Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the pacifist
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how and why Bonhoeffer rebelled against the authorities of his time.
Key learning points
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer rebelled against the political authorities of his time.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an important figure in the resistance against the Nazi Party of Germany between 1933 and 1945.
- Dietrick Bonhoeffer was a pacifist who faced moral dilemmas relating to his resistance against the Nazi Party.
- Current cultural artefacts can inform us of the importance of the beliefs and actions of rebels from the past.
Keywords
Dilemma - a difficult choice between two or more options, often involving a moral or ethical conflict
Holocaust - the systematic persecution and murder of European Jews and other groups by the Nazis
Martyr - a person who suffers or dies for their beliefs or principles and is often seen as a hero or symbol of a cause
Pacifist - a person who believes in resolving conflicts without violence and opposes war or the use of force
Resistance - opposition and disobedience to the Nazi regime
Common misconception
Bonhoeffer was an absolute pacifist for his whole life.
Bonhoeffer was a pacifist, but had the opportunity to help with the attempt to assassinate Hitler, which he decided he should try to do, given the great evil and injustice Hitler was causing.
Teacher tip
To consider making links wtih with other activities in school around commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (27th January)
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which prophet in Judaism, Islam and Christianity were the Ten Commandments given to?
Q2.Which section of the Christian Bible is similar to the Tanakh (the Torah and other Jewish holy texts)?
Q3.When did World War II take place?
Q4.What does the term 'assassinate' mean?
Q5.What term is used in Christianity for the 12 close followers of Jesus?
Q6.In which country did Adolf Hitler become leader in 1933 with the Nazi Party?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What term best describes a person who believes in resolving conflicts without violence?
Q2.What term is used to refer to the event which happened before and during World War II, when millions of Jews and other groups were systematically persecuted and murdered?
Q3.What term best describes a person who has died or suffered because of their beliefs or principles?
Q4.Which of these places did Dietrich Bonhoeffer visit in the story of his rebellion?
Q5.The Christian teaching 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' was said by which of the following biblical figures?
Q6.Which of these actions did Dietrich Bonhoeffer undertake as part of his rebellion?
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the pacifist, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the pacifist, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Rebels: should we embrace or challenge authority? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.