Tag Archives: Bruggemann

Bargaining with a Suffering God

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Spring Sunset c. J. P. Mahon, 2012

During our first week of Lenten Bible study on the prophets, Walter  Bruggemann’s question “Can we bargain with God?”  was very controversial. The programmed Canned response was, “No,” God is all-knowing, all-powerful; therefore, God is above us and you cannot bargain with an unequal.”

Be careful here. When we make God all that we are not, are we creating an idol god? We must begin with the fact that God is beyond all description. Muslims realize that even the 99 names for God do not exhaust the richness of God. We can know God only as darkness that is light! When we enter the abyss of darkness in our angst for God (see Merton below), we find hope amid despair, and light amid darkness. Continue reading →

Living the Meta-Myth

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Sermon on the Mount

Beginning with Bultmann, scripture scholars have discovered that the Bible, like other sacred literature is myth. When we hear the word myth we get out the fact checker or truth meter, especially during election season. We are inclined to define myth as something that is untrue. We should be defining myth as symbolic stories that lead us to deeper truth. In this sense, the Bible is myth. As we read the words, we look for deeper meaning, deeper significance for living authentic lives. Continue reading →

Get in the Wheel Barrow

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Writing for Sojourners, biblical scholar Walter Bruggemann (“From Anxiety and Greed to Milk and Honey,” February 2009) contrasts our culture with the culture of the Kingdom. Our culture is characterized by autonomy (American individualism), anxiety and greed. As Francis of Assisi warned us, “If you have possessions, you will have to have arms to defend them.” Even if we do not personally resort to arms when it comes to our possessions, we are anxious about what we shall eat and wear and save. “Beset by anxiety” we get caught up in consumerism and acquisitiveness. Thus, autonomy, anxiety and greed permeate our culture and direct our lives. Continue reading →