“Is not this the fast which I have chosen: To loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to free the oppressed and break every yoke?”
~Isaiah 58:6
Note: Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a founding member of Germany’s anti-Nazi Confessing Church and author of the theological classic The Cost of Discipleship. He was sent to a concentration camp, continued to resist, and was finally executed — just three weeks before Hitler committed suicide.
Bonhoeffer won.
Geat verse, great post
Thanks, L.G.
Amen.
Thank you Mitch. Bonhoeffer is one of my favorites. Jesus calls us to stand with the oppressed and the “least of these”, not with the self-satisfied religious folks that cause so many of our ills. Thank you for the reminder.
My privilege, Gregory.
A human hellbent on doing what was right, regardless of the consequences.
“He was sent to a concentration camp, continued to resist, and was finally executed — just three weeks before Hitler committed suicide.”
Reminds me of someone else. 🙏🏽💙
Point taken, trE. <3
I love this quote, Mitch. Kinda the same idea behind my nightly tradition of praying against terrorism. (Posting about this soon.)
Pray on, my Anonymous friend.
This is a fantastic, daunting assertion by Bonhoeffer. Well chosen and presented, Mitch! I am reminded of C. S. Lewis’s metaphorical claim that we are living in territory occupied by the enemy. I think we must do better than acculturation, even assistance in that way.
Amen, Christopher.
One of my favorite verses — that entire chapter really. Thank you, Mitch.
My privilege, Frank.
As Henri Nouwen assured us, the outcome is assured. BUT the journey and the battle(s) are profoundly challenging, requiring (hopefully centered and joyous) sacrifices. Thanks, Mitch. Be well.
You too, dear Rita.
A powerful and timely reminder that true faith does not remain silent in the face of injustice.
Bonhoeffer’s legacy shows us that courage rooted in conviction can shake empires — even if it costs everything.
Isaiah 58:6 isn’t just a verse to read — it’s a life to live.
Thank you for calling us back to what discipleship really means: to stand, to speak, and to set others free.
83:06
“Isaiah 58:6 isn’t just a verse to read — it’s a life to live.” Amen.
Bravo!
A statement we all need to hear. Thanks.
My privilege, Lynn.
Truth! Love your very last line.
Thank you so much. A Union grad (of long ago) we were steeped in his words and the just-under-consciousness challenge is always there.
Good words to be steeped in, Maren.
Very much a hero of faith.
Indeed, Pete.
Perfect post.
Why, thank you.
Honestly, I believe truth and compassion always win. It just takes time…….
I agree, Ann.
I will resist to the death. I have akrwasy made that decision. I hate that I believe it was necessary to plan for such a reality