Eric Metaxas Still Using the Fake Bonhoeffer Quote

Sometimes quoting is not quoting or something like that

In 2016, I discovered that this famous quote could not be found in any of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s works:

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.

It is a popular quote and many people still attribute it to Bonhoeffer; but it can’t be found in any of his writings, nor is there a record of it in his sermons or speeches. Metaxas knows this, but he continues to attribute it to Bonhoeffer, most recently in his appearance with Sean Feucht at Columbia University. I saw this first in a tweet from David Mau.

Notice the quote under the picture of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas obviously attributes it to Bonhoeffer.

While this isn’t the worst thing about this picture and event, it epitomizes the whole affair in my view. The whole thing is fake. As Greg Thornbury might say, it’s kayfabe. These guys are seizing an photo op and taking advantage of the moment. Poor Bonhoeffer has no choice but to tag along with somebody else’s words and spirit.

You can read the story behind the quote here and here.

Check out my podcast series, Telling Jefferson Lies. You will thank yourself later. Use the player below or listen wherever you get your podcasts.