This article offers a new interpretation of Bonhoeffer's Christian peace ethic, a more penetrating description of what is usually called his `pacifism'. This peace ethic does not rest on a principle of non-violence — Bonhoeffer rejects an ethic of principles — but is rooted in his distinctive reading of Scripture, especially the Sermon on the Mount, and his understanding of Christ, discipleship, the gospel and the church. Consequently he does not abandon his peace ethic to participate in the anti-Hitler conspiracy (...) and attempted tyrannicide. Theological analysis and historical information both support this conclusion. (shrink)

Moberly’s article is based on the premise that the translation of Bonhoeffer’s Ethics in the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works is a critical edition. This article discusses the nature of translation, why this premise is indefensible, and points out many problematic judgments that flow from it and related assumptions. While recognising that errors occur in translations, the response affirms the scholarly value of the translation.