We lost a giant yesterday. Walter Brueggemann passed away at 91. For those who don’t know, Brueggemann was one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of the last century — maybe ever.
Virgin Monk Boy agrees: we are indeed our brother’s keeper. And not just the easy brothers—the annoying ones, the ones who post conspiracy memes, the ones who cut us off in traffic, the ones who broke our hearts. We should be praying for everyone we ever encounter—friend, stranger, enemy—because if we withhold compassion, we become the very system we lament.
Brueggemann got it: scripture isn’t a dusty rulebook, it’s a mirror held up to the raw ache of being human. Cain’s question echoes still. Virgin Monk Boy would add: “Yes, you’re your brother’s keeper. Now stop arguing and go make the soup.”
Thank you, Joe, for this space to share a grief and a challenge. My grief is that as a result of listening to a fellow student, I chose not to take any classes from Walter Brueggeman while I was a student getting my MDiv at Vanderbilt Divinity School. I have a deep yearning to learn more about him, his thought, and his impact.
One time several years ago, I got to hear him in a KY Disciples of Christ pastors’ meeting. I have retained my standing with the Disciples ever since my graduation in 1981.
I will also relate as a result of your lunch story that in many respects, I carry on Walter’s insight on Genesis. When I see my Muslim colleagues, I call them, brothers and sisters. Another colleague stated that they are not his brothers or sisters.
Last I checked, my humanity remains. So, I am brother to all humans. Being a human means that I am a keeper.
I keep myself. I keep my brothers, my sisters, and all other humans and this world to the best of my ability.
What is a keeper? A keeper is a lover, a lover of all.
Thanks. I, too, was sad to hear of the death of such an articulate theologian. I found his writing powerful and formative … recently I was unpacking boxes of books and came upon his book “The Land”, written in the late 1970’s. I thumbed through it, resolving to re-read it in the light of contemporary environmental issues and discussions. Strange that I then heard of his death. Blessings to you.
He is (and has been) a trustworthy voice for me as I continually deconstruct and reconstruct my faith. He has a way of making me say, “Wow, I never thought about it that way.”
Thank you, Joe. Walter’s influence on me was profound, as you suggested through the conversations and quotes shared by others. I’ve always been eager to read one of his books, and now I will.
I never met him personally, but I've read him extensively especially in relation to his "theology of the Old Testament." He opened my eyes to the polyphonic nature of the Bible and that its portraits of Yahweh are a "conundrum of contradictions" and that systematic theologies cannot be derived from the Bible and the lens of a Christological hermeneutic is only one way to read the OT," etc., etc., etc. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on and have an impact because so many of us are still his students, learning at the foot of the teacher.
I read WB’s writings on Lent this year. When he referred to Jeremiah as “the poet” my mind quite literally shifted. I had a brand-new application that went deeper than ever before.
Virgin Monk Boy agrees: we are indeed our brother’s keeper. And not just the easy brothers—the annoying ones, the ones who post conspiracy memes, the ones who cut us off in traffic, the ones who broke our hearts. We should be praying for everyone we ever encounter—friend, stranger, enemy—because if we withhold compassion, we become the very system we lament.
Brueggemann got it: scripture isn’t a dusty rulebook, it’s a mirror held up to the raw ache of being human. Cain’s question echoes still. Virgin Monk Boy would add: “Yes, you’re your brother’s keeper. Now stop arguing and go make the soup.”
Love this.
Thank you, Joe, for this space to share a grief and a challenge. My grief is that as a result of listening to a fellow student, I chose not to take any classes from Walter Brueggeman while I was a student getting my MDiv at Vanderbilt Divinity School. I have a deep yearning to learn more about him, his thought, and his impact.
One time several years ago, I got to hear him in a KY Disciples of Christ pastors’ meeting. I have retained my standing with the Disciples ever since my graduation in 1981.
I will also relate as a result of your lunch story that in many respects, I carry on Walter’s insight on Genesis. When I see my Muslim colleagues, I call them, brothers and sisters. Another colleague stated that they are not his brothers or sisters.
Last I checked, my humanity remains. So, I am brother to all humans. Being a human means that I am a keeper.
I keep myself. I keep my brothers, my sisters, and all other humans and this world to the best of my ability.
What is a keeper? A keeper is a lover, a lover of all.
Let’s do it
I have had similar missed opportunities like that as well. I get it. And love your take here.
Thanks. I, too, was sad to hear of the death of such an articulate theologian. I found his writing powerful and formative … recently I was unpacking boxes of books and came upon his book “The Land”, written in the late 1970’s. I thumbed through it, resolving to re-read it in the light of contemporary environmental issues and discussions. Strange that I then heard of his death. Blessings to you.
Oh interesting. I hadn't heard of that one. Maybe I will grab it as well.
Taking me to church ⛪️
:)
I don't recall hearing of Walter Brueggemann and now wish I had. Very fitting tribute to him Joe.
He was pretty great. :)
Walter, Dallas and Richard have a knack for pointing out things that are right there the whole time.
I feel a bit foolish for not seeing it before.
Because I often ask the wrong questions.
He is (and has been) a trustworthy voice for me as I continually deconstruct and reconstruct my faith. He has a way of making me say, “Wow, I never thought about it that way.”
Yes, exactly.
Thank you, Joe. Walter’s influence on me was profound, as you suggested through the conversations and quotes shared by others. I’ve always been eager to read one of his books, and now I will.
Rest in peace, Walter.
Let me know how it goes. :)
I never met him personally, but I've read him extensively especially in relation to his "theology of the Old Testament." He opened my eyes to the polyphonic nature of the Bible and that its portraits of Yahweh are a "conundrum of contradictions" and that systematic theologies cannot be derived from the Bible and the lens of a Christological hermeneutic is only one way to read the OT," etc., etc., etc. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on and have an impact because so many of us are still his students, learning at the foot of the teacher.
I read WB’s writings on Lent this year. When he referred to Jeremiah as “the poet” my mind quite literally shifted. I had a brand-new application that went deeper than ever before.
The poets always say it best . . . especially the dead ones.
https://youtu.be/xFoDVUXOv2I?feature=shared