My Review: Strange Glory - A life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have only known bits and pieces about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, so I really enjoyed the book from the very beginning. I also liked the way that the author, Marsh, shared about the life of Bonhoeffer making me feel like I was there with him on a personal level.

I have known about Bonhoeffer for years, but this is the first biography I have read on him. The author filled in a lot of unknowns for me about him from childhood to his death. Some of the minute details, while not necessary, did give a more complete picture of Bonhoeffer. I did find the beginning of the book a little slow because of these details, but I am still pleased that the author shared them to give a complete picture of who Bonhoeffer was.

The book also gave some historical insight into the German church in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as some insight into Hitler and the Nazis. The only thing I did not like about the book was the author's possible insinuation of Bonhoeffer's sexuality. I am not going to get into that in this review; see other reviews if you are curious or read the book for yourself. I did not think it necessary to mention in the book, especially since it is speculation.  I feel you will enjoy this read, especially to become familiar with Bonhoeffer's very unique character.

This book has peaked my interest in reading another biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  The other biography is: "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy."

I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

The following are some famous Bonhoeffer quotes:

My Review: The Case for Christ (Student Edition)

Defending the Faith! Can you? This book will help you to do so!

You'll find this book an easy read with relatively short chapters (one objection per chapter).   This book deals with the subject of apologetics (defense of the faith). It is only 95 pages long; whereas, the original version of this book is 320 pages.

I hope this review will encourage you to read this book or give it to a student who would be helped by the book.  I am a fan of Lee Strobel's and love his life story of going from an atheistic journalist who decided to research Christ "as a journalist," which took him on a two-year investigation of whether God really exists and whether Jesus is really God's unique son. I love his material so this was a good read for me.  The difference in the "Student Edition" from the original version is that it is much briefer in general on each point, but a great start for any student (teen) with questions. 

In this book he covers common objects to Christianity.

Objection #1:  Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Good God Cannot. 

Objection #2:  Miracles Contradict Science; Therefore, They Cannot Be Real.

Objection #3:  Evolution Explains Life, So God Isn't Needed.

Objection #4:  It's Intolerant to Claim Jesus is the Only Way to God

Objection #5:  A Loving God Would Never Send People to Hell.

Objection #6:  I Still Have Doubts, So I Can't Be a Christian.

Conclusion:  I really like the concluding thoughts.

This book is a good starting place for those questioning the common objections or to prepare one in talking to others on these subjects. It's a great read for teens, and if they read it and want more, I would encourage them to read the 300+ page edition.  Even as an adult, who has been a Christian for decades, I enjoyed reading it.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.