My First Book... the Beginning

In My Father’s Shadow is a series of short stories chronicling the life of the author’s father. In these stories the author has attempted to capture the essence of what his father taught his brother and him, the time they spent in play, and the life lessons which has left an indelible imprint. In point of fact, it is a story about all fathers. Most average men, very few leaving a legacy of great deeds, but through small acts of kindness, love, and favor are elevated to greatness. Its every man’s story. The story begins with his father in the early 1900’s growing up in Tidewater Virginia during the Depression years. We travel with him to his time in the Navy during World War II, and post-war years building a quality of life for himself and family. The last chapter brings us to his last days and gives the reader the opportunity to reflect on his life. Also included are historical references to the time in which his father lived spanning a period of remarkable medical, political, and socioeconomic significance.

From my shelf to yours. Pages worth turning.

Bonhoeffer

Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Eric Metaxas

His parents were Karl Bonhoeffer, famous Director of the Breslau Psychiatric Hospital and Paula Bonhoeffer, granddaughter of the famous protestant theologian Karl Hase. Of his seven siblings one would become a famous lawyer and another a famous chemist. His sisters would also marry renowned legal jurists. All the children of Karl and Paula Bonhoeffer were accomplished musicians. Their home was a shrine to intellectualism and social debate. So, it probably should not be too surprising that Dietrich Bonhoeffer, born 1906, would ultimately make a name for himself…but in a very surprising manner.

This book is about a remarkable man of conviction, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Born into what most would call a noble German family at a time in history that would challenge the very character of Europe and change history. Although greatly influenced by his father and his father’s profession Dietrich opted for the life of a theologian, following in his great grandfather’s footsteps. Receiving his Ph.D. in Theology from Tubingen University he struggled in his early years with the decision to teach or to pastor. He would attempt to keep a foot in both arenas writing several seminal books. But his passion was evangelism and the pulpit was his calling.

After World War I the Bonhoeffer family attempted to achieve a new normal. They worked, studied, married, played music, and watched as imperialism receded in Germany and the tide of socialism rose. Perhaps they hoped that with time socialism would become failed experiment. But in 1933 when Hitler was appointed Chancellor it was apparent to all that this hope would not be realized while the Nazis stormed the countryside. Genocide, antisemitism, euthanasia, all forms of cruelties were becoming all too frequent. Dietrich held deeply Christian principles and could not sit by idly watching his world crumble.

Hitler in his early years of power, a non-Christian, subsumed the Lutheran church. Not because he wanted to promote Christianity. He did it to control the German peoples who were predominantly of the Lutheran faith and subvert its teaching to support his radicalism. Unfortunately, Martin Luther in his later years espoused antisemitism. Some believe he had developed dementia and was unaware of his ravings. Hitler used the writings of the founder of the Lutheran church to promote his plans to exterminate the Jews. Bonhoeffer, as a consequence, broke with the Lutheran church and became a founding member of the Confessing Church which stood in opposition to Hitler and his henchmen. In doing so he pinned a bullseye on his own back.

Not only would Bonhoeffer preach against the evil of the Nazis he went a step further and colluded with other notable Germans to plan the assassination of Adolf Hitler. These included his brother-in-law Hans von Dohnanyi, lawyer and intelligence officer; Admiral Canaris and Colonel Hans Oster, both leaders of the Abwehr, Germany’s equivalent of the CIA; and, a number of high-ranking generals of the army. As a Christian pastor Bonhoeffer struggled with the idea of taking another’s life. He prayed, consulted other pastors, and suffered deep inner turmoil over the idea. In the end he believed that taking one man’s life for the sake of millions was justified. And he was aware he would have to answer to his Maker when the time came.

Despite all the best planning, what would become known as operation Valkyrie, the plot to assassinate Hitler failed. And with it the noose around Dietrich’s neck was closing as a trail of underground clandestine activities led straight to his door.

He was imprisoned, but remained optimistic that he would be ultimately freed. He even maintained the belief that he would soon wed Marie von Wedemeyer, to whom he was engaged. Unfortunately, his imprisonment provided prosecutors more time to collect damning evidence against Dietrich.

Germany was losing the war. Allied invasions by the US and Russia were at the doorstep of Berlin on the cusp of liberation. Most importantly Hitler recognizing his defeat committed suicide along with his mistress Eva Braun. Certainly, Dietrich Bonhoeffer now would be spared. But,on April 9, 1945, only days before the end of World War II, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged for his role in the conspiracy to kill Hitler.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s death, along with his coconspirators, marks a tragic conclusion to the lives of German patriots who despised the tyranny of the Nazis and Hitler in particular. For Dietrich there was no illusion that he was endangering himself. He knowingly participated fully aware that death was a possibility. Yet, he was a man of conviction who laid down his life for humanity. History has not forgot his sacrifice.