A Study in the Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer With Particular Reference to Christian Spirituality

McLaren, Duncan Muir (1974) A Study in the Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer With Particular Reference to Christian Spirituality. Master of Theology thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

This thesis is a study in the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer with particular reference to Christian spirituality. There is a whole list of terms applicable to this notion. There is the 'spiritual life', 'spiritual outlook', and 'spiritual understanding. ' All of them suggest the notion of something esoteric, private, exclusive, separated from the generality of men, associated with a select few. This is an utter falsification of the position of Bonhoeffer. For him spirit is the ultimate reality. Spirituality implies engagement of the world in all its structures. The thesis examines this in the context of the whole theology of Bonhoeffer with particular reference to the Letters and Papers from Prison. The method employed stresses the element of synthesis found in Bonhoeffer's theology. Throughout the thesis reference is made to the synthesis of faith and worldliness, ultimate and penultimate. resistance and submission, and prayer and righteous action. The synthetic approach of Bonhoeffer to theological concepts is stressed in opposition to the dialectical theology of Karl Barth. Having examined and discussed the major areas in Bonhoeffer's theology the thesis concludes by drawing all these areas together into a structure of Christian Spirituality. Particular reference is made to the concept of the responsible deputy and the Church in an irreligious world. The fundamental structure of Christian Spirituality is defined in terms of being-there-for and with-others.

Item Type: Thesis (Master of Theology)
Qualification Level: Masters
Keywords: Theology, Divinity, Spirituality
Date of Award: 1974
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1974-78682
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 15:03
Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 15:03
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78682

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