The Practice of Prophetic Imagination: Preaching an Emancipating Word

by Walter Brueggemann

Walter Brueggemann declares that the necessary character of truly prophetic preaching today is "a contestation between narratives." If the dominant narrative of our time promotes national self-sufficiency (through militarism) and personal self-sufficiency (through consumerism), it must be opposed by a different narrative. Prophetic preaching takes its stand in a world claimed by a God who is gracious, uncompromisingand real. Brueggemann writes here for leaders in faith communities who bear the responsibility of preaching. He describes the discipline of a prophetic imagination, in an unflinchingly realistic, unwaveringly candid manner.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian, Church, Christian Living

176 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2011

About the author

Walter Brueggemann was an American Christian scholar and theologian who is widely considered an influential Old Testament scholar. His work often focused on the Hebrew prophetic tradition and the sociopolitical imagination of the Church. He argued that the Church must provide a counter-narrative to the dominant forces of consumerism, militarism, and nationalism.

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this one better than its predecessor. It has good scripture analysis as well as a solid understanding of the US from post-9/11 through our current climate (even though the writing's not that old, it seemingly predictive understanding is impressive). The book offers a model of thought not just for preachers or teachers, but for anyone considering how their faith interacts with the world.

[Roy Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fewer things are more tiresome than "prophetic preaching" as it is commonly practiced. It usually involves a self-proclaimed prophet haranguing the congregation about what needs to be done or undone about a particular social ill chosen by the preacher. The result is an ideologically driven sermon that rarely moves listeners into new understanding or more faithful practice. More often than not they are left guilty.

Brueggeman teaches a more authentic biblically grounded from of prophetic preaching that involves not ideologically driven harangues on particular subjects but rather a incisive critique of all forms of life that run counter to God's promise. The familiar themes of his work are recast here in a vibrant and at times stunning form of exegetical work that makes prophetic preaching anything but tiresome. He has a remarkable ability to bring the prophets words to bear on contemporary life with their poetic imagination. While many readers may be familiar with Brueggman's work, this book will continue to strengthen the practice of preaching a truly emancipating word, speaking truthfully of our real condition while lifting up the God who counters despair with newsiness of life.

[Sagely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Brueggemann brings to pastoral practice (especially the pastor as interpreter and preacher) a depth of biblical reflection that I long for in most other pastoral-giuld books. PPI is refreshing.

Refreshing, but fiercely challenging. Following the model of the OT Prophets, pastors are to speak truth in the midst of denial--truth about destruction in their case and ours. We are to grieve as God grieves, waiting in a space of loss. And then, in a leap of imagination, we are to narrate hope beyond hope. A string of impossibilities.

This is a book I need to read and reread. I commend it to you as well.

[Javen Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to keep encouraging myself to stick with it. Parts of it were definitely a slog. But the last chapter is worth it. The prophetic task is daunting but I'm glad to have this guide.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is certainly an in-depth look at the calling of prophetic preaching, but I wouldn't say it's particularly accessible to non-scholars. Brueggemann looks at prophetic preaching based on the examples of the biblical prophets themselves and holds them up as a model for modern prophetic preachers. The balance of ancient and modern is held in tension throughout, and the common task is noted: that the prophet helps move society out of what was and into what is, while re-enforcing both the presence and the working of God in the process. It's a short book, but in all honesty a little heavy. It could also have used a better job of editing, as spelling and grammar mistakes are pretty noticeable, which I found a little bit offputting. Still, the book represents an important challenge for preachers in this modern and ever-changing world which has many people looking both wistfully and hopelessly back at the past.

[C.H.E. Sadaphal · Rating 4 out of 5]

he bottom line: A bright light of inspiration and hope to prophets and preachers in a world consumed by the ideology of empire.

In short, this book effectively and intelligently answers a question of critical importance in the contemporary world: How can prophets liberate believers from the enticing, powerful and dominant narrative that draws them far from God? That is, what does it actually mean to preach a prophetic word in the 21st century and fully subscribe to the idea that God is an active and effective agent in the world? If for nothing else, this book will reveal that some of the most cherished ideas that we cling to and find comfort in are exactly the things that incite God to wrath.

The Practice of Prophetic Imagination locates ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/the-practi...

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved going through this book. It is very enlightening, forcing one to look at the "dominate narrative" and deconstructing it in light of the Biblical narrative that is "dominated by YHWH". The book's focus, however, is not merely discerning the differences between these two narratives but taking the next step by undermining the "dominate narrative" by speaking "YHWH's narrative" into it, just as the Old Testament prophets did during their time.

[Jack]

Excellent! Brueggemann makes some remarkable connections between the rebuilding of Israel after the Babylonian captivity and post-911 America. Both struggles involve developing a theology that accept vulnerability and rethinking of purpose over attempts to bluster a cloud of denial that makes one feel invincible.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brueggemann offers us an invitation to take up the prophetic mantle, but also recognizes the difficulty of doing so. The prophetic word is not about prediction or scolding people into social action. Rather it is confronting the Dominant narrative with that of the Narrative of Yahweh.