Reviews (15)

What a pleaure
Having this provides one with a fine translation and solid opportunity for interpretation and application.
Spirituality
The Spiritual Formation Bible is enlightening - with tons of insights, prayer suggestions etc.A great Bible for your study or for just reading.

It's ok..but
The notes are good, the material is good, but I don't know, I felt like I was still lacking something.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible Study Guide    4. Bibles    5. Bibles - Evangelical    6. Bibles - Other    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Religion    9. Spiritual formation    10. Christian Interest    11. Religion / Bibles / New Revised Standard    12. Religion / Bibles / Other    13. The Bible   

Reviews (4)

Language too schlorarly for the average person
Found the language of the book too scholarly.Example:"The verbal form expressing Yahweh's actions is characteristically participial; that is, this is not an intrusive eventfulness, but an assured ongoing process that Yahweh does regularly and everywhere."The entire book is written in this manner.
The Psalms in their Theological-Psychological Perspectives
Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament professor/mentor/friend, taught this material at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri and later as a continuing education workshop in Florida.This is, in my judgment, the best work done on the Psalms and I use it as the basic text in my course in Florida Christian University/Theological Seminary on "The Psalms and Counseling".Not only does Brueggeman categorize the Psalms into "Orientation", "Disorientation", and "New Orientation" (an improvement on "Reinorientation" as a type), but he also helps us have a psychological perspective on these psalms and their uses within the church and our personal appropriation/and belief systems.This helps us find our route through disorientation and depression on into new orientation and joyful health.

love, passion and huge intellect
Brueggemann groups the Psalms together under three general themes: poems of orientation, disorientation and new orientation. He is not thereby wanting to rigidly classify the Psalms, but is seeking to show that such a grouping corresponds to the actual flow of human life. A nice feature of the book is its size. Works on the Psalms tend to be overly long (dealing with each and every Psalm). In a book of a mere 205 pages, Brueggemann deals with the most important of them, the most notable omissions being Psalm 19, 20, 45, 46 (some of my favorites).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Commentaries    4. O.T    5. Old Testament Commentary    6. Psalms    7. Religion    8. Religion - Biblical Studies    9. Theology    10. Biblical concordances & commentaries    11. Books of the Old Testament   

Reviews (9)

The Tasks and Traumas of God's Greatest Prophets
Here is an extraordinarily valuable little book (104 pp. of text) for Christians who would like to better understand the essence of the prophetic impulse and the nature of the subsequent ministry that may be derived from it. Those with Pentecostal or Charismatic backgrounds or experiences will discover a profound spiritual resonance and a clear biblical insight in THE PROPHETIC IMAGINATION by Walter Brueggemann (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1978/1983).
Hard to Beat
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.

Great!
This was the first book I had read by Bruggemann, and once I got used to his writing style, I was able to follow along easily.Even though Bruggemann is not Catholic, I was able to make many connections and comparisons between the model of Prophetic Imagination,and the Roman Catholic Church today.I definately recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Old Testament    4. Pastoral theology    5. Prophets    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (3)

An Excellent Introduction to the Old Testament
This is one of my favorite books on the `Old Testament.'What makes Brueggemann's analysis so compelling is his ability to offer a coherent and comprehensive reading of the Old Testament, while equally dealing with the difficulties, disunities, and flat-out confounding passages that fill the `Old Testament' cannon.Brueggemann does so by looking at, what he refers to as, the `Christian Imagination.'
Bruegge's Amazing Intro toThe Hebrew Bible
Compared to Prof Brueggemann's other Old Testament books, my big surprise is a title of The Old Testament rather than The Hebrew Bible! Added surprise is a sub-title of The Canon and Christian Interpretation. In OT Survey classes he contrasted his approach between Jewish interpretation with Christian inter. So I noted his quotes in using the 4 I's of Interpretation, Ideology, Inspiration, and Imagination! They occur in the Intro and near the end of his chap on Torah. On Page 11 "Now it will occur to an attentive reader that these facts of the traditioning process-Imagination, Ideology, and Inspiration (my caps)-do not easily cohere with each other! Specifically the force of human ideology and the power of divine imagination seem to be definitionally at odds. Precisely! That causes the Old Testament, to be endlessly complex & problematic, endlessly interesting and compelling."
A good and faithful study
I have been a fan of Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus of biblical studies from Columbia Theological Seminary, since I encountered him through his text 'Theology of the Old Testament', which formed the basis of a course I took my first year in seminary.Brueggemann has a clear and strong writing style, coupled with definite and innovative ideas about the development of the Hebrew Scriptures as they have come to us.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Canon    6. Criticism, interpretation, etc    7. Introductions    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    13. Old Testament   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Christianity and culture    3. Religion    4. Religion - Theology    5. Theology    6. Theology (General)    7. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    8. Old Testament   

Reviews (5)

STRUGGLING WITH METHODOLOGY - DISTORTING SCRIPTURE
Dr. Bosch is a researcher, apologist, and full-time university professor in Southern California, U.S.A.
One Struggle we all have in Common!
When we chose Prof Bruegge's books to give away as Christmmas gifts, one of those was Struggling with Scripture. It brings out his personal beginnings in the confirmation service by his Father. At that point he is given the Psalm verse, 119:105: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." In his recorded memory, our good Professor says: "He did in that act more than he knew. Providentially, I have no doubt he marked my life by this Book that would be lamp and light..." One Common Struggle we all inherit !
When we chose Prof Bruegge's books to give away as Christmas gifts, one of those was Struggling with Scripture. It brings out one of his personal beginnings in the confirmation service by his Father. At that point he is given the Psalm verse, 119:105: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." In his recorded memory, our good Professor says: "He did in that act more than he knew. Providentially, I have no doubt he marked my life by this Book that would be lamp and light..."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Evidences, authority, etc    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (1)

Helpful Bible Study Tool
If you utilize the NRSV for preaching and teaching in your congregation, then this is a very helpful tool.Each lesson is commented upon in language that is clear and precise and "preachable." In some instances, the content of the commentary presupposes that the reader has some experience with critical or historical examinations of biblical texts, although if one uses the NRSV, that is probably not an incorrect presupposition.Overall, the commentary is clear and thought provoking and helps the preacher/teacher open up the texts nicely. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Commentaries    4. Lectionary preaching    5. Preaching    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church Music    8. Christian liturgy, prayerbooks & hymnals    9. Christian ministry & pastoral activity   

Reviews (14)

Magnum Opus
Walter Brueggeman has written his Magnum Opus in this book.He sets up the scenario of a law court and God is in this sense on trial.The question of the righteousness of God is dealt with (130ff) and answered by all the witnesses.Brueggemann brings out the polyphonic voices of the text as witnesses to the God of Israel concerning who he is (the nouns), what he will do (the verbs), and how he is to be served and much more.As usual with Brueggemann the exodus and exile are primary motifes, but more than that the kingship of YHWH over Israel and the world (He is depicted as creator).The most interesting point that Brueggemann makes for me concerns the nature of evil.Brueggemann sees evil as chaos or the messing up of God's good creation.It is not that evil is something added to creation, but instead subtracted from it.Brueggemann, throughout, brings up modern day world events in order to make application.This is an area in which the Church needs to listen and take note, because Brueggeman is skilled in this area.
Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute,Advocacy
Any serious student of theology must not miss the excellency of this book.Brueggemann with his two doctorate degrees is qualified and his writing experience of about 20 other books makes him the man of the hour for Old Testament.
A valiant post-modern attempt that falls a bit short
I was a bit disappointed with Walter Brueggemann in this, his magnum opus, I presume.Brueggemann, while he has some great treatment of specific Old Testament texts that many evangelicals would agree with, he falls short in his methodology in this text.It comes across as a re-worked liberal Protestant approach to the Old Testament in post-modern verbage.I am left wondering if Brueggemann thinks the Old Testament is really God's revelatory Word in the most profound sense.It just isn't that clear.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. O.T.    5. Religion    6. Religion - Theology - Biblical    7. Theology    8. Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

Great book on the preaching to the church in 'exile'
This book is simply the best book on theological preaching that I have ever read.Forget all the other evangelica books on preaching techniques and tricks.This book drives to the core what preaching, or more simply speaking the word means when we consider it as part of the activity of the people of God who are attempting to maintain their lives in 'exile.'
Outstanding!
Brueggeman's finest exegesis is applied specifically to preaching in the 21st century. Application for today's preachers is powerful amidst a culture absorbed with materialism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Civilization    4. Homiletics    5. Moral conditions    6. Old Testament Commentary    7. Preaching    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church Music    10. Sermons - Christian    11. United States    12. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    13. Western philosophy, from c 1900 -   

Reviews (2)

Academic; Assumes a LOT of its Readers
I agree with the one other reviewer of this book on the PSALMS and take no issue with that review.However, I wish to review from another angle......that of the beginner to the study of scripture.This book is not a book for beginners.It is very academic.When I purchased this book, because it is short, less than 100 pages, I assumed it would be sort of a "primer" introduction to the study of the Psalms.That it is NOT!My Bible study class is studying the Psalms at my church and I am sure most people in the class studying the Psalms for the first time would be quite put off by this book.One thing that I find quite troublesome, even for an academic treatment is this:Brueggemann cites name of other authors in the text and then does not place a citation for that author reference in the bibliography.The practice of doing this is drilled into any high school student writing their first term paper and Brueggemann is lax in this regard as is the publisher who allowed that oversight and lack of rigor by Brueggemann, an academic author who should know better.

Brueggemann Shines Again
Barbara and I both avidly admire The Psalms and Dr. Brueggemann. Our greatest expectation for the summer is to hear him preach and teach at the Presbyterian Conference on Music and Worship at Montreat. I am deeply indebted to him for his keenly inspired commentary on GENESIS. For two quarters of Preaching Genesis, I have tuned-into his studies in depth to prepare several sermons and hear young students at MERCER/McAFEE School of Theology preach their sermons inspired by Brueggemann.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Faith    6. O.T    7. O.T.    8. Psalms    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Spirituality - General    12. Theology    13. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    14. Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

useful, insightful, scholarly, and engaging
Walter Brueggemann is a prolific writer and teacher of Biblical Theology.He has a remarkable knack for understanding the ancient Israelite context and meaning in Scriptural narratives, while applying them appropriately and powerfully in situations that relate to Christian faith and practice.Brueggemann is a brilliant scholar, so you are getting top notch material.But many of his books are user-friendly and oriented to the people in the trenches.This book, which is subtitled "A theological handbook of Old Testament themes" is no exception.It contains about 100 entries, arranged alphabetically.Each entry is a powerful theme from the Hebrew Scriptures, which is explained with clarity and insight.Some examples of entries are: Covenant, Day of the Lord, Faith, Forgiveness, Jerusalem, Land, Messiah, Neighbor, Redemption, Retribution, Sacrifice, Suffering Servant, Torah, Wilderness, Wisdom.As you can see, each one of these represents just the kind of theme that really matters when reading Scripture!Most entries are about 1 to 3 pages, and a few are 4-5.They will give you the basic ideas you need to know (with key passages noted), the historical context, a sense of the theology involved and why it matters, and sometimes ends with a paragraph or two giving a sense where there is a connection to the New Testament and Christian doctrine.Each entry ends with a bibliographic list of references for further study.I think this text is perfect for anyone involved in studying Hebrew Scripture (you can just keep it with you all the time!), as well as for teachers and preachers.Basically, it will do for anyone interested in the really important messages of the Bible and understanding their relevance in theology and faith.I assume, by the way, that most readers will be Christians, but I think it would be acceptable to Jewish readers as well, as there is no anti-Judaism or anti-semitism to be found in it.

Prof. Bruegge Actually Scores Again!
Since he gives Kathleen O'Connor the credit helping him choose discrete entries that all have interpretative coherence, Prof Bruegge has chosen topics "which reflect a focused theological center to his listing." In order to better connect our favorite Professor's preface comments to my personal point of seeing this new Theological Handbook of Old Testament Themes alongside some eight other copies of Bruegge's creations, I will relate two other Gems: The Commentary on GENESIS and his definitive laterTHEOLOGY Of The OLD TESTAMENT!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. O.T    6. O.T.    7. Religion    8. Religion - Theology - Biblical    9. Theology    10. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    11. Old Testament   

Reviews (1)

Very helpful, but limited
This commentary fulfills the goals of the series for the most part.Brueggemann is an excellent writer with keen sensitivities for the text. His attention to narrative issues is especially welcome when applied toperhaps the finest narrative in the Hebrew Bible.Thea aim of theInterpretation series is to provide insights for teaching and preaching,and these abound in this commentary.On the other hand, this is acommentary on both books of Samuel which is less than 400 pages in length. What that means is that not every verse receives attention.The focus ison the larger (more important?) stories.In addition there is littleattention to issues of history, text, grammar, and translation.If youwant a commentary that provides discussion of every verse, then you willhave to look elsewhere, and you will not find a single volume that treatsboth books of Samuel.If you are looking for good, intelligent teachingmaterial on major texts from these books, then this is the commentary touse.One other factor to consider is that this commentary is getting a bitold, and I and II Samuel have been the target of intense literary interestover the past two decades.Much has happened in the discussion of thesebooks since this commentary was written with which it can obviously notinteract. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Homiletical use    6. O.T    7. O.T.    8. Old Testament Commentary    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    11. Samuel    12. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    13. Old Testament   

Reviews (5)

Prayer profound...
I first encountered Walter Brueggemann as a scholar of the Hebrew scriptures/Old Testament through his monumental 'Theology of the Old Testament'.When I started seminary a few years after purchasing that volume, there was a class taught based on that book, so I got to know more about Brueggemann's scholarship in some detail.However, that was not all I and the other students learned in that class - we were fortunate enough to have a professor who knows Walter Brueggemann through both his scholarship and personally - some of the spirit that came across in that class is not readily accessible in scholarly tomes, but is very present in books such as this one, 'Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth.'
prayers for sinners and saints and everyone in between
Once again, Dr. Brueggemann demonstrates with stunning beauty, the power of imagination, the power of entering the stories of life and of scripture, of suffering and joy and making it our own.If you struggle with words, if you wish your prayer life was more poetic, more reflective of the larger issues that lay at the doorstep and inside the church, then this is the book to read, I constantly turn to it when worship leading and teaching adult bible study because it focuses my thoughts, expands my spirit and teaches me how to pray.

The words of a master in prayer.
If you want to know what Walter Brueggemann is about, read his prayers.Yes, his commentaries are profound, but his heart and soul are found in his prayers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Prayer    3. Prayerbooks - Christian    4. Prayers    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Spirituality - General    8. Religion & Beliefs   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Evidences, authority, etc    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Theology   

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible.    3. Criticism, interpretation, etc    4. Jeremiah    5. O.T.    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    9. Books of the Old Testament   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Commentaries    6. Kings    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    11. Biblical concordances & commentaries    12. Books of the Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

Leading the way, once again.
This two-volume commentary on Isaiah divides the book into two main parts in accordance with the majority of critical scholars (1-39 and 40-66; chapters 56-66 are treated separately in volume 2). The full text of the NRSV is printed together with the commentary in a clear font on acid free paper. The publication is of a high standard although the volumes are bound with glue and not smythe sewn. I am pleased that the publishers decided on two volumes, because had they settled on one, this would have been a cumbersome book to handle.
A recommended addition to any biblical library.
Judgement and Promise - the book of Isaiah is pregnant with both and Walter Brueggemann is the textual midwife.Brueggemann (Professor of Old Testament Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta) is first andforemost a theologian of the text, and his theology emanates fromscripture.After a lifetime of devotion as a scholar of Biblical text,Brueggemann sees God living and flowing through, in andunder thescripture.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Isaiah    6. O.T    7. O.T.    8. Religion    9. Religion - Biblical Studies    10. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    11. Books of the Old Testament   

Reviews (5)

thanks!
arrived a little later than i had hoped, but in good, clean condition - thank yoU!

More than just a textbook
I'm using this book for an Old Testament class at seminary, but it is so much more than just a textbook to me.The authors work to discuss the OT from many viewpoints using a number of different types of criticism.I love the way that the book does not shy away from difficult issues in the Old Testament, such as violence and sacrifice, but rather helps the reader to understand the context of the Biblical passages as well as exposing him to classic and contemporary interpretations of those passages.The book is clear, well-organized, and very readable.I appreciate that the book does not seem to have an "agenda," but rather that it seeks to bring theology and spirituality into a discussion of the Old Testament - something that many treatements of the OT do not include.For a Christian, this book is essential in being able to link the theology of the Israelites to the theology of modern-day Christianity.A must-read for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of the Old Testament.

theologicaly ignorant
Based upon that mans thought of this book it proves that he is ignorant to theological inceptions aswell as furthered training in Gods word, your thought proves much so to be erroneous. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible.    3. Christianity - General    4. Introductions    5. O.T.    6. Religion    7. Religion - Theology - Biblical    8. Theology    9. Old Testament   

Reviews (1)

Great! Dynamic writing
This is not only one of the best books that Brueggemann has put out, and I have read about 25 of his books, but is one of the best books anywhere.It focuses on the rise of David to power as King of Israel without blood guilt being on his hands.Brueggemann skillfully told the story in such a way to demonstrate not only how David rose to power, but how legitimate power is to be attained in the Church.Yahweh, is of course, behind the ataining of power, hence the Providence in the title, but Yahweh operates behind the scenes.Brueggemann, as always, has remarkable insights that leaves you saying, "Why didn't I ever read it that way before.This book needs to be read by anyone who is going to live in the real world where issues of power are going to be played out.This is an excellent book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. Narration in the Bible    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Old Testament Commentary    10. Pastoral Theology    11. Religion    12. Religion - Biblical Studies    13. Samuel    14. Biblical concordances & commentaries    15. Christian ministry & pastoral activity