November 23, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS - Fortress Press has recently released the crown jewel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's body of work, Ethics, which is the culmination of his theological and personal odyssey. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who studied briefly in the United States in the 1930s, organized church opposition to Hitler, and participated in a conspiracy to assassinate the Nazi leader during World War II. Bonhoeffer was hanged on April 9, 1945, just a few weeks before the Allies liberated Flossenburg concentration camp.

Called by Karl Barth "the brilliant Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer," this book is finally being recognized as Bonhoeffer's magnum opus and one of the most important works of Christian ethics of the last century.

Presented here in a new translation, and a striking new arrangement, it is based on intensive study of the original manuscripts. Bonhoeffer's Ethics is copiously annotated with historical notes and editorial commentary that reveal the theological basis of his radical critique of Nazi policies and practices.

Written in the midst of the conspiracy to overthrow the Hitler regime, it discloses to the careful reader the theological-ethical basis of Bonhoeffer's participation in the attempted coup and his approval of tyrannicide in that extreme situation. But it is chiefly concerned with ethics for the postwar time of reconstruction and peace.

"Bonhoeffer's Ethics is one of the greatest works of twentieth-century theology, gripping in its capacity to go to the heart of living the Christian life, rich in generative concepts, and still powerfully relevant. This new translation of the authoritative German edition does full justice to the classic text, reads very well, and is superbly edited." - David Ford, University of Cambridge

"All students of Bonhoeffer will relish this new translation and expanded edition of his indispensable Ethics. The power of Bonhoeffer's words shines more brightly than ever." - Jean Bethke Elshtain, University of Chicago

"Finally we have the definitive edition of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Ethics. No work is more important for understanding him and now work has led to more misunderstandings of Bonhoeffer than his Ethics. . . Anyone interested in Bonhoeffer must own this volume. But just as important, anyone interested in continuing to think through what a Christian ethic is and how it should be done needs to read this book." - Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University Divinity School

"This new critical edition of Bonhoeffer's Ethics is a masterful achievement. . . Many have waited with great anticipation for this new edition. None, I venture, will be disappointed." - John W. DeGruchy, University of Cape Town

." . .The new translation, notes, and essays clarify Bonhoeffer's ideas about his own situation and remind us again why his work is still central to the constructive task of Christian ethics today." - Robin W. Lovin, Southern Methodist University

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45), a German pastor and theologian, played a central role in the Confessing Church during the Nazi period and became one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. He studied in Berlin and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and wrote several books read widely in German and English. His theology and personal witness continue to challenge Christians of all denominations.

Format: Hardcover 544 pages 6 x 9 inches. Item No: 0800683064. Price: $55.00.

Published by Fortress Press in collaboration with the North American section of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society and funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, a 16-volume English-language edition of the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is being developed under General Editor Wayne Whitson Floyd Jr. and General Director Clifford J. Green.

To order Ethics please call Fortress Press at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the web site at http://www.augsburgfortress.com/. To request review copies or exam copies please call 1-800-426-0115 ext. 234. For interviews, speaking engagements, and writing assignments please call 1-800-426-0115 ext. 234 or email toddb@augsburgfortress.org.

Fortress Press