Christoper Sundby is finishing his MA in theological studies at Regent College, Vancouver. His thesis research explores the influence of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and writings on North American Anabaptist theology. He is currently a senior researcher on the Transnational Flows of Agricultural Knowledge project with Dr. Royden Loewen, doing oral history work with Mennonite and non-Mennonite farmers, with a focus on organic agriculture. He lives and works in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside building friendships at Jacob’s Well Community and enjoys running long distances in the North Shore mountains.
Chris will be presenting on "Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Pacifist Disciples: Exploring Early Anabaptist Receptions of His Life and Work."
Abstract: On August 5, 1969, A. J. Klassen – teaching at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary – wrote to several other Mennonite scholars proposing a twenty-fifth anniversary symposium exploring “Bonhoeffer in Anabaptist (or free church) Perspective.” Preeminent Bonhoeffer scholar (and former friend/student of his) Eberhard Bethge suggested the project would be “timely” and of “top priority.” J. L. Burkholder responded from Harvard Divinity School with reluctance, stating that many different Anabaptist interpretations of Bonhoeffer had emerged. These differing interpretations are what my presentation explores. I begin by outlining these positions beginning in the 1950s, through the 1960s, and up to Klassen’s proposed symposium and his failure to publish the essays he received for it. I conclude, with some comments on the contemporary debate around Bonhoeffer’s (non)pacifism.
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Toronto, ON
Canada
