My only complaint about this book is that I read it much too quickly because it was sitting unread in my stack and I had to return it to the library. Brueggemann is always profound, challenging, hope-filled, a truth-teller and prophetic. This is really an excellent collection of Brueggemann's public addresses (culled together, edited with introductions by the capable hands of Carolyn Sharp). The book unfolds Brueggemann's thoughts on God, hermeneutics and the implications for the church. Sharp organizes these essays into four parts: Torah, Prophets, Writings, and Canon and Imagination. This gives a nice a nice overview of Brueggemann's engagement with Hebrew Scripture and the breadth of his reflection.

What I love about these essays is that they showcase Brueggemann's cultural critique of our culture )(the consumer society/ national security state), systemic injustice, and conservative and liberal approaches to Scripture. It also unfolds his positive program and thoughtfulness about the meaning of what it means to live in covenant and in right relationship to God, others, our cities and the land. I especially loved his "Summons to a Dialogical Life" where he argues that life in covenant rejects both the absolutism of the institutional and autonomy of individual faith (I can be spiritual and not religious!) and calls us to live attentive lives between either extreme.

Also I love Brueggemann's definition of prophetic ministry as both 'truth-telling in the face of denial' and 'hope-telling in the face of despair' helpfully names the poles by which which pastors challenge and comfort, preach Christ's cross and resurrection.

So much good stuff, might have to get this book for myself sometime! ( )