Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined the phrase "cheap grace" to summarize the abuse of grace. He lived in Nazi Germany and was overwhelmed by the cowardice with which Christians reacted to Hitler's threats. Lutheran pastors preached grace on Sundays from the pulpit, then remained silent the rest of the week while the Nazis continued their policy of racism, euthanasia, and genocide. This book, "The Cost of Discipleship," is an invitation to reflect on the call to conversion, committed discipleship, and our willingness to become like Christ.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the most prominent theologians of the 20th century, both for his writings and for his actions and martyrdom. A participant in the resistance movement against Nazism, he famously declared: "Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace." These words are the opening expressions of The Cost of Discipleship, a masterpiece by this young German pastor and a critique of the German church that supported Hitler's regime.
Despite living only 39 years, he left a theological and ethical legacy that is still studied around the world today. Â
