Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his life: Dahlworthy

One of the themes that consistently runs through anti-Christian (and anti- other religious) diatribe is that the world would be a much better and safer place without Christianity. Specific wars are often cited, and along with it other atrocities that could have been avoided had only the instigators not been followers of such a violent God. The Church, continues this argument, has caused more war and oppression and pain than the good that it purports to do. Consider the Crusades and the Witch Trials and the acceptance of slavery. Consider the Holy Wars that continue in our time.

The first problem with the above statements is that they are true. Religion has brought with it plenty of evils. The second problem is that the above statement is entirely too broad to be completely true.

It is true that during the Holocaust the Church officially made a deal with the Nazis, allowing each participant in the agreement to go on about life without public judgment from the other. But it is also true that there is more to the story.

It may need to be said here that the official head of a religion doesn't necessarily represent all within its fold. This is easily visible in the differences between what the Pope (any pope will do) professes and what the lay people believe. Even my good friend John from high school, who claims he believes everything the Pope says, doesn't follow the Holy Pontiff in certain areas where his conscience disagrees.

In Nazi Germany, German pastors were in much of the same boat as the rest of the populace. You either get in line with the goose-steppers or face their quick and deadly wrath. But some pastors realized that what was happening was not right. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as evidenced in the documentary and in his writings found in A Testament to Freedom, was one of those dissenting pastors.

In what was perhaps one of the toughest decisions in his life--it would have been very tough for me, at least--Dietrich makes the decision to leave the safety of America and come back to Germany. His desire is to be with the German people and help them through the great moral decisions before, them as they figure out how to wrestle with the evil in their midst. Writes Bonhoeffer in a letter to Reinhld Niebuhr, "Christians in Germany will face the terrible alternative of either wiling the defeat of their nation in order that Christian civilization may survive, or will the victory of their nation and thereby destroying our civilization."

While there have clearly been those who use religion as at least a verbal excuse for their selfish desires and evil acts, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life shows us by example that there are others who use their religion in the opposite way. Let us all strive to know history a little better. And may we all find the courage that possessed Bonhoeffer as we stand up to the evil in our midst.

Review of Sparky's Grill

They don't have a website, no Facebook page, no presence on Foursquare or the HappyHours ap on your Smartphone. But if you live in Como Park you've probably seen their little sign on Lexington: Sparky's Grill.

I had been at the location during the winter months, when the Como Golf Course Clubhouse converts to a ski chalet, renting out cross country gear for Minnesotans hungry to enjoy the beautiful hills and meadows just to the west of Lake Como. But I'd never been to the place in the summer. Considering the area is a culinary deadspot, I didn't have many expectations. I called ahead to make sure they were actually open, and to ask if they had any specials. "I'm not sure," said the man who answered. After a pause he returned to the phone. "Come in tonight and we'll give you two-for-ones."

We got on our bikes and pedaled around the lake, arriving at the chalet--Sparky's--at precisely 7:00. It was a beautiful time of day to arrive, as the sun was still high enough in the sky to illuminate the beautiful ponds and streams and rolling hills of the Como Golf course. Most striking to me was the white pergola and outside seating area which stretched along the entire eastern side of the building. But to our surprise, there were only two customers in the entire establishment. We walked to the bar and inquired about seating, and were told that the kitchen was closed. But, we were told, we could order a beer.

So, we had a beer and complimentary popcorn and had a lovely evening on the deck. A lone golfer finished his game. A chipmunk scurried around our feet picking up the popcorn we had dropped. But I couldn't help but feel that a tremendous opportunity had been dropped in this new establishment.

One, the place was empty at 7 on a Friday night. This is ludicrous considering it has a view that competes with the Liffey's rooftop and Sweeney's backyard patio. Simply put, the view of the golf course was gorgeous and peaceful. Even with mediocre food, it should be a hot spot. This lack of people in such an ideal spot is not Dahlworthy.

Two, the menu advertised two items of some culinary interest--Mahi Mahi tacos and a Caeasar Salad--but otherwise was normal zoo fair such as hot dogs and chicken sandwiches. What golfer is going to want to stick around for a hotdog when his wife has better food at home? And what couple is going to head to Sparky's as a "destination" with this limited menu? While I would like to try the Mahi Mahi, and I will assume it to be good until I hear otherwise, I did chat with the earlier diners about their meals. They had a veggie burger and a chicken sandwich, both of which were judged to be adequate/fine/ok. On a Friday night, in a restaurant with prime real estate, "OK" just doesn't cut it. Not Dahlworthy.

Three, there was free popcorn. This is obviously Dahlworthy and shows that the management is capable of making some good decisions.

Four, they had local beer on tap (I had a Nordeast). Dahlworthy.

Five, the joint doesn't have a website (you can make a free one in about 4 minutes, come on!) nor do they have Facebook presence nor are they on Foursquare or any other social media. No one other than golfers or people driving by even know they exist. Not Dahlworthy.

I will definitely go back again, if for nothing more than to enjoy a beer in a gorgeous location within biking distance of home. However, unless they stay open past 6:30 or they increase their culinary options or market better---or all three---I wonder how sustainable this business is.

I would love to hear from other locals on their take of this new place. What were your expectations? What did you eat and drink? And of course: did you find it Dahlworthy?