In God We Do Not Trust

by Walter Brueggemann, Conrad Kanagy (editor)

This stirring series of essays by Walter Brueggemann represents the inaugural book for the new imprint, Santos Books.
Who better than Walter Brueggemann to inaugurate this imprint? Sinner? Undoubtedly. Saint? By God's grace alone. Walter once told me that he is disliked by progressives because he still believes in the old formula, that it is by grace alone that we are saved. And then he confided in me, “Conrad, I have to work to stay in that place of grace.”

And I love that old truth. Work to stay in the place of grace. For without the work there is but cheap grace. But without the grace, the work matters not. And is ultimately, expensive work.

Each of these essays in this book poignantly speak to the crisis of the current American church. Decades ago, sociologist Robert Bellah warned us of the development of civil religion in America. The merging of God and country. The legitimization of country by God. The validation of war and violence and racism and abuse and oppression in the name of Christ. While Donald Trump may represent among the worst outcomes of this combination, he thrives on its existence that has been part of our country's history since the beginning.

As always, Brueggemann begins with the Bible and ends with the Bible. And if your allegiance is to other than the Bible, you will find him offensive. But if your heart has been softened by the sword that lays bare the intends and motives of our souls, you will find in these essays great comfort.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2024

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

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

Brueggeman still Speaks

Walter Brueggemann is nearing the end of his life, but he continues to offer words of wisdom. This another collection of essays that brings the Bible and the contemporary world into conversation. It also launches a new publishing venture.

[Len Knighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A week or so ago, after reading the first couple of chapters, I considered this book to be one of the most important books of. 2024. Now, in completing it, that opinion has not changed, but it has been modified.
Walter Brueggemann is considered one of the top Old Testament scholars in the world. I had the joy and privilege to attend a lecture he presented at the United Church of Christ's General Synod in the summer of 2007, marking the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the denomination. (Prior to hearing Brueggemann I attended an address by NPR contributor Bill Moyers and later that same day would be thrilled by the oratory of soon-to-be declared Presidential candidate Barack Obama.)
In the provocatively titled IN GOD WE DO NOT TRUST, Brueggemann confronts issues that are prominent in the current Presidential campaign and election. He also deals with the dominant personality of the campaign; indeed, arguably labeled as such for the past nine years.
I anticipated that Brueggemann would dismantle planks from Donald Trump's platform in such a way as to convince Christians, even Evangelical Christians, that the Republican candidate was not a Savior but a charlatan.
To be fair, he may have done that. But I find Brueggemann's eloquence to be "over the top" for most readers. His vocabulary is far greater than mine or, I suspect, the average reader. Thus, his message may be lost or obscured.
I struggled with how to rate this book --- three stars or four. I decided on the latter because I do believe it can be an important book, not only in 2024 but beyond. A four star rating should attract more readers. But this book must not be read; it must be studied. It is not a long book but requires time and concentration to absorb its lessons.

Four stars waning

[George Donigian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter Brueggemann offers thought-provoking essays concerning culture and biblical theology. His thesis grows from a principled understanding of the unending governance of the Christ, the way of God among us. Brueggeman begins by asking, “What child is this who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” and closes with an epilogue that remembers the sacrifice of the innocent and the weeping of Rachel (see Matthew 2:16-18). Along the way, Brueggemann points to contemporary domestic and international cultures, including a chapter titled “The Ten Commandments of MAGA” and a dive into the biblical theology of the land and enemies in a chapter titled “Divine Genocide.”

Reading on Kindle, I found multiple flaws in the book that I hope are not in any hard copy—primarily layout matters. The absence of a Table of Contents was also a minor irritant.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The very ones whom the elite seek to exclude are the primary candidates to constitute the community of Jesus, for the ‘holy people’ is formed ‘from below’ among those who live a distance from the mirages of virtue and control.”

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” (Matthew 23:23)

“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages.” (Jeremiah 22:13)

And finally:
“The work of learning is an urgent responsibility, to see how and why ‘the other half’- the half of debt- lives and suffers and resists and fears as it does.”

[William R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theology for today’s Christian

To be a real Christian one must swallow and digest scripture or follow those who do. The author is a renowned biblical scholar and theologian. The book is well written and helps one relate Old Testament scripture to life in today’s America. This is just an excellent book.

[Edward Bellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff

Several collected pieces and reflections in this current time and context is well done. The second to the last chapter was particularly sobering. Thank you, WB, for this gift.

[Rory Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

good text but needs layout help

The words are challenging and insightful. The - in the middle of lines, throughout each page, went beyond distraction. Maybe the print version is better.

[Austyn Dentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Walter Brueggemann!! So thankful for His voice!!