Bonhoeffer Family Horrified by Movie

[stillspkg]

Last edited Sat Oct 26, 2024, 10:11 AM - Edit history (1)

https://vision.org.au/news/bonhoeffer-family-horrified-by-new

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. "Family and scholars horrified by movie". Bad link, here is the correct one and excerpt

https://vision.org.au/news/bonhoeffer-family-horrified-by-new-movie/

You pasted the link twice and didn't check. That makes the page load but then it can't be scrolled or read. Attention to detail is important.

[...]A number of Bonhoeffer scholars have also signed letters denouncing the theologian’s American biographer Eric Metaxas whose book that sold more than a million copies was titled Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. The scholars also accused so-called Christian nationalists of twisting the theologian’s writings to serve their cause.

“From Project 2025 to violent political rhetoric, the legacy of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer is being invoked this election season on behalf of Christian nationalism. It is a dangerous and grievous misuse of his theology and life. As an international group of Bonhoeffer scholars, we warn against it.”

The family letter concludes: “At a time when intolerance, antisemitism and other forms of racism and xenophobia, nationalism and authoritarianism are on the rise around the world, we believe it is important to clarify publicly: Dietrich Bonhoeffer fought narrow-mindedness, oppression, and exclusion throughout his life.”

“The abuse of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s legacy by Christian nationalists and others is of such cynicism that we are unlikely to convince these demagogues. But we call on American voters in particular: Do not be deceived. Look carefully at history. Only by working together, in the spirit of freedom and concern for others, will we be able to solve our problems. This is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer stands for.”

[Docreed2003]

4. I read Bonhoeffer extensively in college during the 90's

I began noticing even then that far right evangelicals were twisting his writings for their purposes. It doesn't surprise me that they continue to do so, but it is frightening and sad that the would be fascists could be so far off the mark with their portrayal of Bonhoeffer's legacy.

[hlthe2b]

2. I hope people will read your link. Honestly, your subject line doesn't let DUers know the import of this story...

which is incredibly relevant today. Why not edit to use the actual title in the article: "Bonhoeffer Family Horrified By New Movie?"

[John1956PA]

3. Pastor Bonhoeffer wrote that fascism promotes stupidity among the masses.

The Pastor wrote that there is no progress which can be made by arguing with a willfully stupid person. Such people bind together. They will adhere to a fascist leader who placates them and rallies them to persecute people who are critical thinkers.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. magas tend lower in education so they hate the "elites". magas tired of being wrong

magas are tired of constantly being wrong about history and science. That's a big reason they love tRump, who said "We love the poorly educated". Many of them engage in magical thinking, that there is a simple explanation and solution for every problem. Frequently they invoke powerful outside entities "fer or agin" them, like old men in the sky or the Deep State or the "other" (immigrants, non-whites). They deny science if it thwarts their self-centered desires.

It's why they reject climate science: it is too difficult or complex for them to take the effort to understand, so they seize on stupidly simple concepts: 2% of scientists conveniently agree with them and their consumptive ways, so the 98% must be wrong and corrupt and just lying so they can get grants for studies. The earth was hotter in the time of dinosaurs (hint for magas: there were no mammals then). The output of the sun varies so that must explain it. And on and on.

Authoritarians and dictators offer simple solutions for simple people.

[stillspkg]

6. Thanks for reading

Some women at church were planning to see it until they saw this article. And, who actually does a movie about someone famous without getting an "ok" from the family? I know Republicans.

Sorry about the double link. I'm not aware of how actually to post things, I'm just glad to get the word out.