Our Lenten journey is rapidly drawing to a close, friends. Yesterday in a hotly contested matchup between Constance and Julian of Norwich, Julian prevailed 55% to 45%. She will meet the winner of today's Faithful Four battle between Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Sojourner Truth for the Golden Halo.
To make it to the Faithful Four, Bonhoeffer defeated Athanasius, Barnabas, and Columba while Truth made it past Soren Kierkegaard, Frances Joseph-Guudet, and Absalom Jones.
In the last in-season episode of Monday Madness, Tim and Scott discuss the millions of blank mugs sitting in a warehouse just waiting to be graced with the image of the 2016 Golden Halo Winner. Among other things.
After today, the scene will be set for the Championship Round on the Wednesday of Holy Week, aka "Spy Wednesday." In the meantime, go vote!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
As we begin Holy Week reflecting on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man whose lifetime could have overlapped mine if only he had been less courageous and committed to living a fully Christian life, I find myself queasy. Queasy over his gruesome death at Flossenbürg only days before that death camp would be freed by the allied soldiers. Queasy over my knowledge that much as I wish it weren’t true, I wouldn’t have his courage.
Bonhoeffer came from a privileged family where a life of music, scholarship and travel was the norm. Yet when the German Evangelical Church welcomed the Nazi regime into power, Bonhoeffer joined the “Confessing Church” in protest. He began teaching at Finkenwalde, a Confessing Church seminary. But in 1937 the Nazis declared the teaching of these students illegal. After two years of being banned from teaching and even from public speaking, Bonhoeffer left Germany to teach at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Within a few weeks he felt that he had made a mistake and made plans to return to his homeland. His New York friends, fearing for his safety, encouraged him to continue doing God’s work of teaching and preaching far from the threatening Nazi regime. But, he opted to go back to Germany knowing of the dangers.
At about this time, Bonhoeffer’s brother-in-law, Hans von Dohnanyi was employed in the Nazi’s military intelligence office. In 1940, D
ohnanyi arranged for Bonhoeffer’s employment in his office. But while in this role he was assisting with the resistance movement. As part of this work, he and his brother-in-law amassed large financial donations ear-marked to help Jewish people escape Germany and other Nazi-occupied countries. It was by tracking these funds that the Nazis found out about their resistance work and had both men arrested, ultimately leading to their deaths.
After the war, ordinary German people, many of whom considered themselves to be Christians, said that they were unaware of the extermination of millions of people. They didn’t speak out against the atrocities because for years they had been stirred into a frenzy of hatred and fear of the “other.” Did they not really know what was happening to those families who were disappearing? Did they not really know what was happening in those camps?
Of course, they didn’t have 24/7 news cycles and social media as we do today. We don’t have an excuse to ignore those who stir up hatred and fear. As Christians, we must speak out against those who create dissent because of fear of people of another faith tradition or those speaking another language. As we worship in this Holy Week, we are called to follow Jesus. And we have the added benefit of having Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s example to follow. His witness and courage spans the decades, challenging us in this 21st century culture of “us” versus “them.” I pray that we will heed his message.
-- Beth Lewis
Sojourner Truth
When I started researching Sojourner Truth, I knew about what a 5th grader knows while doing a basic report for Black History Month: she was an ex-slave in early America, and gave a famous speech about women’s rights. She had that catch phrase, “Ain’t I a woman?” which made her sound folksy, like someone you’d want to drink a beer with.
What I did not expect was how stone cold brilliant she was. She spoke Dutch and English fluently. She spoke extemporaneously about political and social issues with more persuasion than men like Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. She carved out a place and a name for herself with little more than her wits. Her words remain as wise, as relevant, and as slyly funny as they were in the 19th century. (“Oh no, honey,” she said once. “I can’t read little things like letters. I read big things like men.”)
Sojourner was so prescient as to be eerie. Her advocacy of prison reform, for the abolition of capital punishment, for the rights of women, and for Black women specifically, reflect concerns that few others were talking about at the time, but would occupy American politics years in the future (and continue to occupy us today). Before the end of the Civil War, she asserted that newly-freed slaves would need reparations, and access to the property that had been confiscated from former Confederates, because otherwise they would be restricted to sharecropping, and other forms of economic slavery. (She was right).
But it would be a grave mistake to relegate Sojourner to being only a social activist. She did everything she did because of her unshakeable faith in 
Jesus Christ, and in her identity as a beloved and chosen child of God. She walked away from her life in bondage because Jesus told her to go. She changed her name because Jesus told her she had a job to seek the truth. She traveled the country, preaching the Good News of the equality that was the reality in God’s kingdom, and how to make that a reality in the kingdoms of the world. And she fought, tooth and nail, to live her life to make that true. Her every action was grounded in her faith in Christ.
I cannot imagine being in Sojourner’s shoes. Her life was filled with tragedy from a young age; not to mention what she faced from society at large. Yet, in the face of all that was arrayed against her, Sojourner held on to her faith, and her vision of Jesus called this world to, and with her heart fixed on these, she left us an incredible example, leading the way to a new world. After all, in her own words, “The truth is powerful, and will prevail.”
Vote Sojourner.
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218 comments on “Dietrich Bonhoeffer vs. Sojourner Truth”
I am a Canadian and watch the social and political landscape of theworld, particularly the United States from that perspective. Over the past months I have begun to understand what might have been going on in Germany that permitted and assisted the rise of Hitler. The sense the Germans had that they were betrayed in the peace negotiations after WW1, the loss of national pride that rankled, the economic upheavals of the times leading to the world wide Depression, all those factors, which from this distance, mirror some of the lives of the disaffected and dissatisfied in the United States. It is scary to see the Front running Republican nominee stirring up the same fear and anger that Hitler channeled in his rise to power. I voted for Bonhoeffer because he reminds all of us that we are called to resist evil and proclaim Justice, with compassion.
No matter who wins thank you all for the ideas and conversation of faith through Lent
After wavering back and forth, I came to your post. Thank you for the clarity and strength of your writing. I have been perceiving the historic parallels of our current political situation since before anyone in the press started writing about them. Then came the additional terrorist acts I heard about on the radio during breakfast. Then I fead the fine essays of the celebrity bloggers, and all the posts. I am so grateful for both of these saints, but I vote for Bonhoeffer. Thanks to all who contributed to our mutual pondering this Lent.
sorry, "read" not "fead"
Take heart, SusanLee! "50 Days of Fabulous" are beginning to help ease our post-LM pain.
This may be the most difficult choice yet. I almost didn't vote because both are so worthy. In the end I chose Bonhoeffer with a clear conscience but could just as easily voted for Sojourner Truth. I'd like to cast an offsetting ballot, but I know the wrath of the SEC would come down upon me.
I voted for Dietrich Bonhoffer because he could have had an easy, pleasant life, but he chose to put himself into harm's way - into the jaws of a death machine. And his writing strikes so many chords with me.
this decision as tough as yesterday's... and tomorrow will be more difficult still
I could have voted for either one and at 8:41 EDT the score is 50-50, so others feel that too. But given how eerily similar are times are to Bonhoeffer's, I had to go with him. Oh that Bonhoeffer had had our current day social media! He is an example to us of never allowing evil to slither around behind the scenes unchallenged. Dietrich, we need you today!!
Amen, amen, and amen! May the Lord raise up Bonhoeffers in our day!
TRUTH, really opened my eyes this year. I just loved her ways in fighting for her rights as a independent black woman. She was so devoted to the lord an Jesus Christ. She allowed them both to guid her through tough times, and she still came through strong. I have to go with Truth because she reminds a lot of strong women and men I know who are going through hard times.
Go TRUTH!!!!
It strikes me that if Soujourner had lived in Nazi Germany, she would have done as Dietrich did, working in all ways possible to preserve the lives and safety of those around her. Likewise, Dietrich, had he been born into Truth's America, would have devoted his life to uplifting the oppressed and nurturing the dignity of every human soul. I don't know who will win the most votes today, but I know each saint is touching each of us, illuminating our lives with their words and deeds and holy example.
Peg, I think you are right that, if their circumstances had been reversed, Dietrich and Sojourner would each have lived a life that resembled the life the other actually lived.
Peg S., I agree with you too. Both Would Go.
This was the hardest choice to make!
I've decided that, much as I adore Julian, the only reasonable solution is a double-faced mug -- Sojourner AND Dietrich. Come on, SEC!!! 🙂
I second that one!
I don't think I can choose today. I love them both.
Hear, hear!
Me, fourth!
In this Holy Week, I see in my mind's eye Bonhoeffer hung, naked, on the gallows at Flossenburg. I love Sojo, but can't get that image out of my mind.....
Both are so deserving. But, for Dietrich to go back and risk his life to help innocent people that were being persecuted because of their religion is true bravery and service to others. This is what Jesus is about. We must remember that many people turned their backs on the Jews including prominent Americans and our own country. Many of these lives could have been saved, but people chose to turn their backs and say it's not happening or that's ok; they're Jewish. More so, Christians turned their backs because these people in need were not Christians, they were Jews. A sad time for all. Don't you know Jesus was weeping. Let's remember that Jesus helped many people who were different and who were considered outcasts. Shouldn't we do the same today?
I am honestly not sure who will get my vote this round. I had Columba going all the way. Sojourner is to be greatly admired for her humble seeking after the truth of freedom in Christ and Dietrich for his standing up to a political system which had the people in thrall. I shall have to wait, read the comments, and make my decision later in the day.
Both are awe-inspiring, but I went with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Very difficult choice
This was the most difficult choice yet, and I will be happy with the outcome because these two are not just worthy to win the Golden Halo; they are perfect role models for us today. I was a little surprised at the suggestion that Soujourner Truth being a "social activist" required a follow-up to explain her Christian credentials in that role. I think being a Christian requires all of us to become "social activists" and it's been the reluctance of the Church to engage more meaningfully and fully in the struggles for justice and equality for all people that has been such a huge turn off for many of us in the Generation X...and younger...demographics. If you believe in Soujourner Truth's life and witness, then get engaged in breaking down the barriers that keep people in poverty. Both Truth and Bonhoeffer are not lives to simply be read and admired. Follow them to the cross, and make the world better for all.
Amen!
Such a hard choice; they are both totally worthy. I voted for Bonhoeffer because his words on separation have always stayed with me; there is such honesty and faith in them. I trust that he and his fiance are together in heaven.
Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love, and it would be wrong to try and find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very hard at first, but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bonds between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; he doesn’t fill it, but on the contrary, he keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive out former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain.
Like most of this years choices, very difficult. But I am biased toward the one that will lose tomorrow's golden halo round...
A desperately difficult decision today. How do you distinguish between two such remarkable people? In the end, I too was swayed by where each came from. Bonhoeffer is a much needed light for today, but he achieved all he did from the starting point of a world of privilege and education, whilst Sojourner Truth overcame slavery, prejudice and discrimination with passion, energy and humour. For Sojourner Truth to have accomplished all she did from her beginnings swayed me to vote for her.
Today's results will no doubt be close. So thankful we don't have to be concerned about hanging chads. God has given both a golden halo!
I have never commented before but DB is so relevant to what is going on today that I had to vote for him. I hope we learn tolerance and not to let others pray upon our fears. We truly need to learn to live together.
I truly wanted Sojourner Truth to win the Golden Halo, yet love Bonhoeffer as revealed in the excellent stories of our Supreme Executive Committee. I meditated on the teachings of Jesus, who told how hard it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Sojourner Truth was forged in the crucible of slavery, thrived through her faith in God and Jesus Christ, achieving amazing accomplishments and great works. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a rich man who was able to follow in the steps of Christ even to his own cross, seeing evil that many people refused to see, and acting. He did what was harder than putting a camel through the eye of a needle. I believe that we desperately need more Truths and Bonhoeffers today and wish I could vote for both, but today I must cast my vote for Bonhoeffer.
I shall miss LM, particularly thoughtful comments such as this one. Thank you all.
Amen.
I will have to do the same.
Go Truth!!
This one is the toughest to choose. I am deeply impressed with DB. However, I also am impressed with Ms. Truth. The final decision came down to growing up in a church that did a lot of activities with a sister Presbyterian Church named for Sojourner Truth. I am really hoping for overtime in this match up (maybe even a 4 overtime match.
I find myself weeping over the words many of you have written this morning about both saints. I thought I was sure about my vote before I started; now I just wish I could vote for both of them.
Just wow. I voted for one of them, but I hope to honor both of them. I have read more about Bonhoeffer, but now I'm going to seek out a more extensive bio of Sojourner. What amazing people, inspiring Christians.
I voted SOJO. It was a very hard choice, but I think today, with fascism on the rise here at home in the US, we have to look within first, to take the log from our own eye before we seek to instruct others on how to be humane. The Truth will set you free!
I am an African-American woman whose late husband was a German man. I have an acquaintance whose father, a young man in the Nazi era, was named after Boenhoffer. I really want to vote for both, and I am so very torn.
Oh my goodness! Doesn't get much more personal than that, Venirta! (Love your name, btw). Join with me in clamouring for a double-winner mug??
As one commentator put it, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and Hell. He knowingly faced Evil and became a martyr. Sojourner Truth, for all the amazing things she accomplished in her lifetime, was no martyr. This was not a difficult choice for me. Bonhoeffer all the way to the GH! Hoffentlich! Stimmen Sie wieder fuer Bonhoeffer! Vielen Dank.
Well.......all of us "old timers" knew it was going to come down to this as it has done so each and every dad-burned year thanks to the SEC. However, I agree with Martha Berger and also can't imagine either Bonhoeffer or Truth as "the other". It's simply punching the blue circle for the one you finally choose and, believe it or not, I ain't telling ! Both are as close to sainthood as you can get as far as I'm concerned and the bloggers obviously felt the same way.
Tough choice, but in light of current presidential politics, I have to go with Bonhoeffer.
Difficult choice today, sorry I can't vote for both now (though I voted for each one in earlier rounds). My vote goes for Bonhoeffer, no doubt influenced by the current political climate. This is not a reflection on Sojourner Truth's contributions or viability as a Golden Hali winner. The SEC won't let us vote for two people in one vote, just the hardest this time.