Religionless Christianity & Identity

Late Tegel, Apr–Jul 1944

Context

On April 30, 1944 — still at Tegel — Bonhoeffer asks what Christianity is in a “world come of age” where religious scaffolding collapses. He sketches a church for others, where prayer is joined to doing God’s will. In July 1944, the poem “Who Am I?” lays bare a self received rather than performed, and the July 16 line — “only the suffering God can help” — names the cruciform center. Scrutiny around the Abwehr tightens; propaganda hardens; the Allied invasion nears. These texts probe identity and a faith that can live truthfully without props.

Opening reflection

When the props fall, the cornerstone holds — Christ and the neighbor remain.

Commentary

“Religionless Christianity” is often misunderstood. Bonhoeffer is not saying “ditch the church” or “turn faith into generic ethics.” He is asking how Christian faith can speak truthfully in a “world come of age,” where religious trappings no longer persuade and where cultural Christianity props up injustice. His answer is maturity — prayer joined to doing the will of God, worship joined to life, confession joined to responsibility, and a church turned for others. That is why he can say some religious props have to go — not because Christ is smaller, but because Christ is larger than our props. The poem “Who Am I?” belongs right here. Prison peels back the identities others project onto him — confident, cheerful, composed — and what remains at the bottom is not a void but a relationship: “I am yours, O God.” And the later line — “only the suffering God can help” — names the center. God’s power is not domination but self‑giving love revealed at the cross. If that is true, the church is most itself when it bears with, serves, and acts for the neighbor — no spotlight needed.

Primary readings

To Eberhard Bethge, 30 Apr 1944
“Who Am I?” (July 1944)
To Eberhard Bethge, 16 Jul 1944 — “only the suffering God can help” paragraph.

Head • Heart • Hands

Head

In your own words, what is “religionless Christianity” — and what common misread does it correct?
Where does the April 30 letter join prayer to doing? Name the moves.

Heart

In “Who Am I?” which self‑description hit home — and how does the final surrender reshape identity?
What “prop” do you sense you could release without losing Christ? What fear rises?

Hands (choose 1 Baseline + 1 Stretch)

Baselines

Hidden For‑Others Act — one tangible service this week that nobody can trace back to you.
One Prop, One Week — fast from one prop you lean on (being seen, control, religious jargon, constant posting, busyness) and replace it with listening or help.

Stretches

Confession & Release — tell a trusted person one true thing you avoid saying; ask for prayer; take a small obedient step tied to that truth.
Reallocation — shift 2% of your time this week to for‑others service or advocacy and name the beneficiary.

Commitment Card — Session 4

My Baseline: ☐ Hidden For‑Others Act ☐ One Prop, One Week
My Stretch: ☐ Confession & Release ☐ Reallocation
My hidden act: __________________________
Prop → replacement: _____________________
Date & time: ____________________________
Partner: __________ • Check‑in: ______
Notes: __________________________________ ☐ Reminder set

Baseline templates — Session 4

Hidden For‑Others Act — ideas: dishes done, yardwork, ride, grocery drop, anonymous gift card, sit with someone in a waiting room, cover a shift. Do not take credit.

One Prop, One Week My prop: __________ • My swap: __________ One‑line prayer: “Jesus, be enough while I release [prop].”