Thank you for bringing Bonhoeffer's writings into view. I have read this as a child growing up behind the Berlin Wall and much later, trying to make sense out of living through these last years in the US. I always found it important that "Dummheit" (stupidity) does not correlate with intellect but is a moral shortcoming. I found some interesting paralleles in the psychological research on opinion making and attitude change. The more ones opinion is thought through and intellectually sound the more it is also open for change if new information enters the horizon. Less so with opinions which are held my emotional rather intellectual reason. Though their depth is shallow they are the strongest and thus the hardest to challenge and change. Great article. thank you!
Actually, I have to say: A Christian theologian is the wrong person to cite against the evils of dogmatism and intolerance. Organized religion is notorious for (literally) demonizing its critics, burning heretics at the stake, and excommunicating people for tiny disagreements. Still a great article though, thanks for sharing!
"What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly — that is the first law of nature" (Voltaire, Tolerance, 1764).
Yes, a great article. As far as I understand Bonhoeffer has grown up in a humanist household. There are many ways to hold faith without being foolish. Bonhoeffer's life stands witness that faith and organized religion is often not the same and it is well known that Bonhoeffer has paid the ultimate price. I don't think his idea of stupidity ("Dummheit") distinguishes between religious or enlightened people, left or right, or common place. The point is it can be found in every place throughout history and right here and now.
Thank you for bringing Bonhoeffer's writings into view. I have read this as a child growing up behind the Berlin Wall and much later, trying to make sense out of living through these last years in the US. I always found it important that "Dummheit" (stupidity) does not correlate with intellect but is a moral shortcoming. I found some interesting paralleles in the psychological research on opinion making and attitude change. The more ones opinion is thought through and intellectually sound the more it is also open for change if new information enters the horizon. Less so with opinions which are held my emotional rather intellectual reason. Though their depth is shallow they are the strongest and thus the hardest to challenge and change. Great article. thank you!
Actually, I have to say: A Christian theologian is the wrong person to cite against the evils of dogmatism and intolerance. Organized religion is notorious for (literally) demonizing its critics, burning heretics at the stake, and excommunicating people for tiny disagreements. Still a great article though, thanks for sharing!
"What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly — that is the first law of nature" (Voltaire, Tolerance, 1764).
Yes, a great article. As far as I understand Bonhoeffer has grown up in a humanist household. There are many ways to hold faith without being foolish. Bonhoeffer's life stands witness that faith and organized religion is often not the same and it is well known that Bonhoeffer has paid the ultimate price. I don't think his idea of stupidity ("Dummheit") distinguishes between religious or enlightened people, left or right, or common place. The point is it can be found in every place throughout history and right here and now.