Texts That Linger, Words That Explode: Listening to Prophetic Voices (Paperback)

by Walter Brueggemann (Author), Patrick D. Miller (Author, Editor)
Key Phrases: canonical shape, prophetic speech, Old Testament, United States, Texts That Linger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
These studies on the prophetic texts from the Hebrew Bible cover a wide range of topics, challenging the reader to confront the issues of faithfulness, responsibility, and justice in an ever-changing world. Brueggemann explores how these prophetic traditions have the potential to continually resonate in our contemporary communities and individual lives. Rather than dead words to kingdoms no longer in existence, the Israelite and Judean prophets have an enduring impact on how God challenges our values, our perspectives--and our very lives. Brueggemann has become well known for providing fresh perspective on ancient texts, always in conversation with great thinkers and people of faith.

About the Author
Walter Brueggemann is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia.

Patrick D. Miller is Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J. His Fortress books include: They Cried to the Lord (1994) and Interpreting the Psalms (1987).

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Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800632311
• ISBN-13: 978-0800632311
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #251,541 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #36 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( B ) > Brueggemann, Walter
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great interpretation of Biblical text can be dangerious!, January 21, 2001

By	Allan M. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Dr. Walter Brueggemann is the Albert Einstein of Old Testament Theology. As Einstein could look deep into the expanse of space and extrapolate insight and meaning so too does Brueggemann peer at the biblical text of the Old Testament prophets and give us social, political and spiritual insight. "Text that Linger, Words that Explode" is the second in a trilogy of academic and ecclesiastical essays ("Deep Memory, Exuberant Hope" and "The Covenanted Self").

Great interpretation of Biblical prophetic text can be dangerous and subversive to the existing status quo of society. That is why great interpretation of Biblical prophetic text is so rare today; as in the word's of many church leaders and the contemporary Jamaican prophet, Bob Marley, "don't rock'a my boat." Brueggemann has never quailed when speaking or writing, nor does he with these ancient texts. He finds power in the reading of the prophetic writings and brings us a contemporary application that will cause many readers to revive their image of God and reconsider their place in His world.

Make no mistake, this is not a spiritual feel good book, rather it is solid Biblical hermeneutics. In "Text that Linger, Words that Explode," Dr. Walter Brueggemann expounds on various scriptural text, mainly from the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Though every chapter has value, they will be uneven in interest according to your focus. If you are an Old Testament student or scholar then his promulgation regarding canon, authorship and historical context will appeal to you. If you are a teacher, a preacher or a lay person interested in studying the Old Testament prophets, then certain chapters will give you wonderful new insight more than other. Regardless, both Isaiah and Jeremiah and their exposés of the people of Judaism are given new life by Dr. Brueggemann. Recommended

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Help for Homilies and Sermons, August 13, 2003

By	Michele Husted (Rock Hill, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in Old Testament scripture. More than just interpreting and expanding, in these essays, Brueggemann brings certain passages into modern day use without violating the original context of the passage.

He demonstrates how the texts were used in recent times to support social justice issues. His clear understanding not only of the original biblical text but also of the modern day issues provide an excellent case study for anyone who fears that Old Testament prophetic writing is no longer "relevant".

I would recommend this not only for teachers and preachers, but for anyone who is strongly involved in social justice. It is not only educational and enlightening...it is inspiring.