Turning Back by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The book explores the concept of repentance and turning back to God, examining the human tendency to resist change and cling to sin. It delves into the nature of guilt, shame, and forgiveness, arguing that true repentance requires a radical transformation of one's being. The text critiques traditional notions of morality and spirituality, suggesting that they often perpetuate a false sense of security and self-righteousness. Instead, it advocates for a more authentic and humble approach to faith, one that acknowledges the depths of human depravity and the need for divine intervention. Throughout the book, the author grapples with the complexities of human nature, highlighting the tension between our desire for freedom and our tendency towards bondage. He argues that true freedom can only be achieved through a willingness to surrender to God's will and to confront the darkness within ourselves. Ultimately, the book presents a vision of redemption as a process of turning back to God, not just as an individual act, but as a communal and societal one. It challenges readers to re-examine their assumptions about faith, morality, and spirituality, and to embark on a journey of radical transformation and renewal.
By Dietrich Bonhoeffer · First published 1949 · Genre: Theological Reflection, Sermon, Philosophical · 2,713 words
First lines
London, Repentance Day, November 19, 1933.
Some European churches observe a Day of Repentance and Prayer in the autumn, near the end of the church year. The day was a national holiday in Germany in Bonhoeffer's time (it isn't any longer) and was of such importance that it was observed even by the German-speaking congregations in London Bonhoeffer was serving in 1933. He may have preached this sermon at a special evening service.
What this Textopian page supports
Turning Back is listed on Textopian as an essay by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, dated 1949 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Date: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theological Reflection, Sermon, Philosophical, Religious Non-fiction, Spiritual
- Length: 2,713 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Turning Back by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Turning Back?
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Similar titles
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- My Religion by Leo Tolstoy
- My Strength Is Made Perfect In Weakness by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- The Hopelessness Of Sin by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Genres
- Theological Reflection — The work deeply engages with Christian theology, exploring themes of repentance, judgment, and grace.
- Sermon — The text is structured as a sermon, intended for a religious service, focusing on moral and spiritual exhortation.
- Philosophical — It presents philosophical inquiries into morality, human nature, and the concept of eternal judgment.
- Religious Non-fiction — The work is a non-fiction exploration of religious themes, aimed at educating and inspiring readers.
Tags
Theology · Christianity · Faith · Morality · Ethics · Resistance · War · Nazism · Germany · 1930s · Spirituality · Moral Courage