deitrich bonhoeffer book summaries

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.”

From the opening chapter on community, warning against the 'wish dream' of an ideal fellowship.

“God hates visionary dreaming; it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious.”

In the chapter on community, discussing the dangers of idealizing community.

“The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them.”

From the chapter on the ministry of the community, emphasizing the importance of listening.

“Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community.”

From the chapter on confession, explaining how sin isolates the individual.

“In confession the breakthrough to community takes place.”

From the chapter on confession and the Lord's Supper, highlighting the communal aspect of confession.

“The day with others is the day of the church, the day alone is the day of the individual.”

From the chapter on the day alone, contrasting communal and personal devotion.