BONHOEFFER
A compelling Christian documentary about courage under tyranny.
Should You Watch It?
You should see BONHOEFFER if you want to understand Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s faith, his opposition to National Socialism, and the true role of the Church in society. The documentary is extremely well constructed, and its archival footage offers important historical insight into how a society can go so far off track.
This is also a film about refusing to worship politics. Bonhoeffer’s commitment to Jesus Christ and his willingness to speak against Hitler give the documentary a clear Christian purpose.
The archival images are difficult, including naked dead bodies in mass graves. For older children and adults who can handle that material, BONHOEFFER is worth the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBONHOEFFER follows Dietrich Bonhoeffer from his privileged childhood and early expression of faith into the ministry and the struggle against National Socialism. His studies in New York, his contact with the African American church, and his strong commitment to Jesus Christ all shape his developing voice.
After returning to Germany, Bonhoeffer speaks out against Hitler and challenges a church that largely supports the Nazi regime.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an excellent documentary. BONHOEFFER is extremely well constructed, presenting facts from Bonhoeffer’s life and struggle against National Socialism that are both interesting and important.
The documentary’s archival footage is especially valuable. It gives the film historical insight into the period and shows how a society can go so far off the track. Its subject matter is serious, but the filmmaking makes the history well worth viewing.
The Worldview
BONHOEFFER presents a strong Christian worldview centered on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s faith in Jesus Christ. He chooses the ministry despite surprising his parents, becomes known for his strong commitment to Christ, and speaks against Hitler only three days after Hitler assumes office.
The documentary also presents the Church as having a true role in society. That emphasis is especially important because the source says that 90 percent of the Protestant and Catholic church supported Hitler at the time. The film’s warning is clear: Christians should not worship politics.
The source does not identify a significant distortion of these Christian themes. Instead, it highlights Bonhoeffer’s faith and his struggle against National Socialism as important examples for viewers who want to understand Christian responsibility in society.
Scripture calls believers to give ultimate obedience to God: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong Christian worldview; scenes of the death and destruction of the Holocaust by the National Socialists, and scenes from documentaries of naked dead bodies in mass graves.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
What does it mean for the Church to have a true role in society?
Matthew 5:14–16 · Acts 2:42–47Why is it dangerous to worship politics or place ultimate hope in political leaders?
Exodus 20:3 · Psalm 146:3–5Bonhoeffer spoke out when much of the Church supported Hitler. What might faithful courage look like when society moves away from truth?
Acts 5:29 · Romans 12:2How should Christians respond when they learn about the suffering caused by National Socialism and the Holocaust?
Micah 6:8 · Romans 12:15The Final Word
BONHOEFFER is a compelling, extremely well-constructed documentary about Christian faith, courage, and the Church’s responsibility in society. Its Holocaust imagery is difficult, but its historical insight and strong Christian worldview make it WORTH THE TRIP for older children to adults.
