The Cost of Discipleship

Examine the concept of “costly grace” as opposed to “cheap grace” in the book. How does Bonhoeffer define these terms, and what implications do they have for personal faith and ethical conduct?

Analyze the structure of The Cost of Discipleship. How do the individual chapters build upon one another to create a cohesive argument? What is the significance of the order in which the topics are presented?

Consider Bonhoeffer’s criticism of the church in his time, especially in its complicity or inaction in the face of Nazi ideology. How does this historical context shape his theology and calls for discipleship?

Discuss Bonhoeffer’s views on the role of community in Christian life. How does this stand in contrast to individualistic approaches to faith, and what implications does it have for the role of the church?

Examine the theme of obedience. How does Bonhoeffer reconcile the need for obedience to God’s will with the moral dilemmas posed by the sociopolitical environment of Nazi Germany?

How does Bonhoeffer use language and literary devices to emphasize his key themes, such as the use of paradox in explaining concepts like “costly grace”?

Analyze the influence of Bonhoeffer’s experiences, like his time in the United States and exposure to the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, on his theological perspectives as presented in the book. How do these experiences inform his critique of German church practices?

Bonhoeffer challenges conventional Christian notions of morality and ethics, particularly in his involvement in the conspiracy against Hitler. How does The Cost of Discipleship lay the groundwork for these complex ethical positions?