Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship
This is an electronic version of our Glimpses for Kids children's worship bulletin inserts.
These are designed to present Christian biographies for Children's church, educational or worship ministries. Childhood Questions
"Don't forget to say your prayers, Dietrich. You too, Sabine."
"Yes, Mama," answered the five-year-old twins in one voice. After final
kisses and tuck-ins, Mrs. Bonhoeffer moved on to the beds of the other
five children.
 Dietrich
Bonhoeffer decided to become a theologian when he was just a boy.
"I wish we didn't have to go back to the city tomorrow," whispered Dietrich
when their mother was out of earshot. "I want to just live here in our
vacation house!"
"Yes, I know. But if we lived here, we might get bored even if there's
lots to do."
As Sabine began to drift off to sleep, Dietrich's mind burned with a
question. "Sabine, do you think heaven is like vacation?"
"I think so! I mean, everyone wants to go there!"
"But Sabine, we'll be there forever-- won't it get boring just like vacations
could?"
"I don't know, Dietrich, but I know I want to go there! I hope God hears
my prayers."
"Me too, Sabine, me too."
A Strange Announcement
"Dietrich is practicing his vocabulary again! He doesn't even know what
a "theologian" is. Of course he doesn't really want to become one."
Fourteen-year-old Dietrich became angry at his older brother's mocking
words. "Yes, I do know what a theologian is and yes, I do want to become
one! It's someone who studies all about God and the Bible and then teaches
others. I've already been reading my Bible, and I want to learn all I
can!"
"But Dietrich, you don't even go to church! And besides, the church is
selfish and corrupt."
Dietrich had an answer for that argument. "In that case, I'll reform
it!"
He worked hard and eventually graduated as a teacher and pastor. As a
real "theologian," Dietrich even started attending church! But when he
was given the chance to study in America for a year, he didn't realize
how much more he had to learn.
"What Happened in America?"
Dietrich watched in confusion as the New York City waiter left the table
without taking Frank's order.
"It's just like I told you. They ignore me because I'm black. I'm sure
you'll get great service here, but they won't even give me a glass of
water," explained Frank Fisher.
Dietrich's confusion changed to action. "Frank, if they won't serve you
because of the color of your skin, then none of us will ever eat here
again!" With that, the entire group left the restaurant in protest.
Walking home that evening, Dietrich was deep in thought. America was
great, but why were people so prejudiced against blacks? Blacks were even
attacked on the street for no reason. It was so unfair! God looked at
a person's heart, not the color of his skin!
 Experiences
like this taught Dietrich things he hadn't learned in all his years of
study. Living out his faith meant more than just attending church, reading
books and teaching about God. Dietrich wanted to truly live out Jesus'
words in the Sermon on the Mount, "God blesses those who work for peace."
He returned to Germany determined to treat all people as equals and teach
them that peace was always better than violence.
"What is different about you? What happened in America?" asked Dietrich's
friends when he returned to Germany.
His answer was simple. He told them, "I became a Christian in America."
Little did he know that his decision to promote peace and equality would
soon be put to the test.
Find out if Bonhoeffer was able to stick to his
views on peace in part 2 of this Glimpses for Kids children's
worship bulletin insert.
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