Bonhoeffer and the new monasticism.

Abstract

This mini-dissertation represents a critical readin g and interpretation of key Bonhoeffer texts, including Sanctorum Communio , Discipleship and Life Together. Analysis of these texts is integrated with an exploration of Bonhoeffer’s pers onal development, as interpreted by his biographer, Eberhard Bethge. In particular, attenti on is given to the intentional community at Finkenwalde during the years 1935-1937 with a view to assessing Bonhoeffer’s monastic convictions. It is these convictions which form the basis of the comparison between Finkenwalde and the contemporary movement known as New Monastic ism.