The Faithful Spy
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The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix is a biography of Bonhoeffer told in the graphic novel format that is more stylistic than most traditional graphic novels. The graphics, symbolism, and added details add to the overall narrative that draws readers into the story and context of the world Dietrich Bonhoeffer found himself in during the early twentieth century.
Beyond the visual appeal of the book, Hendrix does an amazing job of communicating the context within which Bonhoeffer was operating. He occasionally gives an explanation for certain information included and excluded, which he explains more in his Author’s Note in that there is much we know now that Bonhoeffer and his colleagues at the time were unaware of. I appreciate that he did his best to give a fair assessment of the events at the time and the information the people had while also giving context to the readers by occasionally zooming out on a more global scale. There is much young readers will learn about World War II and Bonhoeffer in general.
For example, one area in general that Hendrix focuses on is the way religion was attached and shifted during this time. Hitler created an official church of Germany and even made himself above God in the church as he believed himself to be given the right to rule Germany of God. On page 45 Hendrix writes, “The downtrodden people of Germany adored this triumphant new version of Christianity. No more did they have to pray for their enemies or ‘turn the other cheek.’ This new church that Hitler created was strong and full of aggressive values. No longer weak, the church would finally be dominant and pure! It was a church that was pledged to the Führer and then to God, in that order.”
Seeing the shift and change in the church rightfully concerned Bonhoeffer and others. Hitler created what was known as the “Aryan Paragraph” and the failure of the church to stand against these discriminatory practices led them to accept the paragraph and then begin to wear distinctive Nazi Party symbols. On page 51 Hendrix notes that “Soon enough they even began baptizing babies to Hitler instead of God! Some pastors would even end their services not with the Christian Doxology, but with Hitler’s official salute, called the Hitlergruss, and a shout of Heil Hitler!”
Greatly grieved and concerned, Bonhoeffer began a small group where he taught and led younger pastors to follow the truth of scripture and to battle against the Hitler regime. Unfortunately, despite his efforts and those of others, “The country was now beginning to reflect the hatred of its Führer” (77).
One aspect of Bonhoeffer’s tale that readers will encounter is his internal struggle with what he was supposed to do in the face of such evil. As a Christian and pastoral leader, what was his role and how far could he go. In one instance he left Germany and was able to make it to America before all out war had been declared. However, burdened by the cares for his country and the people, he quickly makes the decision to return to Germany on one of the last ships able to take him home. Committed now to stay in Germany, he and a few fellow confidants make a commitment to assassinate Hitler and pray for the Lord’s forgiveness.
Overall, John Hendrix’s book is visual and intellectually appealing as readers and families can discuss and likewise wrestle with the role of civil disobedience and faith.
