Shortly before he was hanged by the Nazis in 1945 at age 39, Dietrich Bonhoeffer reportedly expressed his anticipation of eternal life in heaven, marking the beginning of his legacy as a martyr and hero of anti-Nazi resistance. Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran theologian, is commemorated worldwide in churches and literature for his calls to sacrificial discipleship.
Over the years, Bonhoeffer's words and example have been widely quoted and sometimes misinterpreted to support various causes, sparking debates and controversies. Recently, his story was brought to the big screen in a biopic, stirring further discussions about his portrayal and legacy.
Born in 1906 in Germany, Bonhoeffer opposed the Nazis and was part of a secret anti-Hitler conspiracy within the German intelligence service during World War II. Despite his involvement in resistance work, he was eventually executed by the Nazis after two years of imprisonment.
His family members, who also faced persecution, have continued his legacy by speaking out against right-wing movements and ideologies that they believe would have appalled Bonhoeffer. Scholars and relatives have denounced attempts to appropriate Bonhoeffer's image for causes he would not have supported, such as religious nationalism and xenophobia.
The portrayal of Bonhoeffer in media, including a recent biopic, has sparked further controversy, with disagreements over his depiction as a gun-wielding assassin. Scholars and family members have criticized such representations as inaccurate and misleading.
Despite differing interpretations and attempts to claim Bonhoeffer's legacy for various agendas, his complex views and actions continue to inspire discussions and reflections on issues of morality, resistance, and faith.
