Singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle, Billboard’s top Christian artist of 2023, has announced that her new original track “Then I Will” serves as the end-title song for the upcoming film “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”
Daigle, a longtime admirer of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, said she’s “thrilled” to be included. “When I read the book Bonhoeffer, I never expected to one day write a song for the film adaptation of it,” the Grammy Award-winner posted on Nov. 1.
Lyrics to the song, now available on streaming platforms, include: “I’ll surrender everything/ All for your will/ Abandon every part of me/ All for your will/ No matter what the cost will be/ If it’s for me to die for love/ Then I will.”
Angel Studios: Lauren Daigle Captures Bonhoeffer’s Heart
Lauren Daigle, 33, said her grandfather encouraged her to read about Bonhoeffer, who was killed in 1945 for resisting the Nazis. “When I was approached about joining the [film] project, I immediately said ‘Yes!’” Daigle said. “Bonhoeffer had unwavering faith, and his commitment to stand up for the vulnerable and speak truth in the face of evil is a challenge to everyone. Are we willing to die for our neighbor?”
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“Bonhoeffer,” from Angel Studios, releases Nov. 22. As ChurchLeaders has reported, some Bonhoeffer scholars and descendants have accused Angel Studios and biographer Eric Metaxas, whose biography “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” was named the Christian Book of the Year in 2011, of misusing the theologian’s legacy for political purposes. “Bonhoeffer” writer and director Todd Komarnicki has stated that the film is not based on Metaxas’ book.
“Bonhoeffer” producer Camille Kampouris said Angel Studios is excited about Daigle’s participation, especially knowing that she’s a fan of Bonhoeffer. “We knew then that she would capture the man and his heart with her music,” said Kampouris.
Komarnicki told The Christian Post, “Life is just better with maximum Lauren Daigle in it. She shines from the inside out and illuminates with utter poignancy the truth of this movie’s message.”
Director: ‘Bonhoeffer’ Is a ‘Film About a Christian’
Bonhoeffer’s message resonates today, Komarnicki said, when so many “people are dividing, judging, labeling” others. “This story challenges us to think about who we are, what we stand for, and what it means to live by grace rather than judgment,” he said.
The director added that “Bonhoeffer” is “a film about a Christian” rather than “a Christian film.” Comparing it to “Chariots of Fire,” Komarnicki said his new movie is for all types of audiences.
“This story is about one man’s stance against evil itself,” according to Komarnicki. “[Bonhoeffer] wasn’t fearless. He had doubts, questions, and fears like anyone else. But he was driven to act because he saw the church’s moral duty to stand against the othering and oppression of others.”
