Divine Preservation in Schleiermacher and Bonhoeffer

The doctrine of Providence, addressing both divine sovereignty and human freedom, is politically charged and often co-opted for imperialist and totalitarian purposes. In an era when many hesitate to affirm that every event is willed by God, how can theologians engage with Providence without dismissing skepticism as a lack of faith? This essay examines the work of Friedrich Schleiermacher and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, focusing on Schleiermacher’s Christian Faith and Bonhoeffer’s Ethics. It argues that both offer a vision of divine preservation that resists biological reductionism and ideological distortion. Schleiermacher emphasizes internal experience, while Bonhoeffer focuses on external reality, yet their perspectives complement each other. The study explores three key aspects: the relationship between preservation and redemption, Bonhoeffer’s engagement with Schleiermacher’s understanding of original sin, and human freedom in divine preservation. The essay concludes by proposing a vision of divine preservation that promotes solidarity and ethical responsibility for both believers and non-believers.