After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. In his book Life Together we learn of Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience within Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together serves as bread to all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.
After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. His Letters and Papers from Prison became a prized testimony to Christian faith and courage, read by thousands. Now in Life Together we have Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience of Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a renowned and beloved Christian minister, seminary professor, and theologian who was imprisoned and later executed by the Nazis for his resistance to Hitler. He was the author of the bestselling classic The Cost of Discipleship, Life Together, and Letters and Papers from Prison.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Anthony Myrick (brownsburg, IN), April 22, 2008
A very helpful description of Christian community is provided in this book. It presents a challenge to all who are serious about growing in Christ in the context of Christian relationships.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tranetta Mccomb (Barrington, IL), March 17, 2008
Life Together: is a textbook in one of my classes. Very interesting book. I purchased a second copy to share with friends.
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Peter (Portland, OR), November 29, 2007
Boring as hell. It's not at all a story. It's just a man citing Bible versus one after the other. It makes a great sleep aid. If your looking for a one-on-one spiritual experience with an author this is not the way to go.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David D. Flowers (Texas), January 24, 2007
Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" is a classic expression of life in the community of believers! I attend a house church and I found my second read of this book to be more helpful in understanding the kind of life that should be celebrated within the sanctorum communio. I believe Bonhoeffer's book holds more meaning and influence in the context of a first-century styled house church than any other religious setting.
I remember reading this book several years ago when all I knew of church life was from within the institutional confines of religious rigorism. I believe Bonhoeffer's words have more depth and meaning when they are applied and understood within the setting of a house church. Frankly, I have come to believe it is the only way this kind of community can be achieved. In Bonhoeffer's words, "In the spiritual realm the Spirit governs; in human community, psychological techniques and methods." I benefited greatly from Bonhoeffer's plea for believers to be thankful for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed. When we focus on what our community isn't... we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow as it ought. We are bound to one another. We have no choice but to get along and learn to manifest Christ in our midst! Bonhoeffer makes plain that our actions, good or evil, in sight or in secret... effects the body life. This is not theory... it is reality. The only way this kind of fellowship works is by embracing Christ's love instead of human love. "Human love has little regard for truth... human love cannot love an enemy." I believe this exposes the kind of love that many in the church have settled for. Bonhoeffer's own actions prove we are all capable of settling for human love and justifying our actions to get our way.
Overall, the reader will find Bonhoeffer's book (as his many others) to be Christocentric. The whole purpose of life in the community is to see our Lord manifested and glorified in our presence.
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Reviewed by James Wilcox, January 19, 2006
Life Together is a beautifully written collection of essays that were composed during the reign of Germany's Third Reich, when Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught and lived in a fellowship of underground seminarians. Giving practical and necessary advice to followers of Jesus, Bonhoeffer emphasizes that Christians must be bound to one another in the participation of life together in Christ. The role of personal and communal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service are treated in simple, but very Biblical words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.
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