Peace by Walter Brueggemann
Filed under: Doug & Doug Dig... by Doug Jones @ 1:48 pm
We’re excited to announce a new monthly feature here at Canon:
Doug & Doug Dig…“Say what?” Simply put, Mr Jones and Mr Wilson are going to choose one book from their current reading for us every month (taking turns every other month), and then we’ll offer that title at a discount. We’ll be posting their recommendations on the blog, so keep an eye out. The first selection (from Mr Jones) is Peace by Walter Brueggemann, and you can read Mr Jones’ thoughts below.
Smooth. That’s the effect of this Brueggemann reprint. The noted Old Testament scholar wonderfully blends together a theology of peace—shalom—in this contribution to Chalice Press’ series “Understanding Biblical Themes.” Brueggemann argues that shalom, as in “the covenant of shalom” (Ez. 34:25), involves both freedom and unity, and he traces that fascinating interaction throughout all of Scripture. “Shalom, shalom, when there is no shalom.” This work is strong on argument and style.
Mr. Wilson,
I have read a quote from Walter Brueggemann and am quite surprised that you would even make his work available here.
In the book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge quotes Walter by stating that God is unknowable, wild, unfettered, changing and free.
This is pure heresy, is it not?
Many scriptures pop into my head that refute such an outlandish ideas. Changing - “I am the Lord, I change not.” “I am the same yesterday, today and forever.” Wild - “The fruit of the Spirit is Love joy peace…SELF CONTROL”, etc.
Please make yourself aware of this fact and reconsider your support of his work.
Comment by Mike Oliver — March 26, 2008 @ 9:48 pm
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, Mr Wilson was not the “Doug” that recommended this book; Peace was Mr Jones’ pick. I’ll make sure your comment gets passed along to him.
Blessings,
Frank.
Comment by Frank — March 27, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Thanks for the comment, Mike. You especially need to read this book. Sometimes God uses provocative people and events to shake us up. This particular book by Brueggemann is very tame and important. Stretch yourself. And our recommendations will even promote non-Christian books at times, like Wilson’s recommendation of *Economics in One Lesson.* Daniel read Babylonian literature, and Paul read the pagan Greeks; Brueggemann is well within those boundaries. As for God being wild, I’m all for it. I’ve made a biblical case for it here: http://www.credenda.org/issues/16-3thema.php
Comment by Doug Jones — March 27, 2008 @ 7:59 am