The Prophetic Imagination [Paperback]

Walter Brueggemann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1978

In this challenging and enlightening treatment, Brueggemann traces the lines from the radical vision of Moses to the solidification of royal power in Solomon to the prophetic critique of that power with a new vision of freedom in the prophets. Here he traces the broad sweep from Exodus to Kings to Jeremiah to Jesus. He highlights that the prophetic vision and not only embraces the pain of the people but creates an energy and amazement based on the new thing that God is doing. In this new edition, Brueggemann has completely revised the text, updated the notes, and added a new preface.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Walter Brueggemann is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. He is the author of more than thirty books and commentaries. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Pr (October 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800613376
• ISBN-13: 978-0800613372
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #895,600 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

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Jews and Christians Alike, October 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Prophetic Imagination (Paperback)

This book is a profound indictment of many churches and synagogues today who fail to recognize the "counter-cultural" prophetic voice of the Biblical faith. Exploring the lives and teachings of Moses, Amos, Isaiah, and Jesus, Brueggemann rightly contends that our religious roots call us to be passionately critical of the cultural status quo and to embrace an energetic, optimistic vision of the future. A very readable, relevant critique which will challenge the views of liberals and conservatives alike.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! A must-read for concerned people., July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Prophetic Imagination (Paperback)

This book is counter-cultural in the best sense. It looks at Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ecclesiastes to demonstrate the need for different attitudes and expressions to begin the turn from sameness and despair toward change and hope. It remains one of the most important books in my life and often in the lives of people I have recommended it to. It is filled with astute observations in a clear, deliberate writing style, and it is not preachy. Phil Hey ([e-mail])

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to Beat, November 9, 2005

By 

DarrenGJohnson "DarrenGJohnson" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Prophetic Imagination, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Walter Brueggemann is the most dynamic writer of Old Testament Theology in the World. Here he deals with the Prophetic imaging of an alternative community which God's people are called to be. In the OT Israel is always called to not succumb to the idolatry of the royal powers and center its life around Yahweh as an alternative people who practice real justice, mercy, and love. Brueggemann offers great insight into the texts of the Old Testament. You will always say "wow, why did I not see this before" when reading a Brueggemann book. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the Bible.