Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU) Senior Lecturer, Dr. Brant Himes, has recently embarked on an inspiring project that introduces German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer to today’s generation. Himes, whose in-depth understanding of Bonhoeffer’s faith and life informs his teaching, partnered with Angel Studios to create a 30-day devotional inspired by the new film on Bonhoeffer. Through this devotional book, Himes hopes to illuminate Bonhoeffer’s enduring legacy and steadfast devotion to Jesus Christ, inviting readers into a deeper connection with his transformative life and teachings.
Bonhoeffer’s story resonates powerfully in modern Christian education, Himes explains, because it speaks to the importance of steadfast faith and action. In his interview with LAPU’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Shaira Barnette, Himes shared how he first connected with the film project through networking at an academic conference—a testament to his dedication to ongoing theological advancement and professional development. “It’s really amazing,” Himes noted. “I’m not a huge networker by nature, but when you find those connections, they can lead to unexpected and impactful opportunities.”
For Himes, Bonhoeffer’s story is more than just history; it’s a call to integrate faith into everyday life. In his classes at LAPU, Himes emphasizes that Christian education prepares students to engage with both theological and societal challenges. “Bonhoeffer reminds us that our faith has to be lived out,” he says. “He had the conviction that Jesus’ teachings should shape not only our spiritual lives but also our public lives.” Through the devotional, titled When Christ Calls: A 30 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Himes hopes to inspire people to see their own lives as part of a larger mission—just as Bonhoeffer did in his opposition to Nazi oppression.
What sets Bonhoeffer apart is his call to an “action faith”—one that goes beyond intellectual beliefs and manifests in daily actions. His teachings challenge believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of their work, relationships, and societal engagement. “As I reflect on my experiences teaching at our Christian university, I recognize how Christian education can play a pivotal role in preparing students to face life’s challenges with a holistic worldview,” said Himes. “Our faith, as Bonhoeffer reminds us, must influence not just our spiritual lives but also our broader impact in the world.”
The timing of the film and devotional release is poignant, coinciding with today’s global challenges. Himes hopes audiences will walk away with a “renewed sense of taking their faith seriously” and that Bonhoeffer’s story will inspire them to consider whether their faith could withstand difficult times. The devotional integrates images from the film and pairs Scripture and Bonhoeffer’s words with daily reflections from Himes, creating an accessible way for readers to dive deeper into Bonhoeffer’s life and message.
Reflecting on the power of a Christian worldview, Himes said, “A Christian education helps us see that God’s work isn’t only in explicitly spiritual spaces but in every part of life.” This belief has driven his passion for teaching at LAPU, where he has encouraged students to recognize the unity of faith and daily actions.
This new devotional, and the film that inspired it, reflect both Bonhoeffer’s call to sacrificial discipleship and Himes’ own journey of faith and learning. For Himes, it’s an honor and a responsibility: “If Bonhoeffer were here today, I think he’d remind us that our faith must be resilient enough to meet the world’s hardest challenges.”
The film’s depiction of Bonhoeffer is gripping, portraying both his theological insight and his willingness to make sacrifices for his beliefs. “I was deeply moved to see on screen the resilience and strength of a man who faced unimaginable trials, yet maintained his faith,” said Himes. “Bonhoeffer’s legacy encourages us to ask ourselves: ‘Do we have a faith strong enough to endure life’s hardships?’ This question resonates, reminding us of the importance of cultivating a faith that can sustain us in both good times and in suffering.”
In sharing Bonhoeffer’s story, Himes offers a way to keep his memory and message alive, inviting today’s generation to examine their own lives through a lens of faith, courage, and unrelenting dedication.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin will be in theaters starting November 22, 2024.
Himes’ devotional book, When Christ Calls: A 30 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is available at https://shop.angel.com/products/bonhoeffer-devotional.
Himes also created an 8-week online course that explores the life and writings of Bonhoeffer. The course is titled “Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Life of Discipleship” and is available for anyone at biblemesh.com/bonhoeffer-and-the-life-of-discipleship/.