Video: 2026 David Nyvall Memorial Lecture: The Bonhoeffer Conundrum: A Complicated Story of Resistance to Fascism

This lecture was delivered on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Amid political upheaval and the rise of totalitarian forces, how are Christians to respond in ways faithful to the Gospel? In this lecture, Dr. Reggie L. Williams argues that Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s work and witness in Nazi-era Germany offer a compelling and imperfect example. In Bonhoeffer’s personal transformation through his encounter with difference and his radical fidelity to the way of Christ in a culture of violence, we are given one possible model for Christian resistance.

Dr. Reggie L. Williams is an associate professor of theology at St. Louis University.

Timestamps

• Welcome and Introductions: (06:46–12:51)
• Speaker Introduction: (12:51–14:57)
• Lecture – The Bonhoeffer Conundrum: (14:57–1:10:13) Dr. Williams discusses the dangers of “stupidity” in times of crisis, analyzes the ironic christological claims of the Nazi movement, and reflects on Bonhoeffer’s personal struggle with the Western imperial narrative during his time in prison.
• Poetry Reading: (1:03:00–1:09:44) Dr. Williams shares a poignant reading of a poem written by Bonhoeffer while in prison, detailing his internal state and need for prayer.
• Q&A Session: (1:10:13–1:43:46) The lecture concludes with a robust discussion on how to resist modern forms of Christian Nationalism and the ongoing relevance of Bonhoeffer’s work today.