The Bible and Postmodern Imagination - Softcover

BRUEGGEMANN, Walter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 033400103X ISBN 13: 9780334001034

Publisher: SCM Press, 1993

Synopsis

It is widely affirmed that we now live in a new situation, a pluralistic, postmodern world. This situation is seen by many as a threat to traditional churches and their long established practices and patterns of belief, not least their interpretation of the Bible. Walter Brueggemann argues that this approach is far too pessimistic. Far from being a threat, our new siuation offers new opportunities, not least a chance to move beyonf the negativities of historical criticism. In support of this argument, Professor Brueggemann first outlines in more detail the present context as he sees it. Then he does the same for the themes of the Bible, seeing them as the picture of a world which is to be correlated with and set over against the modern world, providing a viable alternative infrastructure. THe third and last chapter turns to specific texts with a focus on memory, covenant and hope. By moving from context to theme to text, Professor Brueggemann argues, the text can be given liberating power to transform, working in congregations who seek modes of practice faithful to the gospel.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Old assumptions - rational, objectivist, absolutist - have for the most part given way to new outlooks, which can be grouped under the term postmodern. What does this new situation imply for the church and for Christian proclamation? Can one find in this new situation opportunity as well as dilemma? How can central biblical themes - self, world, and community - be interpreted and imagined creatively and concretely in this new context? Our task, Brueggemann contends, is not to construct a full alternative world, but rather to fund - to provide the pieces, materials, and resources out of which a new world can be imagined. The place of liturgy and proclamation is "a place where people come to receive new materials, or old materials freshly voiced, which will fund, feed, nurture, nourish, legitimate, and authorize a counterimagination of the world". Six exegetical examples of such a new approach to the biblical text are included.

About the Author

Walter Brueggemann is Professor Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and was a past president of the Society of Biblical Literature. His most recent books include Disruptive Grace: Reflections on God, Scripture, and the Church and Journey to the Common Good.

Edition details

• Publisher: SCM Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 033400103X
• ISBN 13: 9780334001034
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1