Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Methodist Roots

Commentary about the new Dietrich Bonhoeffer biography by Charles Marsh, Strange Glory, has predictably focused on the book’s speculation about the German theologian’s sexual bent, although Marsh agrees that Bonhoeffer was chaste. Getting less attention is the fascinating account of the influence of New York and Union Seminary on the young Bonhoeffer, who came to America in 1930 for one year.

At Union two Methodist professors influenced the future anti-Nazi martyr, one of whom also exerted a deep impact on Methodism that continues today. Harry Ward helped to found the Methodist Federation for Social Service in 1907, which crafted Methodism’s Social Creed, and which marinated Methodism in the Social Gospel. It later became the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), which is Methodism’s oldest enduring caucus. He led it for over 30 formative years.