I have a couple of books by Walter Brueggemann that I picked up on sale, but I just hadn’t gotten around to reading them and then I saw this volume in the net galley selections and thought this would be a wonderful way to get an introduction to Brueggemann‘s overall thought, and to decide which books I would like to read in what order. The author, Robert Williamson Junior has done a masterful job summarizing the major works by Brueggemann throughout his career. He does not hide the fact that he was a student of Brueggemann and speaks highly of his works, but that does not stop him from engaging with them critically. The author does an in-depth analysis on work such as the prophetic imagination, a theology of the Old Testament, money and possessions, Sabbath as resistance and materialism as resistance among others. He is able to artfully draw out Brueggemann‘s main lines of thought, and I feel that my reading of Brueggemann‘s works will be greatly enhanced by the fact that I have gotten some idea of his direction and where he’s going. This has gotten me excited to read Walter Brueggemann a bit more deeply.

#ReadingtheBiblewithBrueggemann #NetGalley

If you enjoy the theology of recently-deceased Brueggemann, wonder what the fuss was about his thinking, or want to broaden the scope of what it means to live as God's people, this one's for you.
Williamson presents an overview of Brueggemann's writings that is appropriate for the curious beginner in a review that is helpful for seasoned theologians. Whether you agree with the presentation or it expands your understanding, this one's for academics and lay readers alike.