, we take time to revisit Vicar Nick's time at Family of God. From preaching, to teaching, to dealing with the day-to-day struggles, to rejoicing in Christ's victory, we have a very heartfelt conversation. Today's follies include: Male swimmer Lia Thomas and Black Lives (don't) Matter, and Jim Harbaugh www.fogdetroit.com
Is there such a thing as "righteous anger"? We discuss one of the imprecatory Psalms of David and how we as Christians pray the Psalms of vengeance and judgment. Follies of the week include breakfast tacos and "people with the capacity for pregnancy."
In this episode we continue the discussion from last week, highlighting what Dietrich says about our souls finding rest in Christ and God coming to man in the person of Jesus Christ. We also discuss piety, practice, and discipline, all culminating with what to do when you inevitably fail. New Family of God videos here: https://www.fogdetroit.com/media
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. In the first part of this two-part episode we introduce a sermon that Dietrich gives on vicarage in Barcelona about Psalm 62 and finding rest and salvation in God alone. What happens when God comes to you? What is our reaction? Also, did Dietrich make his own folly again?? This week's follies include bees as fish, Roe v. Wade leading to the return of Jim Crow laws, the NBA, and District Convention.
Joined by Pastor Mike from Ohio, we begin a new book today! Taking a look at a sermon given at age 20 by Dietrich about rebuilding Germany but not building in vain. It is the Lord Jesus, in whom we have forgiveness of sins, who builds. If He is not the builder, our labors are in vain. Follies include destruction of dirt bikes and ATVs, Juneteenth and Father's Day, and of course Justin Trudeau. You can find a copy of the Meditations on the Psalms here: https://www.amazon.com/Dietrich-Bonhoeffers-Meditations-Psalms-Bonhoeffer/dp/031026703X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=WFSL8IMCJ3QL&keywords=dietrich+bonhoeffer+psalms&qid=1655990256&sprefix=dietrich+bonhoeffer+psalms%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-3
On this episode, we talk about everything from Boarding School, to confessing the name YHWH, to what Dietrich experienced when he comes face to face with an enemy. We also take a detour and consider what the future for children may look like apart from Christ. Follies this week include gas prices, the Christian response to pride, and "insincere" prayers.
On this episode, we look at another letter that Dietrich writes to his friend Eberhard regarding Eberhard's child and baptism. Should the family wait to have the child baptized? Should the child be baptized while Eberhard is at war? We have a great conversation on the importance of infant baptism within the Church. Follies of the week include the United Church of Christ, The View, and of course the United States Government.
A delightful conversation about prayer. In this episode we take a look at the morning and evening prayers that Dietrich wrote for his fellow prisoners, leading to a discussion about what prayer is and why do we pray at all? Can we change God's mind? Dietrich's morning prayer can be found here or in the book, Letters and Papers from Prison: http://www.findingsolace.org/morning-prayer-for-fellow-prisoners-by-dietrich-bonhoeffer/ Follies of the week include a Dennis Prager quote, the mayor of LA, Justin Trudeau, and companies/organizations that change their logos to the LGBTQIA+ rainbow for Pride Month.
On this episode, we take a look at a letter to one of Dietrich's best friends, Eberhard Bethge. We discuss the importance for pastors to have pastors and have God's Word spoken to them. We talk about the intimate love shared between brothers and how badly Dietrich misses his family and friends. But, nevertheless, there is joy in Christ. Additionally: three follies of the week, and Pastor Jim gets cancelled!
Folly(ies) of the week, Dietrich's defense to his accusers, the posing "threat" of the Confessing Church, and why Dietrich is being persecuted. "Hope refuses to be put to shame."
Quite the discussion on a variety of topics in this episode, highlighted by loneliness in ministry, the recent Roe v. Wade potential overturn, and Bonhoeffer signing a letter to his judge advocate "Heil Hitler!"
Both a serious and light-hearted conversation about marriage. What does God's Word say about marriage? What does it mean for a wife to submit to her husband and for a husband to love his wife? If you have comments or questions, please let us know on our website www.fogdetroit.com
Twitter makes the folly of the week, Easter and concern from Dietrich's prison cell, reading the Psalms, and Dietrich's "Wedding from a Prison Cell" are featured in this week's episode.
Drop your stones and listen to this special Holy Week episode before jumping to conclusions. Article can be found here: https://www.1517.org/articles/easter-is-overrated Bump music is "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" by Reawaken
Death is all around us. How does the Christian respond in faith? In this episode, we wrap up the initial analysis of Nazi Germany before Dietrich heads off to prison. We talk about optimism, present and future, and death. Dietrich then poses an interesting question: "Are we, then, still of any use?"
Part 3 of 4 on Dietrich's initial analysis of Nazi Germany. In this episode we talk about God allowing his servants to be crushed, confidence and trust, sympathy, and suffering.
We are continuing the discussion of Dietrich's analysis of the State of Nazi Germany. How did we get here? In this second part of a four part episode, we discuss success, folly, immanent righteousness, and contempt for humanity.
Dietrich is about to be arrested for being associated in the plot to kill Adolf Hitler. Before diving into "Letters and Papers from Prison," We take a look at an essay written by Dietrich to the people of Germany. What have we learned in 10 years since Bonhoeffer first began his resistance movement in Nazi Germany?
Troubled by critique of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, specifically The Cost of Discipleship, Pastor Cronkright takes a MAJOR detour from the intended topic today and guides a discussion with Pastor Hill refuting some of the bold claims from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's critics. Was Dietrich REALLY Lutheran? Is discipleship law or is it rooted in the Gospel? We discuss this and more as we (again) introduce his letters and papers from prison. You can listen to Pastor Riley and Pastor Gillespie, two highly respected pastors and Christian men, discuss Bonhoeffer's idea of cheap/costly grace below on the Banned Books podcast. https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYW5uZWRib29rcy5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw/episode/MDQ0ZGJiOWItMjlkNy00ZTUyLWE3OTMtOTQ0OTBlMWQxZjc3?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwi4v6Oyl6r2AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNQ
We FINALLY close out The Cross of Reality, hitting the 12 main points that author Gaylon Barker points out in Bonhoeffer's theology of the cross. It's a great review of the book, our theology, and the centrality of the cross. It is also a great set up for Letters and Papers from Prison, which we will begin next week. Letters and Papers from Prison: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Papers-Prison-Dietrich-Bonhoeffer/dp/0684838273/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13LES9CB0YLD9&keywords=letters+and+papers+from+prison+dietrich+bonhoeffer&qid=1645719683&sprefix=letters+and+papers+%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1 The Cross of Reality: https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Reality-Theologia-Bonhoeffers-Christology/dp/1451488807/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HQONLMD9T6VK&keywords=the+cross+of+reality&qid=1645719745&sprefix=The+Cross+of+reality%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1
Dietrich lands himself in prison, causing many people to question his authenticity as a follower of Christ. His "Letters and Papers from Prison" suggest otherwise, however. Dietrich strips Christianity to nothing but the cross of Christ, calling for the Church to be a church for the world. To be otherwise, as he would say, is to deny the Gospel. Pick up a copy of "The Cross of Reality" here: https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Reality-Theologia-Bonhoeffers-Christology/dp/1451488807/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34RETZV4WD1Q8&keywords=the+cross+of+reality&qid=1645051127&sprefix=The+cross+of+reali%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1
Continuation of the discussion from last time. Can the Church exist outside of the World? We talk about perhaps the biggest question circling churches today: "Should politics be discussed in church?"
We discuss Christian Community, the two realms, and the reality of God intersecting with the reality of man. What does Bonhoeffer have to say in his work, "Ethics" when it comes to doing God's will?
The continuation of Dietrich's work at Finkenwalde and a discussion on discipleship during persecution.
First episode of the New Year! We are back in "The Cross Of Reality" talking about Dietrich's motivation to begin the underground seminary at Finkenwalde. We ask the tough question; if pastors, leaders, Christians, and the Church at large are being prepared for an ever-changing culture.
Merry Christmas listeners! In this episode, we discuss if there really is a kingdom of peace in Christ. We talk about darkness and why it's perfect for Christ to enter into our world. Finally, we ask the question that EVERYONE wants to know: Did Mary know?? Music within the episode is Mary Did You Know, by Pentatonix
Getting away from the political sphere, we return to some Dietrich writing about the incarnation and what that means for us today. We highlight a letter from Maria von Wedemeyer, Dietrich's fiancee, to him while he was in prison.
We are back to talking Dietrich and the confrontation with the German church. Topics discussed today: Is God only present in Jesus Christ? What happens when Christ is removed from the sermon and the Sacrament? Are we just pawns in a bigger game? Roe v. Wade and the Christian response. A story of praise, hope, and Faith.
Taking a break from Dietrich this week to talk about the Ten Lepers from Luke 17. What is "community" for a leper? What does the fact that the one returning to Jesus was a Samaritan have to do with the grand story of Scripture? What are you thankful for? And lastly, what SIGNATURE dish is at your Thanksgiving table?
Pacifism, a sinful Savior, and expository preaching. All important topics with Dietrich's return to Germany. We wrap up the return and talk about what is next with the struggling German church.
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