The Sovereign Human Being

A comparison of Carl Schmitt and Dietrich Bonhoeffer—one theorist justifying tyrannical rule and another justifying the termination of this very same rule—may initially appear perplexing and even offensive to some. However, upon closer scrutiny, the rationale behind Jeutner’s decision to juxtapose these two authors becomes evident. Both authors presented theories of sovereignty at the same historical moment, placing the sovereign being and its individual and sovereign choices at their centre. In this light, the boldest choice Jeutner makes is not so much to compare Schmitt and Bonhoeffer. Rather, it is his choice to relate their thoughts on how to decide the state of exception or an extraordinary situation to the everyday decision-making challenges of contemporary life. Jeutner draws on these theories of decision-making under exceptional circumstances to establish an egalitarian theory of sovereign and responsible decision-making, which is applicable not only to extraordinary events but also to everyday action. Individuals are sovereign because they are free to choose. At the same time they are responsible for their choices. To make a decision is to choose one reality over other possible realities. Because we may perceive reality as different as a result of our choices, the reality realised requires justification. Nonetheless, Jeutner’s lucidly argued study has an empowering message for individuals today. Change is possible, but it requires taking one’s individual agency seriously and acting with sovereignty and responsibility to bring about realities that are worth living. * Judith Hahn, University of Bonn, Germany * Carl Schmitt and Dietrich Bonhoeffer – a truly unexpected combo! Yet a winning concept at a time when mutually exclusive labels and cancel culture deepen the ditches between people(s), opinions and ideas. Jeutner offers a sharp analysis of similarities and differences between these two Christian thinkers. In dialogue and contrast with both the lawyer and the theologian, he develops an egalitarian theory of sovereign and responsible decision-making. Mindful of the significance of a religious disposition and argued with great acumen and superb clarity, Jeutner presents a hands-on model for responsible decision-making. This is both timely and wanted, since empowerment of each and every one as sovereign decision-maker is an effective antidote to democratic apathy and social fatigue. * Antje Jackelén, Church of Sweden and Lund University, Sweden. * In this carefully researched and argued book, Valentin Jeutner draws from liberal democratic values to evaluate Carl Schmitt and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s political and ethical positions, to demonstrate their logical deficiencies, and to offer an alternative. Jeutner’s delineation of a framework for sovereign decision-making will be of particular interest to students of law who want to know how Schmitt and Bonhoeffer may contribute to their thinking. * John P. Burgess, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, USA *