Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Model of Faith, Courage, and Resistance
By Robin Sampson McCarthy
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and legacy continue to inspire those who stand up for truth, righteousness, and justice in the face of tyranny. A German theologian and pastor during the rise of Adolf Hitler, Bonhoeffer is remembered for his unwavering commitment to biblical principles, even when it cost him his life. His writings, actions, and steadfast faith offer powerful lessons for Christians today, particularly for those involved in the Convention of States movement, as they work to preserve liberty and resist governmental overreach.
Bonhoeffer didn’t believe in a faith that remained passive or private. For him, faith had to be lived out boldly in the public square, especially in moments of crisis. One of the core biblical principles he followed is found in James 2:17, which states,
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Bonhoeffer understood that his faith compelled him to action, even when it meant opposing the Nazi regime. This aligns closely with the efforts of the Convention of States, where standing up for truth and preserving liberty requires taking action, not merely holding private convictions.
One of Bonhoeffer’s most well-known quotes speaks directly to this commitment:
"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
This powerful reminder that neutrality or silence in the face of oppression is a moral failure resonates with those advocating for a Convention of States. As government grows increasingly centralized and the rights of citizens are diminished, Bonhoeffer’s call to action reminds us that failing to resist tyranny is, in itself, a form of complicity.
Bonhoeffer is also well-known for his work, The Cost of Discipleship, where he emphasizes that true discipleship comes with sacrifice. He famously stated,
"When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.”
Bonhoeffer lived this reality when he chose to join the resistance against Hitler, knowing that it might cost him everything. The principle of sacrificial leadership—being willing to lay down personal comfort and safety for the greater good—parallels the conviction behind the Convention of States. Just as Bonhoeffer chose to sacrifice for the sake of his nation’s soul, Convention of States volunteers understand that standing up to a bloated government may require perseverance and personal sacrifice, but it is ultimately a fight for the freedom of future generations.
The Bible is clear about the importance of leaving a legacy of faith and justice for future generations.
Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.”
Bonhoeffer’s resistance to Hitler was not just about his own generation but about securing a future for those who would come after. He fought to preserve what was true and right, knowing that the consequences of unchecked evil would devastate future generations. In the same way, the Convention of States is fighting to restore constitutional balance and limit government overreach, ensuring that the freedoms fought for by our Founding Fathers will remain intact for the generations that follow.
Bonhoeffer often spoke about the importance of civil courage—the kind of courage that goes beyond passive resistance to active defiance of evil. He said:
"We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice; we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.”
This quote is a powerful reminder that real change requires more than patchwork solutions. Like Bonhoeffer, the Convention of States movement seeks to “drive a spoke into the wheel” of federal overreach by restoring the balance of power as originally intended in the Constitution. This takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to engage in the political process, just as Bonhoeffer did in his time.
One of the foundational principles Bonhoeffer lived by was the idea of transforming culture through nonconformity to the world’s corrupt systems.
Romans 12:2 commands believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Bonhoeffer’s life demonstrates how crucial it is for Christians to stand apart from the evils of their time and to work towards renewing society through the principles of truth and justice. In our current political climate, where truth and justice are often compromised for convenience or control, the Convention of States offers a way for believers to participate in that renewal by seeking constitutional reform and resisting overreach.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life offers a profound example of what it means to live out biblical truth in the public sphere, especially in times of crisis. His courage, faith, and willingness to resist evil at great personal cost serve as a powerful reminder that standing for truth requires both action and sacrifice.
For those involved in the Convention of States, Bonhoeffer’s legacy is an inspiration to persevere in the fight for freedom, knowing that our efforts today will have a lasting impact on future generations. By standing against governmental overreach and preserving the constitutional order, we, too, are called to drive a spoke into the wheel of injustice and work toward a better, freer future for all.
As Bonhoeffer once said, "The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”
Let us continue the work of building a nation grounded in faith, freedom, and responsibility.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin, produced by Angel Studios and set to release in the United States on November 22, 2024, tells the powerful story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor who became a central figure in the resistance against Adolf Hitler. The film captures Bonhoeffer’s transformation from a devoted theologian to a covert operative involved in a plot to assassinate the dictator. Through this gripping narrative, viewers will witness Bonhoeffer’s profound faith, moral struggle, and ultimate sacrifice, showcasing his relentless pursuit of justice, even when it meant risking everything for the greater good.