Book Review || Mornings With Bonhoeffer

Mornings With Bonhoeffer:
100 Reflections on the Christian Life
Donald K. McKim

Abingdon Press | October 2, 2018
devotionals, non-fiction, Christian Life

[GoodReads]
"No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human."

These stirring words are just a sample of the wisdom found in this collection of 100 devotions that guide and inspire us. Mornings with Bonhoeffer provides an acute understanding of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological perspectives, helping us to reflect on what his thoughts can mean for faith and the Christian experience. Short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters and passages from his sermons, paired with the daily devotions, offer timeless and moving reminders of God's love for humanity speaking to the "head" and "heart" of theological understanding and personal faith.

Dr. Donald K. McKim brings Bonhoeffer to life in this beautiful devotional that provides understanding of often misunderstood, multifaceted writings as well as an inside look at the imperfect man behind the saintly image. The result is a heartrending portrait that provides Bonhoeffer's true insights, as well as insight into the faith that sustained and redeemed him.

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This is a lovely little devotional that takes you through the writings of Deitrich Bonhoeffer and what he has to say about various topics in the Christian life. Each day's devotional begins with a quote from him, followed by the author's expounding on said quote and topic, ending with a Scripture verse to look up as a reference. They are simple and brief---perfect to start the day off!

"Faith is trust. It is trust in Jesus, even when He seems to be asleep in the boat. Through all conditions of life---in calm seas or dangerous seas, faith trusts Jesus. It does not rely on its own strength. Faith believes only in God. Faith overcomes fear because God saves those who are perishing. We are people of 'little faith.' But Jesus is with us. He calms our fears. He gives us faith."

(Bonhoeffer, Chapter 13)

I'm a collector of inspiring and influential quotes from a variety of people, and this devotional is LOADED with them. Each one serves as a great reminder of Who we are to live for and why. And they're scattered with tiny historical snippets of Mr Bonhoeffer's life, where he preached at the time of the quotation, and the like.

I would recommend this little devo to anyone familiar, or unfamiliar, with this great teacher of God, and anyone searching for a brief 5-minute something to go along with their quiet time.