PORTLAND — Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life was as thrilling as any spy novel or action movie. The German Lutheran pastor and theologian actively resisted the Nazis during World War II when he joined a military secret service unit to avoid compulsory combat service. He became a double agent and joined a group that attempted to assassinate Hitler. Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and executed by hanging two years later, just a few weeks before the Nazis surrendered to Allied Forces.

Bonhoeffer’s view of the role of Christianity in the secular world has become very influential, and he is considered one of the most significant theologians of the 20th century.He called for Christians to be involved in the political life of their nation, that political involvement is a form of neighborly love.

This April 27-29 St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodford St., will celebrate Bonhoeffer’s life and exploring his philosophies. The centerpiece of the weekend will be “Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Worldly Christianity: Beyond Evangelical Conservatism and Liberal Modernism,” a presentation by Dr. Clifford Green, the founding president of the International Bonhoeffer Society and a prominent Bonhoeffer scholar. The presentation will be followed by lunch and a panel conversation. All events, including lunch, are free of charge.

Green will investigate how Bonhoeffer’s theology is relevant today. Many current-day evangelicals believe that the U.S. is a Christian nation and that Americans should adopt conservative cultural perspectives. Liberals tend to dismiss talk of moral claims and to avoid thinking about sin and evil. Green believes that both points of view can be challenged by Bonhoeffer’s theology and witness.

For a complete schedule of events or list of panelists, call 774-8740, email [email protected] or go to www.saintansgar.org.