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This study investigates the theological concept of Christian discipleship in Abraham Kuyper and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It begins with a historical-theological study of Kuyper and Bonhoeffer, and then provides an ethical consideration of a resulting four-movement hermeneutic of discipleship. Part I explores the development and practice of Kuyper's discipleship in the years 1894 to 1905, with particular analysis of important works from this period, including his Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology, "Dienst des Woords," Christ and the Needy, Lectures on Calvinism, "The South African Crisis," The Work of the Holy Spirit, To Be Near Unto God, "Common Grace," and "Sphere Sovereignty." These works are placed alongside key personal and political episodes in Kuyper's life in order to understand the influence of his concept and practice of discipleship on his public actions. Similarly, in Part II, Bonhoeffer's theological notion of discipleship is investigated between the years 1935 to 1945. His book Discipleship is analyzed for its theological and practical implications to his work directing the preacher's seminary at Zingst, Finkenwalde, and then "underground." To further explore Bonhoeffer's efforts at theological education, his writings on the Sermon on the Mount, the House of Brethren, the Guide to Scriptural Meditation, and numerous letters and lectures are investigated in terms of their relationship to specific historical issues and events related to the Confessing Church. Bonhoeffer's 1939 trip to America and his decision to participate in the conspiracy are also studied. Finally, Bonhoeffer's Ethics and Letters and Papers from Prison provide significant insight into his culminating understanding and practice of discipleship. The final part of the dissertation compares and contrasts Kuyper's and Bonhoeffer's theology of discipleship via a four-movement hermeneutic of discipleship: revelation is the foundation of discipleship; Jesus Christ is the reality of discipleship; belief-obedience is the action of discipleship; and the possibility of discipleship is participating in God's work in and for the common good of the world. These four movements provide a historical and theological framework for comparing and contrasting Kuyper's and Bonhoeffer's theology and practice of discipleship. In addition, the four movements promote an ethical and theological approach to the contemporary question of discipleship. Throughout, the study maintains focus on a central question: what does it mean to follow-after Jesus Christ?

Introduction: The frame of the book or : Mr. Munk and Mr. Petersen / Søren Dosenrode -- Always turning the other cheek : an introduction to the question of 'Christianity and resistance' / Søren Dosenrode -- Between conformity and nonconformity : the issue of non-violent resistance in early Christianity and its relevance today / Johannes Nissen -- Franz Jägerstätter : better the hands in chains than the will / Erna Putz -- Kaj Munk, and resistance / Arne Munk -- Henning von Tresckow : a Christian motive for killing hitler? / Annette Mertens -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer : a journey from pacifism to resistance / Ulrik B. Nissen -- Paul Gerhard Braune : the legacy of his resistance to euthanasia / Ole J. Hartling -- Lajos Ordass : a Christian and a consistent adversary of the totalitarian systems / Eniko Böröcz -- Oscar Arnulfo Romero : the defender of the poor / Paul Gerhard Schoenborn -- Desmond Tutu : church resistance to apartheid and injustice in Africa / Peter Lodberg -- Instead of a conclusion / Søren Dosenrode

I. Main articles. La Justice comme guide d'orientation de l'éthique théologique / Heinrich Bedford-Strohm -- La Justice comme guide d'orientation de l'éthique théologique / Jered Kalimba -- "The first theological-ethical doctrine of basic human rights developed by a twentieth-century German Protestant theologian": Dietrich Bonhoeffer and human rights / Christine Schliesser -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the struggle for human rights in the context of Africa / Byaruhanga Ruokoo Archangel -- La confession de culpabilité et chemin vers la reconciliation / Pascal Bataringaya -- Culpability confession as a way to reconciliation: it can start, but it can only start with Bonhoeffer / Jannika Haupt -- Peace as a central task for Christians: bringing about peace in the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and its importance for current ethics / Clemens Wustmans -- Peace as a central task for Christians in the light of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's peace ethics with a special focus on churches and peacemaking in Tanzania / Abednego Keshomshahara -- Responsabilitéet Courage civil: Fondamentaux de l'éthique de Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Traugott Jähnichen -- Church as "church for others"?: reflections on the role of church in society and the relevance of society for the shape of church / Kai Horstmann -- Ecumenism and the future of the church / Ulrich Möller -- L'Oecumenisme: L'avenir de l'Eglise / Vincent Muderwa Barhatulirwa -- II. Theological impulses, experience reports & mediations. Expériences de réconciliation et responsabilité pour la paix dans le contexte allemand / Albert Henz -- Reflections on commemorative practices in Rwanda and Germany / Katharina Peetz -- The question of guilt and confession of the young generations after the genocides in Rwanda and Germany: an experience report / Christine Jürgens, Maximilian Schell -- Meditations / Samuel Mutabazi, Helmut Keiner, Thérèse Mukamakuza, Jan van Schaardenburgh -- Jörg Zimmermann -- III. Closing word & final statement. Mot de cloture / Elisée Musemakweli -- Final declaration (in English and French)