Interpretation and Obedience [Paperback]

Walter Brueggemann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Using analysis of specific biblical texts as the basis for his analysis of biblical authority, Brueggemann shows how the Bible imaginatively constructs a counter-cultural worldview and how the eternal divine intentions are to be practiced in our contemporary world. Perceiving the biblical alternative to our values is an act of "obedient interpretation," while "interpretative obedience" discerns how the eternal divine commands are to be expressed in temporal ethical action. In this context, Brueggemann addresses current democratic, ecological, and urbanized crises. Recommended especially for seminary and large academic libraries.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press (January 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800624785
• ISBN-13: 978-0800624781
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,241,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Walter Brueggemann is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary. He is the world's leading interpreter of the Old Testament and is the author of numerous books, including Westminster John Knox Press best sellers such as Genesis and First and Second Samuel in the Interpretation series, An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination, and Reverberations of Faith: A Theological Handbook of Old Testament Themes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even when I disagree with him, I like him, December 29, 2000

By 

J. Johnson "Allman Brothers obsessive" (Manassas, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Interpretation and Obedience (Paperback)

Walter Bruggemann seems to have succeeded William Barclay as the man without an unpublished thought. Fortunately, these thoughts are so engrossing the reader is thankful. In this book Bruggemann indicates that for the church to be faithful in the modern world it must engage in obedient interpretation within the context of our world. Borrowing from the story of the Assyrians seige of Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah, he suggests we engage in a conversation at the wall with our community, and a conversation behind the wall with people who understand the language and purpose of faith and speak it into our context. The interface of these two conversations is the basis for evangelism.

Often I disagree with Bruggemann when he draws unassailable political conclusions from the text. However, he makes me question my own biases, because his argument is so engaging. I agreed strongly with him in his analysis of the current state of pastoral care (not informed enough by faith therefore not very pastoral) and his prescription (moving from Rogerian detatchment to engagement).