Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom (Radio Theatre)

Here is the glowing report I posted on Facebook about this audio presentation on Bonhoeffer: "If you like to listen to books on CD, I HIGHLY recommend Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom (Radio Theatre), a 3 CD audio theatrical production by Focus on the Family. It's available from Amazon.com for a little over $ 12. It is the fascinating true story of German Christian pastor/teacher, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. this provocative Peabody award-winning dramatization shares the story of his battle against the evils of Nazism, a decadent culture, and compromising church―something that's not so foreign to society today. The story is challenging, compelling, entertaining, but true! Dietrich became so convicted of the cancerous poison of Hitler's rule, that he joined a resistance movement that aimed to assassinate Hitler, and suffered death by hanging for his efforts, just momentarily before Allied liberation forces arrived. The story is dramatically delivered with many voices and sound effects. This CD audio book outclasses any I've ever heard in terms of professional recording style. WELL DONE!!" I've also listened to Eric Mataxes lengthier bio of Bonhoeffer. It was very good but you might get bogged down in the details. You will not get bogged down in this Radio Theater production on Bonhoeffer. It is powerful, moving, relevant, etc.!! By the way, this is an uncompensated, unsolicited review. I was just so impressed with it that I had to promote it on Facebook, and recommend it here.

All of the Focus on the Family Radio Theater dramatizations are first-class entertainment. They use top-notch voice actors, music and sound effects. But of all of them, Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom is far and away the best. It uses all of the above-mentioned factors to tell a real-life story that is powerful and moving. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, born in 1906, came from a distinguished German family. But from an early age he chose not to follow in his father's academic footsteps but instead to pursue a calling in the ministry. Although disturbed by the treatment of blacks that he had witnessed during his time in seminary in the United States, he was nevertheless convinced that nothing like that could happen in Germany and that the religious leadership should stay out of politics. But shortly after he finished seminary, returned to Germany and entered full-fledged ministry Hitler came to power. Disturbed by the discrimination against Jews that began almost immediately, Bonhoeffer's outspoken criticism of these policies alienated him from the German church that was coming increasingly under Hitler's control. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer refused to silently sit by and watch his beloved Germany descend into madness, and his brave actions eventually cost him the ultimate price. This is not a happily-ever after story; there are no happy endings here. But this is a powerful, true story about one man's brave stand for righteousness in the face of overpowering evil, even including actual sound clips of Hitler's speeches. Highly recommended.

Once Upon a Time...these "Focus on the Family Radio Theatre" were "free" with your Apple Music app, but alas, no mas. Ergo, I'm slowly buying these cd's either to listen to on road trips or gift to one of my kiddos who is an especial fan of these exceptional books. Who would've thought that an 11 yr. old girl would audibly ache to hear the end of the story, but there you have it. Honestly, sensitively, dramatically told, Bonhoeffer was one exceptional man, and his story is well told here. Highly, highly recommended.

No doubt this outstanding drama has brought the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer at least as much attention as all of his books have combined. This excellent radio drama won the Peabody Award for good reason: it is an incredible radio play of the highest quality. From start to finish, this amazing work has all the essential elements of good fiction- - but it is historically true ! Drama, suspense, action, intrigue, romance, sacrifice, faith, and hope for the future all shine brightly in this stirring performance of a man who fought against the Nazi Machine. This unique and fresh look at the life of a German who plotted against Adolph Hitler "from the inside" needs to be heard by anyone with an interest in history. So many of the history books today tells us that Christians did nothing to help the Jews against the Nazi machine. This fine drama dispells this mistaken belief with a sincere dignity and open appeal that is both inspiring and enriching. Definitely a "must listen to" for any high school or college history student.

Bonhoeffer's life story is inspiring and invaluable. However, we purchased this audio book to listen in the motorhome on a long trip, and found that the fluctuating audio volume was annoying. I would set the volume in tune to the moderator/reader, but as different characters spoke, or different background music played, I found myself hovering over the volume button to turn it up or down as necessary. Of course, there was background noise from the RV which interfered, so perhaps this would not be a problem for someone sitting in a quiet room listening to the audiobook. Great biography nonetheless.

excellent production, extremely entertaining and inspirational. Put it right up on the book shelf next to 'The Hiding Place'.

Amazing story of a person who lived his faith in Jesus