Compassion constitutes a radical form of criticism, for it announces that the hurt is to be taken seriously, that the hurt is not to be accepted as normal and natural, but is an abnormal and unacceptable condition for humanness.
Walter Brueggemann, a towering figure in Hebrew Bible scholarship and a truly kind human, died yesterday, June 5, 2025, he was 92. His death marks the end of a prolific and prophetic career that reshaped how many (including myself) read Scripture, understand faith, and engage the world. Brueggemann’s work was not merely academic; it was a dare to all followers of the Jesus Way to embody a counter-narrative to the dominant forces of consumerism, militarism, and nationalism.
Born in Tilden, Nebraska, in 1933, Brueggemann’s journey in theology began at Elmhurst College and continued through Eden Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Saint Louis University. Ordained in the United Church of Christ, he served as a professor and dean at Eden Theological Seminary before becoming the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, where he taught from 1986 until his retirement in the early 2000s. Even after retiring, he remained active in the academic community, contributing to the Journal for Preachers for over 40 years.
Brueggemann’s scholarship was characterized by its depth, creativity, and relevance. He authored over 100 books and numerous articles, and some of his titles, which profoundly impacted me, include: The Prophetic Imagination, Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom, Land, and Sabbath as Resistance. His writings challenged readers to engage with the Bible not as a static text but as a living, breathing witness to God’s ongoing revelation. He emphasized the importance of lament and hope, urging communities of followers of Jesus to acknowledge the brokenness of the world while holding fast to the promise of redemption. One of the great delights in my life came while reading his, Psalmist’s Cry: Scripts for Embracing Lament; there I discovered a quote from my book, Thy Kingdom Connected.
Beyond his academic contributions, Brueggemann was a prophetic voice in the church and the world. He believed that following Jesus inevitably provides a counter-narrative to the dominant forces of consumerism, militarism, and nationalism. His work often focused on the Hebrew prophetic tradition and the sociopolitical imagination of the Church, urging Jesus followers to live out the radical implications of the gospel in their daily lives.
In recent years, Brueggemann continued to write and speak on matters of faith and justice. His recent works, such as Lament that Generates Covenant and Grace Abounds, reflect his ongoing commitment to exploring the depths of Scripture and its implications for contemporary life. He even generously invested time with Parish Collective… this photo was taken in Cincinnati at Peter Block’s place with all of us gathered around Walter.
Walter Brueggemann’s legacy is one of faithful scholarship, prophetic witness, and pastoral care. He taught us to read the Bible with imagination and courage, to confront the powers that oppress, and to live in hope. As we mourn his passing, we give thanks for his life and work, and we commit to carrying forward the vision he cast—a vision of a world transformed by the love and justice of God.
The imagination must come before the implementation. Our culture is competent to implement almost anything and to imagine almost nothing. The same royal consciousness that make it possible to implement anything and everything is the one that shrinks imagination because imagination is a danger.
Rest in peace, Walter Brueggemann. Your voice will continue to echo in the hearts and minds of all who seek to follow the way of G-d’s Shalom for all and everything. Thank you.
Peace, dwight
