Bonhoeffer and South Africa

In this stimulating book, John W. de Gruchy points out the relevance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's thought for the life of the church in South Africa, engaging in dialogue the theology of Bonhoeffer and the theology of South Africa. Both Bonhoeffer's theology and his life bore witness to the need for Christians to come face to face with the pressing political and social issues of the day. Bonhoeffer believed that to bear an authentic witness to Christ in certain settings was to go against the stream; the church in South Africa, says de Gruchy, faces the challenge to be just such a "troublesome witness." He finds in Bonhoeffer's theology direction and liberation for the oppressed -- as well s for the privileged, who need to be "freed for others." Throughout, the book demonstrates the abiding significance of Bonhoeffer's theology, which, according to de Gruchy, derives from the fact that he was, before all else, a witness to Jesus Christ. John de Gruchy is Robert Selby Taylor Professor of Christian Studies and Director of the Religion and Social Change Unit in the University of Cape Town.