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Introduction

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of seven children.

• At sixteen he decides to study theology; theologian Karl Barth becomes one of his teachers.

• At 21 Bonhoeffer presents a doctoral thesis and dissertation titled Act and Being.

• In 1930 Bonhoeffer attends Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he studies the theologian Niebuhr and becomes intrigued with American Negro spirituals.

• After finishing his term at Union Theological Seminary, Bonhoeffer returns to Berlin, where he teaches systematic theology, writes his first book--Creation and Fall--and becomes pastor to students in a technical school.
• Bonhoeffer's teachings boil down to the belief that Christ's call is to come and die.

• In 1933 Bonhoeffer broadcasts a radio lecture in Berlin that is critical of the German people for supporting Hitler. The broadcast is cut off prematurely by the government.

• After the broadcast, Bonhoeffer goes to England and pastors German congregations there.

• In 1935, Bonhoeffer is making plans to...

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