“Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is short but tightly packed examination of the idea of Christian community that highlights many of Bonhoeffer’s larger theological ideas. It is a book one should read carefully and, while it is primarily a work of Christian theology, it has numerous insights into how communities function that would be of interest to anyone.

Bonhoeffer is a towering figure in modern Christianity whose ideas have had a strong influence on the development of late-twentieth century theology. This is in part because of the strength of his insights and ideas but also because of his status as a resister to Nazi Germany, his struggle to witness to his faith under strenuous circumstances, and his eventual execution by Nazi authorities in April 1945. He is a modern-day martyr whose witness is inspiring to Christians and non-Christians alike.

This book was written while he led a clandestine seminary training clergy in late 1930s Germany and its is born out of his practical experience of living in a Christian community. The book is divided into five chapters: Community, the Day with Others, the Day Alone, Ministry, and Confession and Communion. The chapters read very well and each one contains one or two central ideas that he develops at length. His theology is Lutheran (i.e., its focus on sin, the value of work, the priesthood of all believers) but the lessons are ones that any Christian can draw from. I found the later three chapters stronger than the first two but it is perhaps a matter of personal tastes and where I am on my own spiritual journey.

At the root of his thinking is the idea that Christ is found in community. The members of a community are in a mutually reinforcing relationship: a member of the community represents Christ to another member and visa versa. This is very simplified understanding of what is essentially a very complex and rich work. One idea that I liked is the idea that the root of most community problems is the desire for self-justification. We strive to be recognized and noticed and we must cultivate practices that break down that need.

The book is a work of theology but is immensely practical. For Bonhoeffer, God is an actual reality that is embodied through the Church. It is a book that you will return to again and again.