The Cost of Discipleship

The Cost of Discipleship, first published in 1937, is a Christian theological work authored by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian. Renowned for his staunch opposition to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime—an opposition that ultimately led to his execution—Bonhoeffer brings his unique experiences and perspectives into a nuanced interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount. His expertise and life experiences give weight to the book’s primary argument: the inseparability of faith and action, epitomized in the contrasting concepts of “cheap grace,” which requires nothing from its adherents, and “costly grace,” which calls for an unwavering, sacrificial commitment to Jesus Christ. Written in the shadows of Nazi Germany and on the cusp of World War II, The Cost of Discipleship serves as Bonhoeffer’s critique of the evils he saw infiltrating the German church and society. As such, it occupies a distinct space within the literary and critical landscapes, offering reflections on themes like grace, Christian ethics and morality, discipleship and commitment, the Sermon on the Mount, faith and action, radical love, and resistance to evil regimes.

Content Warning: The book contains themes of martyrdom, suffering and assassination, and discussions of evil framed by explicit opposition to Nazism—the prevailing sociopolitical context at the time—and strong critiques of church institutions.

This study guide refers to the Touchstone 2012 Kindle Edition.

Summary

In The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer delves into what he deems true Christian discipleship, critiquing shallow interpretations of faith prevalent in modern churches and individual beliefs. He introduces contrasting forms of grace: “cheap grace,” a cursory understanding of forgiveness without life transformation, and “costly grace,” demanding a profound, lived commitment to Christian values embodied by Christ. Bonhoeffer insists on immediate, unconditional obedience to Jesus Christ, warning against attempts to rationalize or intellectualize this call. He posits that a genuine faith journey involves surrendering one’s entire life, even if it leads to suffering or societal ostracism.

Various aspects of human behavior, such as poverty, meekness, and truthfulness, are discussed within the overarching theme of discipleship. Bonhoeffer advocates for an active, tangible commitment to Christian principles, covering ethical responsibilities and communal roles. He details the understanding of righteousness by highlighting how Jesus’s teachings and Old Testament laws can coexist and inform one another. Addressing issues like lust and marriage, he stresses that these also require disciplined conduct integral to spiritual life. He further argues that true integrity makes the practice of swearing oaths unnecessary. Social justice topics like non-violence and resistance also get attention, offering an alternative justice model rooted in non-resistance to evil. Extraordinary love is elevated as the ultimate Christian virtue.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of living authentically, cautioning against superficial confessions of faith. The book urges compassionate action and ethical engagement with the world, inspired by the life and mission of Jesus and his apostles. Ethical decision-making, it suggests, has a broader impact that extends to both community and individual spirituality. The role of the Church is also not neglected; it is portrayed as a distinctive community focused on spiritual and ethical transformation. According to Bonhoeffer, this transformation should be guided by a two-fold commitment: one to divine principles and another to the community itself.

In wrapping up, Bonhoeffer delves into the theological cornerstone of discipleship: the idea that humanity, initially created in the image of God, has been distorted through disobedience. This distortion cannot be undone through human efforts but is rectified through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This transformative experience goes beyond mere doctrinal adherence, asserting that Christ should live in one’s heart. As individuals grow more aligned with Christ, they undergo a spiritual metamorphosis. Followers are empowered to live out Christ’s teachings, focusing less on themselves and more on emulating God. It becomes a life of committed discipleship where every step is a reflection of Christ’s love and teachings. The ultimate aim is not just personal spirituality but a comprehensive, ethical action that has wide-reaching implications for the individual and community.