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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Bonhoeffer characterize his decision to go to Barcelona, according to Metaxas?
(a) "After much council and fervent prayer, I made the decision that changed my life."
(b) "I made my decision based upon what was best for me and Elizabeth (Zinn)."
(c) "In spite of the protests of my parents, I decided this venture was where I was being led."
(d) "It happened that I went."

2. What does Metaxas use for the information upon which he builds his book?
(a) Interviews of Bonhoeffer's intimates.
(b) Bonhoeffer's own writings.
(c) Public records of Bonhoeffers activities as a spy.
(d) The collected works of Bonhoeffer's biographers.

3. Why does Metaxas claim Bonhoeffer became a soldier?
(a) Because he became empathetic with a nationalist movement that identified the Treaty of Versailles as the cause of Germany's economic and social problems.
(b) Because he was conscripted into militia service as the limits placed on the German military by the Treaty of Versailles were insufficient to protect Germany from enemies and insurrections.
(c) Because military service was expected by his strict father.
(d) Because he felt an obligation to offer his service to the benefit of the German Empire.

4. Where was Bonhoeffer's memorial service, according to Metaxas?
(a) Union Theological Seminary.
(b) The Vatican.
(c) Holy Trinity Church in London, England.
(d) Flossenburg concentration camp.

5. To what did Metaxas credit much of Luther's bitterness toward the Jews and others at the end of his life?
(a) A legalistic view of sin.
(b) A hard-line interpretation of the bible.
(c) A series of illnesses and generally declining health.
(d) An increasing exclusionary view of grace.

6. How does Metaxas claim the movie "All Quiet on the Western Front" affected Bonhoeffer?
(a) It caused him to rethink his thoughts about the French.
(b) It made him suspicious of Jewish film makers.
(c) It led him to believe that children should not be allowed into serious movies.
(d) It influenced him to become a pacifist.

7. To what did Bonhoeffer compare a crowd at a bullfight, according to Metaxas?
(a) A type of bloodthirsty disregard for the dignity of life that he saw in Nazi brownshirts.
(b) The anger that his father would display when he was displeased with his actions.
(c) The crowd from the bible yelling "crucify" at Christ.
(d) A vicious animal closing in for a kill.

8. What was Bohnoeffers' first impression of American theology students, according to documents cited by Metaxas.
(a) They made shallow, unsubstantiated statements and were ignorant of dogmatics and basic theological questions.
(b) They attempted to connect all their training to finding a profession.
(c) Their "new world" view offered a fresh perspective on his European theological training.
(d) They were detached from the protestant heritage that was so vital in Germany.

9. Why does Metaxas suggest the students in Bonhoeffer's confirmation class in Wedding were different from similar children in classes he taught in Harlem?
(a) The students in Harlem were largely from poor, dysfunctional families and were disruptive, whereas the students in Wedding were patient and orderly.
(b) Because the students in Harlem participated voluntarily and their parents took their attendance seriously, whereas the students in Wedding were mandated by the state to attend, so the students were disruptive and disrespectful.
(c) There were no differences between the students in Harlem and Wedding.
(d) The students in Harlem were affluent and motivated whereas the students in Wedding were from lower class families and acted like they were trapped in their position.

10. What question regarding the reformation became increasingly important to Bonhoeffer as the Nazis became increasingly demanding of the Lutheran church?
(a) Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
(b) Did Christianity have too close of a relationship with pagan culture when the catholic church became officially recognized.
(c) Can there really be a separation of church and state?
(d) Did the reformation go wrong by moving from a sect to a church.

11. Why does Metaxas claim that Bonhoeffer, "...struggled with the 'problem' of being charming."
(a) Because it was frowned upon by his father.
(b) Because he wanted the words and logic of what he said to be the only things to which others responded.
(c) Because it caused social problems for him.
(d) Because he was, by nature, a recluse.

12. What interests did Bonhoeffer's mother pass to her daughter?
(a) Her interest in money and finance.
(b) Her love of music and singing.
(c) Her religious devotion.
(d) Her passion for horticulture.

13. What was the question that Metaxas claims Jean Lassere put to Bonhoeffer that led him to become involved in the ecumenical movement?
(a) "Do you really believe that Christ would call us to kill each other to determine if French Christians were better than German Christians?"
(b) "Are you willing to forgo all you have been taught about your people and take part in something much greater?"
(c) "Is our war between flesh and blood or between the spirits of God and the spirits of the devil?"
(d) "Do we believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of the Saints, or do we believe in the eternal mission of France?"

14. How does Metaxas claim Bonhoeffer kept informed of the turmoil involving the German church?
(a) He knew British news reporters who got timely information from Berlin.
(b) He had many phone updates from a wide number of contacts.
(c) Members of his congregations updated him through their contacts.
(d) His mother, Paula Bonhoeffer, kept him updated through her various contacts including her son-in-law, General von der Goltz.

15. According to Metaxas, after Bonhoeffer had returned to Germany from New York, how did he view theology?
(a) He believed that theology was the basis by which the Bible should be studied.
(b) He believed that theology was to be protected from the Nazis.
(c) He believed that theology must lead to the practical aspects of how to live as a Christian.
(d) He believed that theology was what separated Christians from pagans.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Metaxas claim Karl Bonhoeffer influenced Berlin?

2. What does Metaxas claim to have set the mood of Britons regarding their attitude toward Germans?

3. What decision did Hitler make in October, 1933, that further catapulted his popularity with Germans?

4. What does Metaxas identify as the difference between the theological debate in the U.S. in the 1930's and those in which Bonhoeffer participated as he was earning his doctorate degrees?

5. What does Metaxas claim to have been a positive consequence of Bonhoeffer's Memorial service being held in England?

(see the answer keys)

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