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A Social Reading of the Old Testament
 
 
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A Social Reading of the Old Testament [Paperback]

Walter Brueggemann (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Book Description

January 1, 1994
In this book Walter Brueggemann raises a variety of contemporary and intriguing questions on the relation of society and text in the Old Testament, among them-the hidden agendas that underlie the making and reading of Scripture the conflictual tension in ancient Israel the cry to God of the oppressed and God's response the political dimension of mercy theodicy, violence, horses, and chariots Brueggemann opens to a variety of readers a compelling picture of subversive paradigm and social possibility in the Hebrew Bible.


Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Brueggemann, a distinguished Old Testament scholar, presents a collection of essays on the communal life of ancient Israel. The topics discussed include the social implications of the covenant between God and Israel; Israel's social responsibilities; the social roles of the prophets; biblical understandings of property; theodicy; and preaching. This is a Christian interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, whose teachings are seen as a prefiguration of the gospels. An extremely erudite, specialized study recommended solely for seminary libraries.
Robert A. Silver, formerly Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 340 pages
  • Publisher: Fortress Press (January 1, 1994)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0800627342
  • ISBN-13: 978-0800627348
  • Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,704,474 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.

 

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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A challenging interpretation of Old Testament texts., December 9, 1998
By 
a.m.ryan@xtra.co.nz (Auckland, New Zealand,) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Social Reading of the Old Testament (Paperback)
Brueggemann combines his sociological and exegetical skills to provide an interpretation of Old Testament texts that is challenging and meaningful. He highlights the tension between institutionalisation and revolution, complacency and subversion which exists in the Bible. On the one hand, there are texts that glorify and support the establishment, which tolerate the oppression of the majority by the powerful. On the other hand, there is God's voice responding to the cry of the oppressed. This is a God who wants to enter a new, and transformative relationship with humanity.

Those of us who confine our interpretation of scripture to the literary or the historical, or who see the Bible as confirming a politically conservative view of the world, will find this book uncomfortable. Brueggemann is not neutral - nor should he be - and has obvious affinity for the voice of liberation, transformation, justice and peace that calls to us from the Biblical texts. Sometimes, his interpretation is a little forced (as in chapter 5) but such an interpretation is always easy to read and definitely worth considering.

As one who enjoys the wisdom literature of the Old Testsament, I found Brueggemann's critique of the sociological background of wisdom more than a little disconcerting. His words challenged me to reflect on my own position in society and to ask myself about the extent to which it influences my response to the Old Testament.

A final word: the second chapter of the book, "Covenant as a subversive paradigm", is inspirational.

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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
subversive paradigm, theodic crisis, theodic settlement, monarchal period, royal modes, fourfold formula, new church start, covenantal faithfulness, traditioning process, theological novelty, royal system, textual process, theological speech
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Social Reading of the Old Testament, New York, Norman Gottwald, Second Isaiah, Scholars Press, John Knox, George Mendenhall, Gerhard von Rad, Garden City, Johns Hopkins Univ, Walter Brueggemann, Ancient Israel, Claus Westermann, Hans Walter Wolff, Destabilizing Presence, Tribes of Yahweh, Deuteronomistic Historian, Social Dimension, Harvard Univ, Case Study, Subversive Rereading of the Empire, The Social Significance of Solomon, God of Israel, Biblical Theology, Patron of Wisdom
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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