’n Nuwe soort martelaar - ’n Nadenke oor Dietrich Bonhoeffer as teoloog van verset

Abstract

This article investigates the question why a theologian like Dietrich Bonhoeffer could get involved in an attempt to kill Hitler. What happened that he, who at one stage uttered almost pacifist language, was willing to plant a bomb in order to kill the Fuhrer? It is clear from Bonhoeffer's writings that there was no possibility to reflect openly on the subject and therefore the investigator has to read “between the lines" to discover Bonhoeffer's position. It becomes clear that Bonhoeffer never justified his act of resistance, although he gave some indications why he reacted like this. But did he morally substantiate his position and is this option applicable today?