The Theologian Who Chose to Go Back
In June 1939, Dietrich Bonhoeffer sat in a New York apartment with every reason to stay. Friends had arranged a teaching position at Union Theological...
This is stories & illustrations, drawing on Luke 13:31-35.
In June 1939, Dietrich Bonhoeffer sat in a New York apartment with every reason to stay. Friends had arranged a teaching position at Union Theological Seminary, a safe harbor from the Nazi regime tightening its grip on Germany. He had escaped. He was free. He lasted twenty-six days. Writing to Reinhold Niebuhr, Bonhoeffer explained his decision to return: "I must live through this difficult period in our national history with the people of Germany.…
Sign up free to read the full illustration
Join fellow pastors who prep smarter — free account, no credit card.
Sign Up FreeScripture References
Powered by ChurchWiseAI
IllustrateTheWord is part of the ChurchWiseAI family — AI tools built for pastors, churches, and ministry leaders.
PewSearch
Find Your Church Home
The most complete church directory in the US and Canada. 218,000+ churches searchable by location, denomination, and tradition.
Search ChurchesChurchWiseAI
Voice Agent & Church Chatbot
24/7 AI phone receptionist and website chatbot for churches — answers calls, handles questions, and follows up with visitors automatically.