Verhagens clearly structured, well-written and intelligently argued monograph, the first to tackle the central evangelical doctrine of justification in Bonhoeffers thought, is an excellent addition to T&T Clarks steadily expanding New Studies in Bonhoeffers Theology and Ethics series. * Theology * In this in-depth treatment of Dietrich Bonhoeffers doctrine of justification, Koert Verhagen provides a brilliant discussion of the centrality of justification in shaping Bonhoeffers thought. In particular, he indicates convincingly how Bonhoeffers understanding of the social implications of justification informs his relational and embodied account of human existence and discipleship. Hereby this fine study makes an invaluable contribution for our engagement today with the crucial question what justification has to do with justice. -- Robert Vosloo, Stellenbosch University, South Africa The heated disputes between partisans for the New Perspective on Paul and contemporary defenders of classic accounts of the doctrine of Justification are socially and ethically sterile, as Koert Verhagen brilliantly displays. Bonhoeffer both insists on the ethical importance of the doctrine of Justification, and does so in a way that cuts through todays academic stalemate to offer a renewed vision of Christian action as self-critical confession of sinful implication, and repentant and engaged ethical response. -- Brian Brock, University of Aberdeen, UK Koert Verhagens work epitomizes what Bonhoeffer scholarship in the 21st century can and should be a careful analysis of Bonhoeffers theological thinking in light of pressing contemporary concerns. In Being and Action Coram Deo, Verhagen establishes the ways in which Bonhoeffer is committed to an understanding of human existence as embodied existence, then demonstrates the way Bonhoeffers use of the doctrine of justification challenges the white supremacy endemic to the Western church. This book is necessary reading. -- Lori Brandt Hale, Augsburg University, USA
