Transformation in Christ:

Bonhoeffer, Ignatian Indifference and Creative Insight

 Abstract: This paper explores the concept of transformation in Christ through the lenses of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological insights, Ignatian indifference, and the role of creative insight in spiritual growth. Bonhoeffer's notion of "costly grace" challenges believers to embrace a radical discipleship that reshapes their existence in Christ. Ignatian indifference, which promotes a detachment from worldly attachments to focus on God's will, offers a complementary perspective for achieving spiritual transformation. The paper also investigates how creative insight, nurtured by prayer and discernment, serves as a tool for recognizing divine action and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.

Keywords: Transformation, Bonhoeffer, Ignatian Indifference, Costly Grace, Creative Insight.

Bio-note: Alda Anastasi is a podiatrist and registered homeopath, with a profound commitment to the study and practice of theology and spirituality. Her journey into theology began as a response to a life-changing encounter at a Gestalt conference in Serbia five years ago, where a presentation on the Tibetan Bardo Thodol challenged her Christian faith and ignited a quest for deeper understanding. This transformative moment led Alda to pursue a B.A. (Hons) in Theology at the University of Malta, where she not only expanded her intellectual horizons but also cultivated a deeper connection to her spiritual life. She is currently reading her Master's in Theology. Alda gives talks, retreats and seminars at the Centre of Ignatian Spirituality.

Bonhoeffer and the Secular Age: Engaging the World Without Losing Faith

Abstract: This paper explores Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology within the context of the secular age, focusing on his call for Christians to engage meaningfully with the world without compromising their faith. In an era marked by increasing secularization, Bonhoeffer’s reflections provide a profound response to the challenge of living authentically as a Christian in a world that often marginalizes or misunderstands the gospel. Through his works, particularly Ethics, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of a Christian witness that is not separate from the world but actively involved in its transformation. This paper examines how Bonhoeffer’s vision for Christian engagement offers a model for contemporary believers, navigating the tension between faith and secular culture. By engaging societal and political issues with a transformative mindset, Bonhoeffer's insights invite a renewed public Christian witness in today’s secularized global context.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Secular Age, Christian Engagement, Faith and Culture, Secularization.

Bio-note: JOHN ANTHONY BERRY is Associate Professor of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology and former Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta. He studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Malta and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 2007, he was a visiting scholar at KU Leuven and at the Institut Catholique de Paris. His postgraduate research focused on Augustine, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Joseph Ratzinger, and Yves Congar OP. He served as President of the European Society for Ecumenical Research Societas Oecumenica (2018–2022), and as a committee member of the international presidium of the European Society for Catholic Theology (2017–2021). His publications include Yves Congar’s Vision of Faith (2019) and Love Alone (2022). He has also directed and co-edited several works, including Fidelis et Verax (2022), Resilience in a Troubled World (2023), The Spirit of the Reformation (2023), and Living Tradition (2024).

Embracing Secularity: Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Abstraction, Christ Reality and Worldly-Christianity

Abstract: We live in a post-Christian society. As Bonhoeffer wrote, the world has “come-of-age” and no longer feels a need for God. The two common religious reactions to secularization are what he called the radical and the compromise solutions (making the world conform to the Church or the Church to the world). Bonhoeffer rejected both in favour of “Christ-Reality”, i.e.: God has reconciled the world to himself in Christ. From here on any approach which separates Christ and the world is “abstraction”. In his words, “we can no longer see the world without seeing Christ, any more than we can see Christ without seeing the world”.

Bonhoeffer wrote that Christ became a man so that we could become, not merely “Christian”, but truly human. As Christ-followers, in order to critically and constructively engage the world, we must recognize that Christ entered the world so that it could become, not merely religious, but truly worldly. Bonhoeffer’s proposal for this-worldly-Christianity calls us to embody Christ-Reality by becoming worldly Christians, by becoming a worldly “Church-for-others”. What does it mean today to see the world, not as opposed to God, but as reconciled to God in Christ? How can we embrace the world as Christ has embraced us? How can we, as “messengers of reconciliation”, join in Christ’s “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:16-19)? We must start by learning to love the world as deeply as Christ loved it, so deeply that he gave his life for it.

Keywords: Reconciliation, Christ-Reality, Worldliness, Abstraction, Church-for-others.

Bio-note: Joel Burnell is Chair of the Theology Department at the Evangelical School of Theology in Wroclaw, Poland, where he lectures in Dogmatics and Moral Theology. He is the co-editor of the book Bearing Responsibility for Others (2008) and author of Poetry, Providence, and Patriotism: Polish Messianism in Dialogue with Dietrich Bonhoeffer (2009). He is the Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center of Poland, and a member of the Board of the Polish Section of the International Bonhoeffer Society. In addition to numerous published articles, he is the editor of several volumes of Theologica Wratislaviensia.

Bonhoeffer and Christian Unity: A Historical Perspective

Abstract: This paper explores Dietrich Bonhoeffer's participation in the ecumenical movement during the 1930s and assesses his ongoing influence in contemporary ecumenical dialogue. Bonhoeffer's role in the Confessing Church, his theological reflections, and his commitment to Christian unity during a time of political crisis form the foundation for his lasting impact. By examining Bonhoeffer’s legacy, this paper aims to highlight how his theological and ecumenical vision continues to shape modern discussions on Christian unity and the challenges faced by the global Church in the pursuit of reconciliation and common witness.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Ecumenical Movement, Christian Unity, Confessing Church, Theological Legacy.

Bio-note: He is a professor at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Southern Italy – Sezione San Tommaso since 2022 and a visiting professor of History of the Movement Ecumenical in the program of Science of Religion of the Catholic University of Pernambuco (Recife, Brazil). He has lectured at numerous institutions, including those in Florence, Recife, Bari, Rimini-San Marino, Treviso-Vittorio Veneto-Belluno, Venice, Camaiore, Pisa, and Olinda. He publishes extensively on the history of the Second Vatican Council and the ecumenical movement. Among his most recent works are Un cuore solo. Papa Francesco e l’unità della Chiesa (Milan, Edizioni Terra Santa, 2014), Fratelli in cammino. Storia della dichiarazione Nostra Aetate (Milan, Edizioni Terra Santa, 2015), L’ecumenismo di papa Francesco (Magnano, Qiqajon, 2019), and Alla scoperta dell’unità. Introduzione all’ecumenismo nel XXI secolo (Rimini, Pazzini, 2023). Email: direttore@centroecumenismo.it

Holding Fast to Grace Under Pressure: Insights from Bonhoeffer, Tijhuis, and Van Thuận

Abstract: This paper explores the theme of holding fast to grace under pressure, drawing on the insights of three influential figures: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gerard Tijhuis, and Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuận. Each faced immense challenges—Bonhoeffer resisted the Nazi regime, Tijhuis wrote an inspiring spiritual diary from his imprisonment experience, and Van Thuận suffered under communist authorities in Vietnam. In light of contemporary troubling contexts, such as rising political-religious populism and manipulation, and social unrest, their reflections offer valuable lessons on maintaining faith and grace under severe trials. Bonhoeffer’s concept of "costly grace" will be compared with Van Thuận’s idea of "spiritual resilience" and Tijhuis’s "unstoppable grace". The paper will examine how their experiences and writings provide insight into navigating today's turbulent world, highlighting how grace can serve as both a source of strength and a profound witness in times of persecution, social division, and global crisis.

Keywords: Grace, Persecution, Resilience, Faith, Populism.

Bio-note: Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri O.Carm. holds degrees in History of Art, Philosophy, and Theology and is an Associate Professor at the University of Malta, specializing in Spiritual Theology, Consecrated Life, and Gender Issues. He is also an author, researcher, and member of various academic boards, with a focus on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to Spirituality and Mysticism.

Warren James Borg Ebejer is a Lecturer at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, with degrees in English, Modern and Contemporary Literature, and Spirituality. His research, blending faith, spirituality, and literary analysis, reflects his interdisciplinary approach as an emerging researcher and published author.

Living as One Who Follows Christ: Sketches of Bonhoeffer's Ethics

Abstract: This paper traces the link between Bonhoeffer's programmatic conviction that when "The Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die," crystallised in his famous work The Cost of Discipleship, and his how this influenced his writings on how to live the good life. The encounters he made while attending the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, and his stay in Tegel prison continued to shape his beliefs of how a Christian, indeed any person, ought to lead a life of responsibly before God in this complex world marred by injustices. Such an ethics tends towards a life of community and communion, lived in fullness with and for others, and in response to the call of Christ.

Keywords: Discipleship, Responsibility, Ethics, Community, Injustice.

Bio-note: Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja read for his Doctorate in Moral Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, after having pursued a bachelor’s degree in the health sciences and undergraduate and postgraduate studies in theology at the University of Malta. His doctoral dissertation is published as a monograph by Fortress press titled, Communities of Kinship. He is a resident academic at the University of Malta in the areas of moral theology and applied ethics.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Prison Companion and his Last Witness

Abstract: Dante Curcio, my father, was an officer of the Italian Air Force, often sent to Berlin to collaborate with the Luftwaffe. He was in Berlin also on Sept.8th1943, the day of the signing of the Italian Armistice. He was immediately arrested and taken to Tegel prison, where, after a few weeks, he was asked to join the fascist Italian Republic of Salò, thus obtaining freedom, but having to collaborate with Nazi Germany. He refused and remained in prison until the end of the war. D. Bonhoeffer and my father met during half-hours of air in the prison courtyard and became friends. They talked a lot, they were two very different minds who attracted each other in their conversations. Before being taken away from Tegel, D. Bonhoeffer asked to say goodbye to my father in his cell, through a farewell that remained in my father's heart and head for his entire life.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Resistance, Tegel Prison, Italian Armistice, friendship.

Bio-note: Fiammetta Curcio was born in Rome in 1953. She graduated in Economic Statistics and has professional experience in the field of economic development. Now retired, she is dedicated to preserving the memory of her father, Dante, highlighting both his contributions to the field of electronics and the hardships he endured during World War II, when he was held as an Italian Military Internee (I.M.I.) in Berlin.

Bonhoeffer and the Opposition. The Role of Silence for Community

Starting with Bonhoeffer’s words “Silence and speech have the same inner correspondence and difference as do solitude and community. One does not exist without the other”. What is the relationship between these oppositions? Bonhoeffer affirmed that it is precisely humanity in its strength and maturity that God claims and transforms into Jesus Christ, "the person for others". The aim is to look at the close and dynamic relationship between the spiritual disciplines of community and being alone, in terms of intentionally seeking out silence and solitude. How can silence and solitude increase our capacity for community care and growth? How does life in community amplify our alone time? In this context, Bonhoeffer's opposition should be compared with that of Guardini.

Keywords: Silence, solitude, community, opposition, care.

Bio-note: Yvonne Dohna Schlobitten is Professor at the Faculty of History and Cultural Heritage of the Church, Pontifical Gregorian University. Degrees in philosophy, art history, law and master in comparative law. Certificate in 'Spiritual Theology' and 'Philosophy of Religion'. 2000 PhD in Art Law as a Max-Planck scholar. 2022 Premio Basilicata di Letteratura Spirituale e Poesia Religiosa. Since 2024 Training as a “Mentor of Silence”. Co-founder of the Guardini Center, Italy. Email: dohna@unigre.it

Unconscious Christianity: Musings on Bonhoeffer's Late Texts

Towards the end of his life Dietrich Bonhoeffer considered the concept of unconscious Christianity in texts spanning several years and literary genres. While closely aligned with his thinking on more well-known concepts such as the world come of age, non-religious interpretation of biblical concepts, and religionless Christianity, unconscious Christianity is a discrete concept which provides insight into the concerns at the forefront of Bonhoeffer’s mind while in prison: how to account spiritually for, and relate pastorally to, ‘good people,’ and the diverse potential expressions of Christianity in post-war Germany. This paper will present Bonhoeffer’s ideas on unconscious Christianity, consider their implications for his thinking on the future of the church in what he thought would be a post-Christendom era, and draw conclusions for our own engagement with contemporary secular and multi-faith society.

Keywords: Unconscious Christianity, Religionless Christianity, Post-Christendom, Secular Society, Pastoral Theology.

Bio-note: Eleanor McLaughlin is Lecturer in Theology at Ripon College Cuddesdon, and an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. She is the author of Unconscious Christianity in Bonhoeffer’s Late Theology: Encounters with the Unknown Christ. Foreword by Rowan Williams (Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2020), and in other publications has engaged with Bonhoeffer’s theology in relation to theological anthropology, disability theology, and human flourishing. She is a trustee of the charity Project Bonhoeffer.

The Gospel of John and Bonhoeffer’s Radical Discipleship

Abstract: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s understanding of Christian discipleship is deeply rooted in his reading of Scripture, particularly the Gospel of John. In his writings, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus' call to follow Him, a call that demands complete commitment and a life of obedience. In the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly invites His followers to "come and see," to "abide" in Him, and to follow the example He set, offering a deep connection between faith and action. Bonhoeffer, influenced by this Johannine framework, contends that true discipleship requires both an individual response and a communal bond with Christ and fellow believers. The Gospel's portrayal of the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples becomes the foundation for Bonhoeffer’s vision of costly grace and the imitation of Christ, which challenges believers to embrace a discipleship that transforms both the self and the world. This paper will explore Bonhoeffer’s call to discipleship in the context of the Gospel of John, focusing on the implications of divine calling, sacrifice, and community for the Christian life today.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, Gospel of John, Costly Grace, Imitation of Christ.

Bio-note: Martin Micallef is Professor of New Testament exegesis within the Department of Sacred Scripture, Hebrew and Greek at the Faculty of Theology, University of Malta. He pursued his postgraduate studies in Sacred Scripture at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a Masters in Theology (MSt Oxon.) with a dissertation on “The Obedience of Christ in the Commentary on the Gospel of John by Cyril of Alexandria: An Examination of Doctrinal Presuppositions.” In 2009, at the University of Malta, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis (SThD) with a study on the importance of “Seeking / zeteo” in the Gospel of John. He was subsequently appointed Head of Department of Sacred Scripture, Hebrew and Greek at the Faculty of Theology, University of Malta, a post which he held till 2014. Rev. Prof. Micallef is the Chief Editor of the Faculty of Theology’s peer-reviewed research journal Melita Theologica, and published extensively in a number of journals and books. 

The Cost of Discipleship and Contemporary Secularist Liberal Democracy

Abstract: This paper applies the principles in Bonhoeffer’s work, The Cost of Discipleship, to a contemporary secularist liberal democratic setting. Bonhoeffer demands that Christians conform their lives to Christ’s commands, regardless of   potential suffering, humiliation, and rejection, in order that they become Christ’s living presence in the world. This is opposed to faith that is comfortable and avoids confrontation with a virulent secularism that seeks to undermine Christianity. Here, I focus on an important specific issue namely, that of how the Christian should respond to the coercive imposition (by way of sanction-backed regulations) of the practice of voluntary active euthanasia on faith-based, aged-care organizations.

Keywords: Discipleship, secularism, Liberal Democracy, euthanasia, Christian ethics, Moral integrity.

Bio-note: Dr Virginia Miller is a research fellow at the Centre for Religion, Ethics and Society, Charles Sturt University, Canberra. She has authored the books Grace: free, costly or cheap? on Bonhoeffer, A King and a Fool? (Brill, 2019) on King David, and Child Sexual Abuse Inquiries and the Catholic Church.

The Individual and the Community in the Perspective of Discipleship: Bonhoeffer in the Dialogue with Kierkegaard and MacIntyre

 Abstract: This paper explores Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological concept of discipleship (Nachfolge) through a dialogue with Søren Kierkegaard’s existentialism and Alasdair MacIntyre’s virtue ethic and the meaning of the authority in the context of tradition. Bonhoeffer's notion of discipleship is not merely a religious ideal, but a concrete life commitment to and “how to” follow Christ, even to the point of suffering and death. Central to his thought is the tension between the individual and the community, questioning how one can maintain personal existential responsibility to God while participating in a community of believers. Crucial is also the question of “costly discipleship.” Bonhoeffer contrasts the concepts of "cheap grace" and "costly grace," emphasizing the necessity of a community of obedient followers of Christ. While Kierkegaard emphasizes the individual’s solitary relationship with God, particularly in the existential leap of faith, Bonhoeffer incorporates the community as the visible presence of Christ. In the dialogue with MacIntyre, Bonhoeffer’s understanding of community differs in that it is not rooted in historical tradition but in the active presence of Christ. Bonhoeffer’s ethics of discipleship is a synthesis of individual responsibility and communal obedience, overcoming the dichotomy between individualism and collectivism by emphasizing an ecclesial community formed in response to Christ’s call. Ultimately, Bonhoeffer’s theological framework provides a profound model for understanding the role of the individual and the community in Christian life, emphasizing the necessity of both personal commitment and collective obedience to Christ.

Keywords: Discipleship, Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, MacIntyre, individualism, community, costly grace, cheap grace, ecclesiology, existentialism, Christian ethics.

Bio-note: Mateja Pevec Rozman is Assistant Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana. She holds degrees in Economics (1995) and Theology (1999), and completed her Master of Theology in 2002 and PhD in 2007 with a dissertation on contemporary moral philosophy titled Morality between Ethical Scepticism and Virtue: MacIntyre's Attempt to Justify Ethics. From 1999 to 2007, she was a young researcher at the Faculty of Theology, later serving as Vice-Dean for Scientific Research and Head of the Faculty’s Unit in Maribor (2014–2018). She is currently President of the Slovenian Section of the European Society for Catholic Theology (ESCT), a member of the International Society for MacIntyrean Enquiry (ISME), and of the Carinthian Academy of Sciences and Arts (KAZU). In addition, she serves as Principal of the Catechetical Pastoral School (KPŠ) at the Slovenian Bishops' Conference.

Aspects of Bonhoeffer’s Spiritual Life in his Letters and Papers from Prison

Abstract: The research paper seeks to delve into the innermost stirrings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the two years spent in prison (1943-1945). Renowned for his deep spiritual insights and unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of great personal and social adversity, his spiritual life offers a striking narrative of faith, resilience, and theological depth. This is particularly reflected in his Letters and Papers from Prison. Among the aspects which will be presented, the following are highlighted: God’s guidance and providence, the powerlessness of God, human suffering, the anguish of Jesus Christ, loyalty, the imitation of Christ and the inner life.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, prison, letters, spirituality, resilience.

Bio-note: Professor of Dogmatic Theology, UM. President, Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Malta; President, Doctrinal Commission, Maltese Episcopal Conference. Consultor to the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Vatican. Member of Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Church. Author/editor of 15 books and over 500 articles in local and foreign journals, periodicals and newspapers.

The Many Faces of Bonhoeffer

Abstract: The Many Faces of Bonhoeffer Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent Protestant theologian of the 20th century, has inspired diverse interpretations that reflect the complexity of his thought and life. Eighty years after his execution at Flossenbürg concentration camp, scholarly discourse surrounding Bonhoeffer remains multifaceted. Post-liberal theologians see him as a proponent of demythologizing Christianity, while neo-orthodox thinkers emphasize his Christocentric call to discipleship. Existentialists draw out profound questions of human identity, and proponents of "death of God" theology connect his concept of "religionless Christianity" to Nietzschean philosophy. Liberation theologians highlight his resistance to oppression, and evangelicals celebrate his conversion and letters from prison. Meanwhile, feminist and pacifist critiques broaden the scope of his legacy. This presentation examines various interpretations, revealing the multidimensional nature of Bonhoeffer's thought. Instead of seeking a unified perspective, it argues that his enduring relevance lies in the depth and diversity of his contributions. Bonhoeffer’s reflections, such as his poignant writings from prison, challenge us to embrace the complexity of our identities and find meaning in multifaceted human experience. His life invites us to reflect on the interplay between faith, ethics, and personal transformation, ensuring his legacy remains relevant and inspiring.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, religionless Christianity, post-liberal theology, neo-orthodox theology, existential theology, evangelicalism.

Bio-note: Prof. Wojciech Szczerba (Ph.D., habilitatus), Rector of the Evangelical School of Theology in Wrocław, is a scholar of philosophy of religion, patristics, and ecumenism. He has authored several books and articles on universal salvation, human dignity, and interreligious dialogue. Affiliated with St. Edmund’s College, Cambridge, he received Poland’s Silver Cross of Merit (2018) for advancing minority and religious identity preservation.

Living Faith in a Secular World: Lessons from Bonhoeffer for Catholic Religious Education

Abstract: This paper examines the profound contributions of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life, ideas, and insights to Catholic religious education and catechesis. It delves into Bonhoeffer's theological framework, particularly his emphasis on discipleship, the cost of following Christ, and the significance of community. Through an analysis of his seminal works, "The Cost of Discipleship" and "Letters from Prison," the paper explores how Bonhoeffer's perspective can enrich and inform Catholic catechesis. It highlights the transformative potential of Bonhoeffer's thought in shaping authentic discipleship, fostering costly obedience to Christ, and cultivating a communal spirituality. The paper also addresses the implications of Bonhoeffer's ideas for contemporary challenges facing Catholic education, such as secularization, social justice, and moral relativism. By integrating Bonhoeffer's insights, Catholic religious education can effectively equip students with the necessary tools to navigate complex ethical and spiritual landscapes, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and a commitment to living as faithful disciples in the world.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Catholic religious education (CRE), narrative pedagogies, costly grace, adolescent spiritual formation.

Bio-note: Edward Wright lectures at the University of Malta in the Faculty of Theology and the Faculty of Education. He previously worked as a teacher for 25 years and was Head of Department for 13 years with the Secretariat for Catholic Education. He holds an Ed.D. from Bournemouth University, along with degrees in psychology, theology, and education. His research focuses on narrative pedagogies, digital technologies, and their role in adolescents' identity formation. He is particularly interested in the psychology and philosophy of education, teacher well-being, and spirituality as a means of meaning-making.

The People of God: Bonhoeffer, Vatican II, and Latin American Theology

Abstract: This paper explores the concept of the "People of God" in relation to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ecclesiology, Vatican II theology, and Latin American theology. By examining Bonhoeffer’s vision of the Church as a radical community of discipleship, the paper draws connections between his call for costly grace and the Vatican II emphasis on the Church as the People of God, particularly in Lumen Gentium. Additionally, the paper investigates how Latin American liberation theology contributes to the understanding of the Church as a community rooted in solidarity, justice, and social transformation. The interaction of these theological perspectives provides a richer framework for understanding the Church’s role in both personal and societal renewal, highlighting a theology of community, responsibility, and collective action.

Keywords: Bonhoeffer, Vatican II, People of God, Liberation Theology, Ecclesiology.

Bio-note: Mark J. Zammit is the Head of the Department of the Department of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology at the University of Malta. He coordinates the Licentiate in Theology post-graduate degree (SThL). Prior to joining the department, Zammit obtained a SThB and SThL in Theology from the University of Malta and a SThD from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid. His dissertation involved the ecclesiological and anthropological study of the writings of the Argentine theologian Lucio Gera, one of the fathers of the Theology of the People and a theologian who had a certain influence on Pope Francis' teachings.