43 pages • 1-hour read
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
According to Bonhoeffer, how does the spiritual health of an individual Christian impact the spiritual health of a community of Christians?
How does the historical context of Life Together influence your reading of the book and inform the application of it today?
What is the Christian’s responsibility to others, according to Bonhoeffer? How does Bonhoeffer elaborate on basic Christian teachings in making this argument?
How does Bonhoeffer feel about one Christian casting judgment on another? In what ways do his arguments about this reflect his particular historical context?
Explain the significance of confession as described in Life Together. How is this essential to spiritual growth?
In the first chapter of Life Together, Bonhoeffer writes, “So, the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of cloistered life but in the thick of foes” (17). What does Bonhoeffer mean by this? What are some examples of this in modern times?
Bonhoeffer’s decision to return to Germany proved to be a turning point in his life, one that ultimately resulted in his death. In your opinion, did Bonhoeffer make the right choice in resisting the Nazis in his homeland versus away from it? Why or why not?
How does Life Together illustrate Bonhoeffer’s philosophy of realism?
According to Bonhoeffer, what is the significance of morning for a Christian? What biblical (or broadly Christian) imagery does he draw on in making this point?
One of the principles that Bonhoeffer explores in Life Together is meditation. How does he differentiate a specific period of meditation from meditation on the Scriptures or in prayer, and what does he argue is the significance of it?
Unlock all 43 pages of this Study Guide
Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.
- Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
- Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
- Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs