Bonhoefferblog Evaluation
Instructions: There are several ways to evaluate this blog: 1) Cut and Paste this Form into the Comment box below; fill it out and post it. 2) Cut and Paste this Form into a document; fill it out and then e-mail it to me at bryan@harveyoaksbaptist.org 3) Just make any comments below in the Comment box 4) Or just e-mail any comments to me.
Thank you very much for your help and time, Bryan
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Name (optional): ___________________________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes___ No___
Numeric Responses
- The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes__
If yes, what?
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
8. Other Comments:
bonhoefferblog 
22 comments
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February 27, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Kevin Cross
Name (optional): ___Kevin Cross, East Brookfield Baptist (MA) Church__
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes_X__ No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_X_
If yes, what?
His inner character while at the prision camp – very much spurred me on to ensure I don’t whine when my problems become big, as I have never endured what Bonhoeffer did.
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
Informative, good use of external sources, caused me to (re)think my issues and situation.
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
I had an expectation that the blog would be more of a scholarly nature, but was surprised that it was actually a very usable blog. Perhaps the weakness is only in my personal expectation.
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
Questions that may cause me to think/interact with the material presented.
Thank you for the opportunity to interact. Because of this, I will plan to put more time into meditating on Scripture.
8. Other Comments:
February 27, 2008 at 11:11 pm
bryanaloha
Kevin. Thank you very much for your feedback. Are you a Red Sox fan. I a die hard Sox fan in Nebraska!
March 6, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Ken Erisman
Name (optional): ___Kenneth Erisman________________________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes_x__ No___
Numeric Responses
1. The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_x_
If yes, what?
• I have never read his work on “Life Together.” This makes me want to get his book.
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5. What were the strengths of this blog?
• The succinctness of what the author was trying to communicate.
• Also—the application especially to pastors.
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6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
• No real glaring weaknesses.
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7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
• To have more people know about it.
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8. Other Comments: I especially liked your exhortation about pastors being with people—
“To Bonhoeffer, fellowship with our brothers and sisters within the church was a way for Jesus to minister to his people. Fellowship with God’s people provides opportunities to bless and serve and love others. The pastor and preacher in the twenty-first century must not only preach on the necessity of Christian fellowship, but he also must be personally devoted to the fellowship throughout the week.
A preacher who avoids people or is superficial in his relationships with church members will most likely earn the reputation of one does not really care about his people. This can eventually have an adverse affect on his preaching because the people in the pews may read into each message a lack of genuineness.”
This makes me want to be around people more and to check my superficiality in relationships with brothers and sisters of the church.
March 6, 2008 at 3:55 pm
bryanaloha
Kenny:
Thank you brother for your generous feedback. How are things down in KC?
Bryan
March 9, 2008 at 3:14 am
Pat Moore
Name (optional): __________________Pat_________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes__X_ No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_x_
If yes, what?
More about the times in which he lived and the challenges he faced.
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
Do not often read blogs but this one seems easy enough to follow
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
I am still getting used to them.
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
8. Other Comments:
I have sensed more and more recently that there will be a day before too long where I personally will be required to take a stand for Christ and His truth that will lead to earthly sacrifice on my part. I hope to be able to rely on God’s strength to carry me through to His glory. I get the idea that it would be helpful to read Bonhoeffer’s books as a part of the preparation.
Thanks for the information.
March 19, 2008 at 2:48 am
Michael Friday
Name (optional): Michael F
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes X No___
Numeric Responses
1. The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 X 4 __5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes X
If yes, what?
More than ABOUT him was an application I had never thought about before. In our politically charged society, I think Bonhoeffer challenges a more life-giving, rather than power-seeking motif of political involvement for the church to consider. The last 8 – 10 years in America may have turned out differently had those churches which got extremely involved in America’s political process, thought about self-giving and wrong-righting, rather than power-seeking.
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5. What were the strengths of this blog?
It stimulated thinking from a 20th century source for 21st century application that is fresh and powerful.
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6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
The color scheme and graphics, while easy on the eyes, might have been a little more arresting?
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I thought the relevant section (evil in society) might have explored a little more, the real problems we have in even America, some of which may or may not be due to public policy, and some of which may or may not be changed or alleviated by public policy, against which Bonhoeffer might have been either vocal or active (or both) had he been alive today.
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
Push the envelope a little more in the area I just mentioned above, especially since Bonhoeffer took a stance knowing it was dangerous, for what he believed. It is debatable whether he might be quite unimpressed with the cosiness of American believers today.
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8. Other Comments:
Great going, Bryan! Nice to see that you are finishing before the KINGDOM comes!!!!! Haahahahhaaa!
March 19, 2008 at 12:48 pm
bryanaloha
Michael:
Blessings brother! Thank you for taking the time to look at the blog and fill out an evaluation form. Lord willing, I will finish my degree before coming of the Kingdom.
Take care and thank you again, Bryan
March 20, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Clifford Anderson
Good research and well written. Finish it up .
Cliff
March 21, 2008 at 11:35 pm
bryanaloha
Thank you Clifford for your encouragement. Bryan
March 28, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Stephen
Name (optional): ___Stephen Ley________________________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes___ No_X__
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 __4 _X_5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_X_
If yes, what? I now have a better understanding of what Bonhoeffer was getting at re “religionless Christianity”. Also, it’s helped fill in some gaps in my knowledge of his life and thought. Currently, I’m reading Letters and Papers from Prison for the first time and re-reading Life Together. Stumbling across this site recently was very fortuitous.
5. What were the strengths of this blog? I love the concept and like the minimalistic design. But the main strength is the content. It’s refreshing to see something so substantive in the “blogosphere”.
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog? Don’t see any. The footnotes threw me at first, until I realized the scholarly purpose behind it.
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful? Filling out the evaluation form could be more user friendly (cutting and pasting this was a bit tricky), but I know your options are limited in this format.
8. Other Comments: All good wishes and God’s blessings on this endeavor! Grace and peace.
March 29, 2008 at 1:35 pm
bryanaloha
Hi Stephen:
Thank you very much for filling out an evaluation form for my blog. I appreciate your feedback.
Blessings,
Bryan
April 4, 2008 at 12:45 am
Cordell Schulten
Name: Cordell Schulten, lecturer, Fontbonne Univ.
PhD student, Concordia Seminary
St. Louis, Missouri
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes___ (occasional pulpit supply) No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 X4 __5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) NoX
(b) Yes__
If yes, what?
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
I’m interested in your ideas on the influence Bonhoeffer has had and may have upon preaching in the 21st American church. I’m doing PhD studies at Concordia Sem in Practical Theology. I’m exploring how Bonhoeffer’s Ethics may help to inform the intersection of theology and law arising in debates over contemporary moral issues involving questions of human life and death (e.g. abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, just war)
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
There is such a wealth of discussion over Bonhoeffer. You might want to consider adding some links, for example the International Bonhoeffer Society — http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~diebon06/index.html
I would also suggest that your reflections on primary sources reference Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works English edition – http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~diebon06/DBWE.html
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
see above
8. Other Comments:
I am looking forward to reading this blog on a regular basis.
Thanks for extending the discussion on one of the most important 20th theologians.
April 6, 2008 at 6:02 pm
bryanaloha
Hi Cordell:
Thank you your comments. I would be very interested in reading your conclusion on Bonhoeffer’s Ethics. Bryan
April 7, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Darryl
Name (optional): Darryl Dash
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes X No___
Numeric Responses
1. The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 __4 X 5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 __4 X 5
Poor Fair Average Good Excellent
3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 __4 X 5
Poor Fair Average Good Excellent
Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes X
If yes, what?
* more of the history surrounding his life
* more of his teachings
* how the themes of his writings apply to contemporary issues
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
* excellent content
* the themes are well thought out in terms of accuracy and relevance
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
* not a weakness, but the reading is more demanding than the average blog
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
* more bite-size posts
8. Other Comments:
Excellent job. I hope you turn this into a book one day!
April 7, 2008 at 3:35 pm
bryanaloha
Thank you Darryl!
April 9, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Dana Olson
Name (optional): __Dana Olson__________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes__X_ No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 __4 _x_5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_x_
If yes, what?
I did not know, or had forgotten, that DB came to New York and then turned around to rejoin his people, leading directly to his death. Powerful. That DB was perhaps the first to be silenced by the regime when his radio broadcast was cut off. That resistence was much earlier in the Third Reich than I realized.
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
Clear, helpful, wonderfully organized. Of benefit to preachers, students in seminary or Bible college, and lay people wanting to learn from DB.
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
I will send via email a few typos. I wonder if you want to go farther in the Application of chapters 5 & 6. For example, you quote Piper on the Proverb with regard to abortion…what would DB say about this today? Would he preach courageously against abortion? Would he say that the blood of millions of infants is on the hands of the church today? If in Canada, would DB preach courageously against gay marriage, even if it meant going to jail for doing so? Would he preach in the American pulpit against materialism, to people with 3 cars, two homes, and home theatres in their finished basements? And as for chapter 6, what would DB say about reaching the unreached tribes today, especially among the muslims? Would he call the church to die for the sake of Christ in taking the good news to the islamist world? to the world of HIV/AIDS sufferers?
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
In future posts, should you choose to continue, you could have some dialogues with prominent preachers over your 6 points, preachers such as Piper, your professor Dr. Robinson, Erwin Lutzer, Warren Wiersbe, etc. Also, DB scholars. It could be really fascinating. On the point above about the application of chapter 5, for example, it would be great to read what Piper thinks about parallels between preaching against the Third Reich in Germany in 1939 and preaching against abortion in America today.
8. Other Comments:
Tremendous. Terrific. I hope to see this in print some day soon. Dr. Galloway!!! Wow, that will be something! Dr. Galloway, published author! You could then write another book on the significance of Tom Osborne’s coaching philosophy for preaching in 21st century Nebraska.
April 16, 2008 at 8:10 pm
scott
Hey Bryan:
Nice blog.
I only have one comment. Turn off the “Snap” feature. As a regular blog reader and commenter I find it one of the most annoying features bloggers can use. The best blogs I read do not use it at all and for good reason. Links yes, “Snap” no.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the invitation to read and comment.
Scott
April 17, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Robert Permenter
Name (optional): _______Robert Permenter ____________________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes_x__ No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 _x_3 __4 __5
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2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
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3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
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Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No__
(b) Yes_x_
If yes, what?
Historical details.
His attitude toward preaching
How his work can impact us today.
5. What were the strengths of this blog?
Informative, clear
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
Too much information
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
Summerize with a lead in line. If someone wants more info, use a link
8. Other Comments:
Very good job
May 4, 2008 at 4:49 am
Gil Webb
I appreciated the blog and its content, it was well organized and full of good information and insight. The challenge for me as a preacher & pastor is to increase personal study and sermon preparation time. The times we are presently living in demand that the servants of God find faith, fortitude and favor as they seek to be God’s spoke person. The spiritual stamina of Bonhoeffer as it surfaces from this blog has served as a source of encouragement to me and I wish to thank you for your time well spent in putting this together.
May 5, 2008 at 2:07 pm
bryanaloha
Hi Gil:
Thank you for your very helpful feedback. You are correct about Bohoeffer’s example of stamina. May we all press on and live for Jesus even when there is opposition. Take care brother,
Bryan
November 29, 2008 at 12:03 am
Stephen C. Rose
I may get hammered for the following. It is from a section of my blog which I call Bonhoeffer’s Ghost.
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer”s Ghost pursued him through time.
“Why”, asked the Ghost, “did one drawn to the Sermon on the Mount and to nonviolence, retaliate?”
We guess the answer:
The very enormity of Hitler’s evil. Even pacifists said, “We must fight!” Bonhoeffer offers an explanation, but Bonhoeffer knows the Ghost has more to say. Bonhoeffer himself knows more. Bonhoeffer’s religionless Christianity builds on the Sermon on the Mount. So too Bonhoeffer’s world come of age. And his famous notion of cheap grace most certainly attaches a cost to discipleship. But for doing what? There’s the rub.
Painfully, Bonhoeffer knows there is a lasting contradiction between his actions then and what he might have done if he had had the time.
So he is not surprised to hear the Ghost explain, “Evil for evil merely breeds more evil.. Jesus knows a better way; he is more canny. Negotiation is his style and parable his sword. He shakes the very props of Empire with a word. Why did he die? It was to show the power and shape of Abba’s love. To vindicate and demonstrate the truth of Abba’s Way..”
The Ghost continues. “Dietrich, it is not too late. Inspire those who come after to speak what you would have spoken. Instead of creeds, obedience. Instead of a set of beliefs, a way of life. Instead of ‘church’, a practiced faith. Instead of assent to war and its ways, a removal of the sword from Caesar and the final coming of age which is Abba’s Way.
“This way confronts but does not kill. This way puts on no airs and claims no truths. It simply acts and values Abba-like That’s all.
“You knew it then: The old way will not work. Do not allow your legacy to venerate you for the wrong thing.”
Bonhoeffer, like Hamlet, talks back. And, like the poet in Isaiah 6, says: “I am a man of unclean lips. Living in a world of unclean lips.”
The Ghost replies, “You are indeed. But Abba sets you free. Then, Dietrich, if they kill, it will be for the right. Make strait the way of Abba, Dietrich. Make it strait.”
Then on the parapet, the ghostly figure disappears. And now we hear a rising angels’ song.
Abba whose home in heaven is
Hallowed and holy is your name
Let your realm come your will be done
Till earth and heaven are the same
Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive the wrongs that we have done
As we forgive those who do wrong
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil lord
And guide us safely to your shore
Yours is the power to heal and mend
Yours is the glory ever more
December 30, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Chris
Name (optional): ___________________________________________
Do You Preach on a Regular Basis?
Yes X No___
Numeric Responses
The design of the blog site was: (mark one)
__1 __2 X 3 __4 __5
Poor Fair Average Good Excellent
2. The content of the blog was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 X 4 __5
Poor Fair Average Good Excellent
3. The effectiveness of the blog was: (mark one)
__1 __2 __3 X 4 __5
Poor Fair Average Good Excellent
Written Responses:
4. Do you learn anything new about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
(a) No
(b) Yes X
If yes, what?
I like the 6 ways we can be impacted by DB. Very simple but powerful and practical.
5. What were the strengths of this blog? The topic itself – people need to know more about DB.
6. What were the weaknesses of this blog?
Overall feel felt uncomfortable. Would like to see the full article when I click on PRINT. Would also like to see links to previous and next articles in a series.
7. What would you suggest to make this blog more helpful?
Cleaner, simpler format of the website. May be cost prohibitive as student.
8. Other Comments:
Good job – keep up the hard work!