Bonhoeffer's Parents

"This kind of environment was the perfect breeding

ground for a young theologian!"

In the book I'm reading, the author describes Dietrich Bonhoeffer's parents.  It is interesting how different they were in so many ways, but how the two together formed a powerful alliance.

Karl Bonhoeffer (Dietrich's father), worked as the head of psychiatry and neurology in Berlin, Germany.  "Karl was wary of anything beyond what one might observe with one's senses or deduce from those observations.  Concerning both psychoanalysis and religion, he might be termed an agnostic.  There was a strong atmosphere in his home against fuzzy thinking..."  The children grew up knowing if they were going to say anything, it had to be something they could prove with a sustainable argument and facts.

Paula (on the other hand), Dietrich's mother, was the granddaughter, daughter and sister of men of whom gave their lives to theology or pastoring.  She filled every day with Bible reading and hymn singing.  She even taught her children the importance of a personal relationship with God (a very radical idea at the time!).  Paula instilled in her eight children her values of selflessness, expressing generosity, helping others and the serious respect for the feelings and opinions of others.

In today's age it would seem unlikely that two such opposite people/ideas would unite.  Perhaps it was odd in the 1900's as well.  What I found remarkable as I read through the chapter on Dietrich's parents was their united front.  Although they may have differing views, each spouse had an intense respect for the other.  Karl supported Paula in her upbringing of their children, and she taught their children in line with what he would be supportive.  They both desired to please the other and they both held each other in high respect and admiration.  This union brought discipline and order to the house since the children knew Dad would support Mom and vice-versa. 

This kind of dualistic environment of faith and science was the perfect breeding ground for a young theologian!  His curiosity was driven beyond empty faith into concrete study, observation and experience.  He was challenged to not only ask questions, but answer them too!

This chapter caused me to ask questions about my parenting and my marriage.  Am I creating an environment for my children to ask questions, do research and explore?  Do I respect my husband in such a way that my children see us as a team- even when we do not agree.  Hmm...lots to think about.