Becoming Simple and Wise

What does it mean for a Christian to discern God's will? Such a question lies at the heart of the Christian moral life. For some, discerning God's will means reading the Bible and following its commandments. For others, discerning God's will involves the use of human reason and conscience to guide behavior. For Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the question of discernment is more complex and can only be answered theologically. By tracing Bonhoeffer's understanding of moral discernment throughout his writings, and especially in his Ethics, Joshua Kaiser seeks to demonstrate the importance of discernment for Bonhoeffer's vision of Christian ethics and to explain how his view combines elements of simple faith and rational reflection. While the results of this study will be significant for those interested in Bonhoeffer, they will also be relevant to all who struggle along the path of Christian discipleship and seek to understand and act upon God's will.