Becoming Simple and Wise

"Bonhoeffer's theology, spirituality, and ethics center in discernment, the risky and exhilarating practice of openness to the will of God. Yet until now no full-length study has actually explored the place and shape of discernment for Bonhoeffer. Kaiser's compelling new book does precisely this, revealing the prayerful polyphony at the heart of Bonhoeffer's witness. A groundbreaking scholarly contribution."

--Lisa E. Dahill, Associate Professor of Worship and Christian Spirituality, Trinity Lutheran Seminary



"Kaiser engages with the oldest and most central question in Christian ethics: 'How can I discern and do God's will?' In close conversation with Bonhoeffer's exemplary life and theology, and writing with clarity and verve, Kaiser offers his readers an interpretation that will serve students of Bonhoeffer, and of Christian ethics more generally, for years to come."

--Stephen J. Plant, Dean and Fellow, Trinity Hall, Cambridge, UK



"With Becoming Simple and Wise, Joshua Kaiser makes an invaluable contribution to scholarship on Bonhoeffer's theology and ethics. While attending to prima facie tensions in Bonhoeffer's own comments about moral agency and ethical deliberation, Kaiser convincingly shows that there are deep resources in Bonhoeffer for a rigorous conception of moral discernment. This is a remarkable achievement; it deserves to be read and studied carefully by all those with interests in Bonhoeffer, Lutheran ethics, and moral theology."

--Michael Mawson, Lecturer in Theology, University of Aberdeen