Description: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's example of self-sacrificing
discipleship has for over fifty years inspired Christians around the
world in both their resistance to evil and their devotion to Jesus
Christ. Yet for some readers--particularly those who suffer trauma,
abuse, and other forms of violence--Bonhoeffer's insistence on
self-sacrifice, on becoming a ""person for others,"" may prove more
harmful than liberating. For those already socialized into
self-abnegation, uncritical applications of Bonhoeffer's teachings may
reinforce submission, rather than resistance, to evil. This study
explores Bonhoeffer's understandings of selfhood and spiritual
formation, both in his own experience and writings and in light of the
role of gender in psycho-spiritual development. The central constructive
chapter creates a mediated conversation between Bonhoeffer and these
feminist psychologists on the spiritual formation of survivors of trauma
and abuse, including not only dimensions of his thinking to be critiqued
from this perspective but also important resources he contributes toward
a truly liberating Christian spirituality for those on the underside of
selfhood. The book concludes with suggestions regarding the broader
relevance of this study and implications for ministry. The insights for
spiritual formation developed here provide powerful proof of
Bonhoeffer's continuing and concretely contextualized relevance for
readers across the full spectrum of human selfhood. Endorsements: ""In
light of the nearly legendary stature that Dietrich Bonhoeffer . . . has
attained in our time, it is a daunting challenge to tackle the thorny
issue of the way his theology can be, and at times has been, employed to
further abuse and oppression rather than liberation by a facile
confusion of submission to the needs of others with authentic Christian
discipleship. Lisa Dahill, herself a Lutheran theologian, has addressed
this problem with courage and balance. . . . May this excellent study be
read by many."" -Han van den Blink, Professor Emeritus of Ascetical and
Pastoral Theology, Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary ""Lisa Dahill's study
of the spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in relation to the experience
of women victims of gender-based abuse is a remarkable combination of
unflinching academically-based criticism and deeply appreciative
appropriation of Bonhoeffer's challenging and inspiring spirituality. It
also offers a highly original theoretical approach to the study of
spirituality as a rich and demanding resource for those who deal
pastorally with abuse victims in a faith context as well as for all of
us who, in one way or another, deal with the ""underside"" of our own
selfhood. Her conclusions about both the value of particular
spiritualities for the universal church and the non-universality of
particular spiritualities themselves demonstrate precisely the specific
contribution of the scholarly study of spirituality in itself rather
than as a subset or offshoot of theology, ethics, or the personal or
social sciences."" -Sandra M. Schneiders, Professor of New Testament and
Christian Spirituality, Jesuit School of Theology About the
Contributor(s): Lisa E. Dahill is Assistant Professor of Worship and
Christian Spirituality at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. She
is co-chair of the Bonhoeffer: Theology and Social Analysis Group of the
American Academy of Religion and a scholar and translator of
Bonhoeffer's works for the DBWE series from Fortress Press (Conspiracy
and Imprisonment, 1940-1945, DBWE 16, published in 2006; and Resistance
and Surrender: Letters and Papers from Prison, DBWE 8, in process). In
addition, she is author of Truly Present: Practicing Prayer in the
Liturgy (2006).
