Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian, known for his public resistance against Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s and 1940s. Bonhoeffer embodies what it means to be a martyr, as he created resistance and ultimately lost his life defending his beliefs against social injustice and the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer's actions and ethical beliefs are still considered exemplary and form the foundation of modern ethics. First, I will describe Bonhoeffer's education and key events in his life. Next, I will discuss Bonhoeffer's anti-Nazi resistance, which ultimately led to his death in a Nazi extermination camp. Finally, I will examine the communities that made Bonhoeffer a martyr after his death and the beliefs he died for. Bonhoeffer was born on February 4, 1906 in Breslau, Germany, with his twin sister Sabine. Bonhoeffer was one of eight children raised in a well-educated aristocratic family. His father, Karl was a renowned professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Berlin. Dietrich grew up in a liberal religious family, but much to his parents' dismay, at age 14 he decided to become a theologian and minister. By 1923, Bonhoeffer had enrolled in theological studies at the University of Tübingen, where he excelled in his studies under such eminent theologians as Hans Lietzmann and Adolf von Harnack. He completed the equivalent of his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Tübingen before receiving his doctorate in theology, summa cum laude, from the University of Berlin in 1927. By this time, Bonhoeffer had already begun to formulate strong ideas about the Church and against the Church. social injustice within the community. In 1930, Bonhoeffer received the Sloane Fellowship, which enabled him to...... middle of paper ......o follow Christ. Additionally, Bonhoeffer is one of ten modern martyrs to be commemorated with a statue at Westminster Abbey in London. Bonhoeffer was a visionary Christian who believed he should follow the will of Jesus by promoting social justice. His teachings influenced Christians to not only have a relationship with Jesus, but to translate that into action in their daily lives. He believed he could achieve this through actions such as campaigning for civil rights and helping the oppressed. Bonhoeffer played a central role in enlightening German Christians about the dangers of a church run by the Nazi state. Most importantly, Bonhoeffer will always be remembered for his public criticism and resistance against the oppression of Jews. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an example of moral courage and a martyr for his faith, who ultimately gave his life to fight against social injustice..