Standing With God in Gethsemane's Darkness: Bonhoeffer's Call to a Faith of Solidarity in Suffering episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 18, 2025 · 23 MIN

Standing With God in Gethsemane's Darkness: Bonhoeffer's Call to a Faith of Solidarity in Suffering

from Process This: Essays at the Intersection of Philosophy, Science, Religion and Culture · host Dr. Tripp Fuller

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, ⁠Process This⁠. In it, I unpack Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological reflection on Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, which he sees as a central metaphor for authentic Christian faith. I struggle with Bonhoeffer's conviction that true Christianity isn't found in religious performance or institutional power but in standing with God in suffering. Following Bonhoeffer's interpretation of Jesus's question, "Could you not stay awake with me one hour?" I explore how he sees Jesus calling believers to practice solidarity with those who suffer rather than seeking religious escape or comfort. According to Bonhoeffer, authentic faith emerges through presence in places of abandonment and vulnerability, where God is revealed not as a problem-solver but as one who enters fully into human suffering. I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+ other people on ⁠Process This⁠. If you want to ⁠read or watch the essay, you will find it here ⁠on SubStack. 3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends. ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?" Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world. Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith. As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ⁠ManyFacesOfChrist.com⁠ for more details and to sign up! _____________________ ⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠ This podcast is a ⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠ production. Follow ⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠, ⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠, & ⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠ ⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠, send ⁠feedback/questions⁠ or become a ⁠member of the HBC Community⁠. ⁠Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Standing With God in Gethsemane's Darkness: Bonhoeffer's Call to a Faith of Solidarity in Suffering

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