There will come a point in your faith journey when you will have to choose whether or not to remain locked in a gilded cage with all the comforts other people might envy or make the choice to walk courageously in obedience to the call God has placed on your life, even if that means you have to walk away from a life of security.
There Is A Story To Be Told Even If You Already Know The Ending
It is difficult for me to watch a movie when I already know how it will end, especially if it is sad or bad. Going into the theater, I knew Bonhoeffer would die, and he would have failures in his journey. But I had no idea how his choice to face his destiny in the end was a deep reflection of how Christians are supposed to take up their cross daily.
It is shocking to see on screen the events that took place in Germany during Hitler’s reign. Again, I went to watch the movie knowing the painful history of the events surrounding WWII, but viewing the church get dismantled on screen was like watching the stories in the Bible about the end times unfold before my eyes. It is shocking to see the Bible get replaced with the Mein Kempf and the Christian cross with the swastika.
The Issue Driving The Holocaust Was Racism
The heartbreak was overwhelming, being reminded of how the Jews and African Americans were treated in the world during that time in history. The feelings of helplessness wash over you as you remember what happened. Or how the Nazis targeted anyone they felt was not worthy of living.
According to the Holocaust Encyclopedia, the Nazi beliefs about race shaped all aspects of everyday life and politics. There was a belief that every race was different and carried along specific traits through genetics. The Nazi’s attempt to categorize races through science had failed numerous times.
Hitler’s attempt to gather the people of his race and country failed, as we can see in the movie Bonhoeffer. The complete allegiance by the German people, the church, and even the world was just not there. It was fear that was stopping anyone from resisting the Nazis. Fear was especially prevalent within the church, which goes against everything we believe as Christians.
Overcoming Fear With Obedience
The main lesson we need to see when watching Bonhoeffer is that racism is wrong and it’s sinful. You can’t use the Bible to justify your racist beliefs or actions. You don’t have to be caucasian to struggle with racism. Silence in the face of racism, and I would add hatred of anyone, is not an acceptable response when it comes to the church. As Christians, we are called to be good neighbors to everyone.
Another lesson we see in this movie is that obedience to Christ doesn’t always look successful in the eyes of the world. The opposing force had all the power according to the world’s standards, including the power to take away a man’s life. This power to justify the murder of innocent people would make anyone want to run away from the culture of murder that was taking place in 1940s Germany. However, Bonhoeffer felt conviction in his heart to take up his cross.
The lesson of overcoming fear with obedience resonated with me. No matter what God has called you to do, the courage to overcome fear comes through obedience to Christ. It requires leaning into His truth and promises and trusting that all things will work together for good according to His purpose.
The Christian Life Is Not The Easy Life
Living a life of love while also being counter-cultural will never be easy. As Christians, our opposition does not have to be fought through war or violence. Jesus went to the cross willingly and without fighting. However, His words pierced through the hearts of those who heard them. To this day, reading the Word of God will quickly turn the cracked, stagnant, cold, stony heart into one with light pulsing through the veins and arteries that used to be passive and motionless.
It’s not easy to get up from your comfy chair with your cozy blanket and warm slippers and slip on the whole armor of God, then go out into the world and subject yourself to harsh elements like wind, cold, regrets, and feelings. Nobody wants to face the shame that lies beneath the surface of their racism or biases that exist so loudly through their actions and their choices.
The Christian Life Is A Fruitful Life
We all want to be able to say what we want to say, do what we want, and act however we want. However, the self-control that comes from the Fruit of the Spirit is one that is full of wisdom and truth. Our obedience to Christ will require us to take up our cross daily, and this will be uncomfortable, and we might lose more than we will ever gain in this life. But as Paul once said, to live is Christ, but to die is gain.
Living an obedient life was the most powerful message in this movie because it is something every Christian needs to hear. Obedience to God’s will according to His Word will tear down walls, racism, hatred, and even sin. Obedience is the path to living the holy life, and this can only be done through complete surrender to God, His Word, Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Final Thoughts On Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin
I enjoyed this movie, and there were several lessons and takeaways that every Christian would appreciate. There was some violence in this movie. The images of the concentration camps are always too overwhelming and heartbreaking to see. While some parts throughout the film are difficult to watch, overall, I feel like the message will leave you feeling empowered to live a life of obedience, courage, love, and compassion.
Here is the official Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin movie trailer—I pray you will have the opportunity to watch this movie:
This post was originally published on here
