The last full week of Lent Madness begins right now. But do not despair as there are many miles to walk and votes to cast before we sleep and/or award the coveted Golden Halo.
Today is the last matchup of the Saintly Sixteen as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Barnabas for the final spot in the Elate Eight. To make it to this point, Bonhoeffer easily defeated Athanasius while Barnabas rocked Elmo's world.
Tomorrow we begin the Elate Eight aka the Round of Saintly Kitsch. Will the Kitsch Kranks come out in full force? Will it be Kontroversial? Stay tuned as the Saintly Smackdown continues at its usual Krazy pace!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writing continues to inspire and sometimes convict us 71 years after his martyrdom.
On our relationship with God and Scripture:
“I bury myself I work in a very unchristian and immodest way. A crazed ambition, which some have noticed about me, makes life difficult…Then something else happened, something that up to this day has changed and rearranged my life. I came for the first time to the Bible…I had already often preached; I had already seen much of the church, even spoken and written about it- and still I had never become a Christian, but instead was very furiously and unrestrainedly my own Lord…Also I had never prayed, or only very little. I was with utter abandonment entirely content with myself. The Bible has liberated me from that, and especially the Sermon on the Mount. Since that time everything has become different.” From a letter to Elisabeth Zinn Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works (DBW 14)
“It is only because he became like us that we can become like him.” From Discipleship (DBW 4)
On our relationships with one another:
"The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them. Just as love of God begins with listening to his word, so the beginning of love for our brothers and sisters is learning to listen to them." From Life together (DBW 5)
“The church is only the church when it is there for others…It must participate in the worldly affairs of the human social order, not ruling but helping and serving.” From Outline of a Project (DBW 8)
On gratitude:
“In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others.” From Letters and Papers from Prison (DBW 8)
“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts.” From Life Together (DBW 5)
And, as we wrestle with racism, theologian Renate Wind helps us to see that we haven’t come as far as we’d like to think:
“Bonhoeffer spent time in 1920 and 1931 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He was chilled by the bourgeois white churchliness of conservative America. But, in the local communities of the “other America,” he found evidence of the church he was searching for. The storefront churches and self-help centers of Harlem and the ecumenical and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the seminary impressed Bonhoeffer.” From Who is Christ for Us?
Barnabas
Although the biblical depiction of Barnabas is somewhat limited, his kindness and fidelity that suffuses that presentation led to many texts being written in his name. These texts give us a sense of how Christians throughout the ages drew strength and encouragement from Barnabas’ example. He has continued to be for us a “son of encouragement.”
One of the earliest texts bearing Barnabas’ name is the Epistle of Barnabas. This short work was likely written in the early second century. The text demonstrates a deep knowledge of the Jewish scriptures and offers a host of creative Christological reflections. The letter is often a litany of biblical texts with brief commentary on the side. At one point in the letter Barnabas offers what was perhaps his rationale for selling everything and giving it to the fledgling Jesus community. He sagely writes, “You shall share everything with your neighbor, and not claim that anything is your own. For if you are sharers in what is incorruptible, how much more so in corruptible things!”
The Acts of Barnabas (likely written in the 5th century) again shows us how Barnabas was remembered. The short work recounts some biblical stories with greater detail and then describes the journeys of Barnabas and John Mark after their parting with Paul. The dispute with Paul is far more cordial than described in Acts with Barnabas calmly arguing, “The grace of God will not desert one who has served the Gospel.” The text includes a beautiful reflection on what it means to be clothed in Christ at baptism – “There is in it nothing filthy, but it is altogether splendid.” The Acts also depict his martyrdom by burning and how he was buried with his copy of the Gospel of Matthew (a Gospel that is, like many of the writings that bear Barnabas’ name, rooted and grounded in the Jewish scriptures).
The final text that bears Barnabas’ name is a late text, likely post-Medieval. The Gospel of Barnabas, which only survives in Italian and Spanish translations, perhaps offers the most important message for us today in the West. At a time when Muslims are routinely denigrated and anti-Muslim rhetoric is on the rise, perhaps we would do well to remember Barnabas’ commitment to seeing the best in people, be they Paul the Apostle or his friend (cousin?) John Mark. In this Gospel, Barnabas presents a Jesus who is sympathetic to Muslim belief and practice. Barnabas’ example as a bridge-builder between people and communities is very much needed today.
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130 comments on “Dietrich Bonhoeffer vs. Barnabas”
I find it hard , with some exceptions, to vote for saints of old when they are competing with modern days saints. Often the write ups include comments that we think are made up or just impossible. I remember the write up for one saint who was capable of being in two places at the same time. I believe the word used was "bi location." The gospel of Barnabus and other of his writings (or those attributed to Barnabus) never made it into the Bible and so one has to wonder if the church fathers dismissed them because they were considered fanciful.
Oh these deliciously difficult choices; they put the Mad in Lent Madness...
My original bracket had Dietrich for this vote. But I have changed my vote to Barnabas simply because sometimes, it seems to me, the quiet, little known, seldom remembered saint deserves a little acknowledgment and appreciation. I probably won't meet any "Bonhoefers" today, but chances are good I might come across a few "Barnabases". Maybe this will help me pay better attention.
That's a very good way of putting it. I voted for Banabas, too, because bridge building and encouragement are my ministry.
And I figured I might as well vote for the underdog. The ancient saints don't fare well against the more modern ones.
probably because there are such unbelievable stories about them — such as one walked for 6 miles preaching carrying his head after it was cut off, one survived drawing and quartering or my personal favorite — Thecla and her ravening seals and so on.
Some of the unbelievable stories are my favorites! And isn't there "unbelievable" stuff in the Bible?
You mean like the day the earth stood still till the Hebrews won the battle? Not believable and not possible literally. Just because it's "in the Bible" does't mean that it's factual. That's what separates us Episcopalians from the fundamentalists ( among other things).
Wow, what a response! It is not fair to have to chose on this one. Both begin with B?
Who said the "day the earth stood still" in ref to literal interpretations, etc.
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is one of my fave movies,
"Gort, Klatu barqada nicto!" Oh, yeah!
Klatu, barata nichto! Absolutely! One of the all time best!
This is more fun than writing to on line dating sites!
Oh, do you do that? All I've found are real losers who were no fun at all.
Barnabas, the bridge-builder. How we need this now more than ever.
Even with the rise of a certain new political figure and his striking resemblance to repeat the history that Bonhoeffer lived, I think Barnabas' message of seeing the good in others and especially listening is a message that is more pertinent to healing the torn apart society that we are generating today.
So I'm voting with you, again today Oliver (eight years old) . Barnabas it is...
Scary, ain't it?
Barnabas because Bonhoeffer annoys me. And because he's such a superstar that Barnabas hasn't a chance.
During his time at Union, described by him as being a "sterile environment", a black fellow seminarian invited him to attend a service at Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church. Bonhoeffer described it as opening his eyes, ears, and heart to the essence of Christianity. His return to Germany to fight Hitler and the evils of Nazism would signal his last act of love by sacrificing his life. If he wins today, so be it; if he wins the Golden Halo, so be it. If not, so be it as he won the Golden Halo when he gave his life some 70 odd years ago. Thanks Bloggers for good blogging today.
Two of my favorite Bonhoeffer quotes not mentioned in Beth Lewis' excellent write-up: "God is the Beyond in the midst of our life." And below, his poem "Who am I?" written in prison.
Who Am I?
Who am I? They often tell me,
I come out of my cell
Calmly, cheerfully, resolutely,
Like a lord from his palace.
Who am I? They often tell me,
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me,
I carried the days of misfortune
Equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one who is used to winning.
Am I really then what others say of me?
Or am I only what I know of myself?
Restless, melancholic, and ill, like a caged bird,
Struggling for breath, as if hands clasped my throat,
Hungry for colors, for flowers, for the songs of birds,
Thirsty for friendly words and human kindness,
Shaking with anger at fate and at the smallest sickness,
Trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Tired and empty at praying, at thinking, at doing,
Drained and ready to say goodbye to it all.
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and another tomorrow?
Am I both at once? In front of others, a hypocrite,
And to myself a contemptible, fretting weakling?
Or is something still in me like a battered army,
running in disorder from a victory already achieved?
Who am I? These lonely questions mock me.
Whoever I am, You know me, I am yours, O God.
Thank you, Jack, for the gift of these two quotes.
My favorite Bonhoeffer story is during the war he would be invited to speak in Switzerland. He told the Nazis that he needed acolytes to serve at the different services. He always complained, when he returned, that they would run off in Switzerland. Truth he was smuggling Jews out of Germany.
I, too, love that story.
Me too. That's one of the reasons I voted for Bonhoeffer. Another was the poem "Who am I?" Thank you, Jack.
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you.
Thank you. Stunning.
Thank you, Jack.
Bonhoeffer, a saint for our time & all times. I predict that he'll win the Golden Halo. I hope so, anyway.
Barnabas gets my vote. I believe in building bridges not walls which is what Barnabas did. Bonhoeffer has a lot to offer but today it is Barnabas even though I know he will be ousted in this round.
This is the most difficult choice since John vs Charles Wesley. I voted for the encourager. His example has been a light to my path.
Both write-ups today were wonderful. In these contentious times I had to vote for Barnabas, whose legacy as a bridge builder has lived through the ages. I'll be happy too when Bonhoeffer wins today.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906 - 1945 killed in a Nazi Conzentration Camp.
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered,
and sonfidently waiting com what may,
we know that God is with us night and morning,
and never fails to greet us each new day.
Von guten Mächten wunderbar geborgen,
erwarten wir getrost, was kommen mag.
Gott ist bei uns am Abend und am Morgen
und ganz gewiss an jedem neuen Tag.
Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented,
Still evil days bring burdens hard to bear;
O give our frightened souls the sure salvation,
For which, O Lord, you taught us to prepare.
(Gelineau's "Le Cénacle" hymn tune for this in the Episcopal Hymnal is devastatingly beautiful.)
I dug the entire six-verse German poem up. It seems to have been Written for New Year's Day, with God promising in the first verse to be with us in the new year. Hymn 695 consists of Verse 6, a sort of reprise of Verse 1 without the New Year's reference, followed by Verses 1-4.
Von guten Mächten treu und still umgeben,
Behütet und getröstet wunderbar,
So will ich diese Tage mit euch leben
Und mit euch gehen in ein neues Jahr
Noch will das alte unsre Herzen quälen,
Noch drückt uns böser Tage schwere Last.
Ach, Herr, gib unsern aufgeschreckten Seelen
Das Heil, für das du uns geschaffen hast.
Und reichst du uns den schweren Kelch, den bittern
Des Leids, gefüllt bis an den höchsten Rand,
So nehmen wir ihn dankbar ohne Zittern
Aus deiner guten und geliebten Hand.
Doch willst du uns noch einmal Freude schenken
An dieser Welt und ihrer Sonne Glanz,
Dann wolln wir des Vergangenen gedenken
Und dann gehört dir unser Leben ganz.
Lass warm und hell die Kerzen heute flammen,
Die du in unsre Dunkelheit gebracht.
Führ, wenn es sein kann, wieder uns zusammen.
Wir wissen es, dein Licht scheint in der Nacht.
Wenn sich die Stille nun tief um uns breitet,
So lass uns hören jenen vollen Klang
Der Welt, die unsichtbar sich um uns weitet,
All deiner Kinder hohen Lobgesang.
Von guten Mächten wunderbar geborgen,
Erwarten wir getrost, was kommen mag.
Gott ist bei uns am Abend und am Morgen
Und ganz gewiss an jedem neuen Tag.
Oops, seven verses, and Hymn 695 is Verses 7, 2, 3, and 4. Silly me.
I know #695 is Parry and all, but I prefer 696...
Actually, so do I. I was just indicating where to find the text. 🙂
Agreed.
I know just enough German to appreciate what an incredibly beautiful poem that is. I'll add that to Rilke's _Marienleben_ among the greats of modern German religious poetry. Thank you.
I loved reading Rilke in college but never encountered the Marienleben. I'm going to get Hindemith's setting from iTunes, if I can, and make its acquaintance. Thanks for the tip.
The "Gospel of Barnabas" has been deemed a forgery by most scholars. Asserting Jesus as the "Isa" of Islam and elevating Muhammad to be the ultimate messenger of God is by no means building bridges.
“The grace of God will not desert one who has served the Gospel.” That's what will stay with me, but Bonhoeffer...
"Who am I?"Bonhoeffer asked. A question I ask myself daily.
Unfortunately, we know little of who Barnabas really was... only who a few others say that he was. And, sadly, we do know what happened within the church that spent the next thousand+ years convincing poor people they had to give everything they had to it. Not that that was Barnabas’s fault... but juxtaposing the images of a wealthy church vs. a hanging, naked man stripped of everything including his dignity... hard to shake.
From the hymn:
Men go to God when they are sorely placed,
Pray him for succor, for his peace, for bread,
For mercy for them sinning,sick or dead.
All men do so in faith or unbelief.
God goes to man when he is sorely placed,
Body and spirit feeds he with his bread.
For every man, he as a man hangs dead.
Forgiven life he gives men through his death
D. Bonhoeffer, verified by Walter Farquharson from the Hymn Book United Church of Canada
it helps me to remember that in Germany, the mainline churches chose the road of compliance with the powers of the day rather than the road of the Dissenting church, Bonhoeffer's costly choice.
Thank you for this, Johanne -- another of DB's poems from "Letters and Papers" that I had forgotten. Very apt with Holy Week approaching.
Barnabas the bridge-builder.
Barnabas, whose story is a creation of Christians in many ages, showing their response to difficult times when the other and the outsider were difficult to see properly in the light of the Gospel.
What a difficult decision. Having served at St Barnabas Church, I have to keep faith with the Son of Encouragement, in grateful thanks for all those who have and continue to encourage me. Bonhoeffer is a giant and I expect him to go on to the next round, but I am thankful for all who quietly and faithfully build bridges of understanding and reconciliation with little reward.
Thank you for these expanded biography stories. Fascinating lives. I am voting for Bonhoeffer so more people will here his story.
Think I voted twice by mistake, my apology. Once for Bonhoeffer.
Again, it's easy (for me) to see why Teddy (Anglicization of Dietrich) is winning in a landslide. Beth Lewis has picked a powerful selection of quotes to show what a beautiful spirit Teddy was. The most that can be said for Barnabas, on the other hand, is that lots of people liked to write in his name for up to 15 centuries (post-Medieval) after he died--assuming he ever lived.
I stumbled on a bio of Bonhoeffer in the bargain pile at the college bookstore when I was 18 or so. I had never heard of him, or that anyone like him used his Christian faith to fight the Nazis. I was overwhelmed and have always considered him one of God's finest gifts to humanity.
I voted for Bonhoeffer this time, both Bs last time. Excellent comments from everyone - almost the best part of Lent Madness!
Now I really want to know - who prevailed in Friday's round?!
Lady Julian put the dogs out, woof woof woof woof.
Clicking on the Bracket tab allows you to look up results to date.
And I'm with you--the comments are rich complements to the blogs and videos.
This great B and B matchup today illustrates the fabric of Christian faith . Barnabus is part of the warp ---the first threads put on the loom---; Bonhoeffer is part of the weft ---the threads that interlace the warp. Thus, fabric is created. The relationship of warp and weft can be simple, like plain weave, or complex, like overshot or double weave or a gillion other patterns.
Lent Madness offers daily, saintly, weave structures for us to analyse.
I'm voting for Barnabus, part of a complex warp, while reading Metaxas biography of Bonhoeffer, part of an amazing weft.
Wow. My wife is a weaver. She would appreciate your analogy. I'm gonna show her what you wrote.
What a wonderful picture of the "old" and "new" relationships. I believe it will change the way I see and think about some of the questionable stories —Thecla for one. Thank you for my Lenten gift.
Wonderful reflection. I love the quote from the card too.
Margot
Voted for Bonhoeffer this time, even though I voted for Athanasius in the first round. (And even though I frequently vote for "underdogs" when both candidates seem equally worthy, as they do this time.)
In terms of Bonhoffer's life story, I voted for the Bonhoeffer who heroically opposed the Nazis rather than the Bonhoeffer who (if he lived in our own day) would have caused headaches for denominational ministry ethics committees by becoming engaged to a teenager who was once in his pastoral care.
In terms of Bonhoeffer's theological work, I voted for the "catholic" Bonhoeffer of "Life "Together" rather than the young, zealous ultraconservative of "The Cost of Discipleship" or the minimalist "progressive" of the "Letters and Papers from Prison".
But, as I've said before, there's a Bonhoeffer for almost everybody.
I voted for Barnabas this time, for his sharing and because I wanted to acknowledge his goodness in spite of my expectation that he would not win enough votes to get into the very finals.
I had to vote for only one, so I chose Barnabas. I pretty much never pass up the chance to vote for a saint who appears on the pages of Scripture. Bonhoeffer very nearly caused me to break my own rule, so I'm pleased to see he will be moving on to the next round.
the concept of being too busy to think and pray, the logically crazy yet there thought that i am my own lord, these struck a chord with me ...
I voted for Bonhoeffer because he spoke out against Hitler