Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Theology

    WJEC
    A-Level

    Candidates must analyze Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological evolution from the ecclesiological focus of 'Sanctorum Communio' to the radical ethics of 'Letters and Papers from Prison'. Study centers on the conflict between the Confessing Church and the Deutsche Christen, the ethical justification for tyrannicide, and the reinterpretation of Christian discipleship in a 'world come of age'. Assessment focuses on the tension between pacifism and political resistance, the critique of 'cheap grace', and the implications of 'religionless Christianity' for contemporary secular society.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Barmen Declaration (1934)
    • Finkenwalde Seminary (1935-1937)
    • The concept of 'The World Come of Age'
    • Distinction between 'Cheap Grace' and 'Costly Grace'
    • Bonhoeffer's execution at Flossenbürg (April 1945)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the events of Bonhoeffer's life; now explain the theological justification for his shift from pacifism to resistance."
    • "Strengthen your evaluation by assessing whether Bonhoeffer's theology is too specific to the Nazi era to be relevant today."
    • "Define 'Religionless Christianity' more precisely—avoid implying he wanted to abolish the Church entirely."
    • "Link the concept of suffering directly to his Christology—how does Jesus as the 'man for others' dictate human behaviour?"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award AO1 marks for precise definitions of 'Cheap Grace' (grace as doctrine/system without repentance) versus 'Costly Grace' (grace that compels discipleship and suffering).
    • Credit analysis of the 'Western Void' and Bonhoeffer's argument that the Church must exist for others to remain authentic.
    • Candidates must link the concept of 'Civil Disobedience' to the specific historical context of the Aryan Clause and the Barmen Declaration.
    • Evaluate the tension between Bonhoeffer's early pacifism and his later involvement in the Abwehr plot to assassinate Hitler (tyrannicide).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In AO1 responses, explicitly quote *The Cost of Discipleship* when defining grace to demonstrate textual familiarity.
    • 💡For AO2 evaluation, contrast Bonhoeffer’s situational approach to the assassination plot with absolute pacifist positions.
    • 💡Do not treat the Finkenwalde seminary merely as a school; analyse it as a theological experiment in community and 'life together'.
    • 💡Ensure the distinction between 'leadership' (Führer) and 'office' is clear when discussing his critique of the Nazi state.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'Religionless Christianity' with secular atheism; failing to recognise it as a call for a new, non-religious form of devotion.
    • Describing Bonhoeffer's life narratively without extracting the theological motivations for his actions.
    • Misinterpreting 'Cheap Grace' as simply 'forgiveness' rather than the institutionalisation of grace without the requirement of discipleship.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

    Read Study Guide

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Examine
    Explain
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    To what extent
    Assess

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic