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Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer’s Life and You
Explore the extraordinary life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, revealing how his legacy remains remarkably relevant in today’s complex world.
About this Course
Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer's Life and You was designed to shift your self-perception, enrich your faith, and equip you to face today's challenges with courageous conviction and a deeper understanding of your spiritual path.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
Are you ready to journey through history, faith, and personal growth? Welcome to Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer's Life and You, an immersive course designed to shift your self-perception, enrich your faith, and equip you to face today's challenges with courageous conviction and a deeper understanding of your spiritual path.
Led by renowned theologian Andy Root, this self-paced experience takes you through the extraordinary life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, revealing how his legacy remains remarkably relevant in today’s complex world.
Whether you're a seasoned theologian or exploring spirituality for the first time, this course empowers you to bridge the gap between faith and meaningful societal engagement.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Beginnings Matter
In this module, you will:
- Know the impact of family on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life of faith.
- Identify people and events from your own life who have impacted your faith.
- Consider how you are spiritually shaped by childhood experiences.
Nothing is Wasted
In this module, you will:
- Know that Dietrich’s life was full of surprising experiences where God was revealed.
- Share stories of your own life experiences that you now understand as being encounters with the divine.
Gearing Up
In this module, you will:
- Reflect on how Bonhoeffer experienced God’s leading.
- Notice God’s leading in your life.
Listening with Wisdom
In this module, you will:
- Consider the ways in which Bonhoeffer interacted with and created community.
- Reflect on ways God has used your own community experiences.
Faith with Feet
In this module, you will:
- Consider the ways in which Bonhoeffer valued community.
- Learn about the church’s resistance to the National Socialists.
- Practice praying for your enemies.
Difficult Choices
In this module, you will:
- Know that Dietrich’s life was full of surprising experiences where God was revealed.
- Share stories of your own life experiences that you now understand as being encounters with the divine.
The End and The Beginning
In this module, you will:
- Learn the sacrifices Bonhoeffer made.
- Consider how faith is strengthened in suffering.
- Feel gratitude for God’s work in Bonhoeffer’s life and in yours.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course and how to stay connected with your group. You'll also be able to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
9 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Andrew Root
After receiving his PhD at Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. Andrew Root joined Luther Seminary in 2005. He is considered one of the leading scholars of youth ministry and practical theology in the world. Root has published 16 books, many of which have been found on lists for Book of the Year. His latest project is a six-volume series with Baker Academic. Root is known as a leading thinker on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and is a sought-after speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches. He has lectured and presented all over the world, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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Access this on-demand course
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!