Religionless Christianity in a World Come of Age

This brief study focuses on three basic issues raised in the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945): (1) The concept of the 'weakness of God as strength' present in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, and ultimately exemplified in his life and death; (2) A return to Jesus' initial and long forgotten message of freedom from the concept of religion; (3) A world that has finally 'come of age' heralding a time of intellectual honesty and mutual trust for the benefit of both believers and non-believers. An enlightened critique of religion, even a call for its dismissal, does not mean joining the ‘death of God’ school, and the current demise of traditional institutions is not the end of a healthy faith. Granted, we are going through difficult times. Our newly discovered 'freedom in maturity' has given rise to much spiritual and moral instability. Indeed, “The blood-dimmed tide is loosed upon the world. … The best lack all conviction and the worst are full of passionate intensity.” Consequently fundamentalisms flourish. A few more generations of struggle and adjustments will be needed before the wolf ultimately lies down with the lamb. But lie down it will.