Walter Brueggemann is one of the most highly regarded Old Testament scholars of our time; talk-show host Krista Tippett has even called him "a kind of theological rock star." In this new book Brueggemann incisively probes our society-in-crisis from the ground up.Pointing out striking correlations between the catastrophe of 9/11 and the destruction of ancient Jerusalem; Brueggemann shows how the prophetic biblical response to that crisis was truth-telling in the face of ideology; grief in the face of denial; and hope in the face of despair. He argues that the same prophetic responses are urgently required from us now if we are to escape the deathliness of denial and despair.Brueggemann’s Reality; Grief; Hope boldly confronts the dominant forces of our time; taking on principalities and powers that vie for our souls; and calls the church to courageous action.
#68169 in Books Wm B Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2000-03-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.08 x 6.00l; 1.55 #File Name: 0802847781522 pagesPaul Apostle of the Heart Set Free
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Still one of the best and most interesting biographies on the Apostle PaulBy Dr. Marc AxelrodBruce's book provides fantastic coverage of the Apostle's Paul's life and thought. He discusses Paul's Jewish background in Tarsus; his zealous Pharasaism; his conversion from unbelief to Christ; and his missionary journeys and theology. Bruce is a reliable guide as he takes you through the narratives in Acts and the supplementary material in the epistles. He is open to all of the Pauline corpus being authentic writings of Paul; and even if someone else had a hand with Ephesians; (Bruce is not convinced); then that someone else did a great job representing Pauline thought.I especially enjoyed the discussions of the Corinthian correspondence (Paul's teaching about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7 in particular; I found it to be very pastoral and sensible) and the proposition that the Onesimus in Philemon went on to become bishop of Ephesus years later.Bruce believes that the heart of Pauline teaching is that true religion is not a matter of rules and regulations; that Christ makes us all one in Him; that people matter more than things; principles; and causes (not sure about this one; I would want to qualify it); and that unfair discrimination against others is an offense to God. I think the first two points are the strongest.One of the most INTERESTING books on Paul I have ever read. Bruce is like an investigative reporter; digging into the New Testament documents and historical sources to present the clearest picture of Paul. Highly recommended.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Slightly dated but still a treasure trove of informationBy James KorsmoF. F. Bruce was one of the most distinguished Evangelical Biblical scholars of the past generation. In this great book; Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free; he focuses in on the Apostle Paul; his setting; and his theology. He structures the book in essentially chronological order; synthesizing much of the material from Acts with what can be discerned from the letters of his travels. This account includes a very detailed historical discussion of the various settings for the letters; as well as cultural and historical factors that would have effected Paul's thinking. He also pauses to reflect on the character and theology of each of Paul's writings; including the undisputed letters; the disputed letters; and also the Pastorals. He makes a case for Pauline authorship of all of the letters; and takes a more guarded stance on the Pastorals; but still including them in his scheme; or at least allowing room for them.Bruce's account is full of important information; and helps bring the biographical and historical details about Paul and his first-century setting together with his epistles. This sheds insightful light on Paul's writing; and helps to contextualize his theology. And his well-thought-out and well-reasoned positions on things like authorship; chronology; and theology; make this book a great starting point in the study of Paul. He is also well aware of the major critical issues with regard to Pauline scholarship; and introduces the reader to the relevant questions as well as guiding the readers toward well-reasoned answers. The book was written in 1977; which means that there have been some major changes in Pauline scholarship; but E. P. Sanders had already begun the "new perspective" movement; so even though Bruce doesn't interact with it in detail; the trajectory of what would certainly have become a more detailed evaluation at later date is already evident in its pages.Paul played a central role in the development of Christianity; and in its spread throughout the Mediterranean region in the years after Jesus' death. And through is writings he has decisively shaped Christian thought ever since. Bruce lends a scholar's and historian's eye to the study of this important figure and the writings he left. His contribution is full of important information; and is certainly an important building block in understanding this most important Apostle. Highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Broad Enough; Deep EnoughBy CustomerThis book is broad in it's scope and deep in it's spiritual emphasis. It covers the life of Paul from a historical perspective and also from a spiritual perspective. His 'Pharisees' mentality before his conversion is contrasted with his 'Personal' experience in the meaning of the redemption as revealed unto him by the risen Christ. The book is full of historical facts and loads of scripture from both the letters of Paul and from the Law and the Prophets. If you are interested in learning more about the apostle Paul; his life and his thoughts as set forth within the Epistles that bear his name; then this book will be a blessing to you.
