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Ancient Echoes: Refusing the Fear-Filled, Greed-Driven Toxicity of the Far Right
In Ancient Echoes, Walter Brueggemann -- one of our most influential biblical scholars -- responds to eight "truth claims" made by the radical right in US politics.
In his book Evil The Unmaking of A Recent History (Random House 2020), Kurt Andersen enunciates eight "truth claims" made by the political right that champion aggressive self-sufficiency and self-security at the expense of the community. In the process, any hint of "the common good" among neighbors disappears from the scene.
Brueggemann responds to each of these mistaken "truth claims" through the witness of scripture and an insistence upon a common good -- a neighborly practice of generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, justice, compassion, and mercy. The echoes of biblical faith reveal that these right wing "truth claims" contradict our long-running legacy of biblical faith.
In his book Evil The Unmaking of A Recent History (Random House 2020), Kurt Andersen enunciates eight "truth claims" made by the political right that champion aggressive self-sufficiency and self-security at the expense of the community. In the process, any hint of "the common good" among neighbors disappears from the scene.
Brueggemann responds to each of these mistaken "truth claims" through the witness of scripture and an insistence upon a common good -- a neighborly practice of generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, justice, compassion, and mercy. The echoes of biblical faith reveal that these right wing "truth claims" contradict our long-running legacy of biblical faith.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 19, 2023
I will admit it. I lean politically to the left. I will also admit that I'm concerned about the toxicity present in the far right --- whether politically or religiously (and they are for the most part intertwined). There are few people who have the gravitas to speak directly to these concerns and do so by responsibly drawing upon the Bible than Walter Brueggemann. While much of the Brueggemann materials being released recently are new editions and repackaging of earlier works, "Ancient Echoes" is new material that speaks to the current climate we find ourselves in, a climate that is fear-based. Specifically, it is rooted in appeals to fear of the other, the one who is different. When we encounter such fear-based efforts, we need a tonic that can break its hold. Again, there are few who are better equipped for this than Walter Brueggemann.
"Ancient Echoes" is subtitled "Refusing the Fear-Filled, Greed-Driven Toxicity of the Far Right." The chapters of this relatively brief book (Just under 150 pages, it is relatively small in size). Thus, it can be read rather quickly, but it does require some close attention because the message is extremely important.
The contents of "Ancient Echoes" is based on a series of blog posts that Brueggemann wrote for the blog platform churchaanew.org. The first eight chapters serve as a reflection on proposals made by Kurt Anderson in his book from 2020 --- Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America. Bruieggemann writes in his preface that Anderson has provided a roadmap of sorts "for the history, ideology, and intent of the right-wing as a political force among us" (p. ix). In responding to the theses in Anderson's book concerning the implications of the right-wing efforts, Brueggemann as those who know his work will expect, draws from Scripture, especially the Hebrew Bible, to extend the message of that book. His expectation is that Scripture can provide an alternative vision of social well-being. Even as he draws from the wisdom found in Scripture, he believes that the communities who draw from that well are called and authorized to speak out against this right-wing ideology. He writes that synagogues and churches "have a deep stake in the flourishing of democracy, and a solid reason for refusing and resisting the propensity of fascism that wants to reduce political influence to the privileged and entitled few" (pp. x-xi). Thus, this small book is offered as a word of encouragement to these communities to speak out.
The chapters speak to eight principles. The first is a response to the right-wing suggestion that government is bad, but offering the possibility of good governance. While not all government is good, neither is it all bad. The challenge for us is to distinguish between good and bad government and work to make sure that good government exists. He points out how, especially in the Old Testament, the prophets speak of the relationship between sheep and shepherd. The call here is for a government that is not predatory and that cares for the sheep.
The second claim that the right makes, which Anderson details, and Brueggemann refutes concerns the "belief n our perfect, mythical yesteryear." Consider the message of Make America Great Again, a message that hearkens back to a different golden age when things were different -- when white men were in control! Again, Brueggemann draws on the prophets, such as Amos and Isaiah who challenge this longing for yesterday. Instead of pining for the past when white men were in control, Brueggemann reminds us of the message that God is always making things new. Thus, "God's truth is marching on, and all of our illusionary nostalgia will not stop that march toward justice, peace, and freedom by way of mercy and compassion" (p. 24).
Moving on we encounter the third claim of the right wing, and that "establishment experts are wrong, science is suspect." We're constantly hearing that the "experts" are wrong, but again Brueggemann draws on Scripture, especially Wisdom Literature, including Proverbs, but also non-canonical texts like Ben Sirach. There in Ben Sirach, we hear a call to honor physicians and pharmacists, respecting their skills. The fourth claim builds on the third, in that it suggests that science is suspect.
The fifth claim has to do with elevating short-term profits. We see this daily in efforts to manipulate things so that short-term gain can be achieved at the expense of people and the environment. This is where greed drives the conversation.
Moving to the sixth claim, we see the belief that "liberty equals selfishness." We often hear about American individualism in defense of so-called rights such as unlimited gun ownership (in the name of the Second Amendment). Or my right to not receive a COVID vaccine that might not only protect me but others. It's my body, the saying goes (unless you're a woman seeking an abortion). Brueggemann, drawing from the Gospels, reminds us that church people should know that "liberty is not and cannot be selfishness, that accumulation does not work, that anxiety does no good, that greed never succeeds, and violence has no future" (p. 82). In other words, we can't be self-sufficient.
The seventh claim has to do with inequality, which the right says isn't so bad. Now, inequality may be part of reality, it is not good to celebrate. That truth is revealed throughout scripture. Brueggemann points to the story of the manna. They couldn't store it up. There was enough for all, whatever the need. Consider as well the story of the feeding of the 5000. Again people received what they needed though not all were happy because they didn't understand the message of the bread.
The final claim has to do with the belief that "Universal Health Care is tyranny." Here it is a matter of taxes, which need to be collected to support universal health care. The claim is that not everyone is deserving of good health care --- only those who have the funds to get it. We often hear about the undeserving. Yet, throughout Scripture, people are healed without cost. Elisha didn't charge Naaman. Jesus didn't charge anyone for healing. Neither did Peter or John or even Paul. Is not good health care a right for all? That is the question.
With these eight claims examined and found faulty according to Scripture (and you know that Brueggemann has expertise here), in chapter nine Brueggemann restates the eight proposals/responses to the claims made by the right as detailed by Anderson in his book Evil Geniuses. While Brueggemann doesn't believe much is to be gained by making arguments against these right-wing claims, he does believe that the church can and should begin developing an alternative witness and practice. These claims by the right are, in his mind, and rightfully so, contrary to the ways of Jesus. Thus, we are called to take a different course of action.
"Ancient Echoes" is subtitled "Refusing the Fear-Filled, Greed-Driven Toxicity of the Far Right." The chapters of this relatively brief book (Just under 150 pages, it is relatively small in size). Thus, it can be read rather quickly, but it does require some close attention because the message is extremely important.
The contents of "Ancient Echoes" is based on a series of blog posts that Brueggemann wrote for the blog platform churchaanew.org. The first eight chapters serve as a reflection on proposals made by Kurt Anderson in his book from 2020 --- Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America. Bruieggemann writes in his preface that Anderson has provided a roadmap of sorts "for the history, ideology, and intent of the right-wing as a political force among us" (p. ix). In responding to the theses in Anderson's book concerning the implications of the right-wing efforts, Brueggemann as those who know his work will expect, draws from Scripture, especially the Hebrew Bible, to extend the message of that book. His expectation is that Scripture can provide an alternative vision of social well-being. Even as he draws from the wisdom found in Scripture, he believes that the communities who draw from that well are called and authorized to speak out against this right-wing ideology. He writes that synagogues and churches "have a deep stake in the flourishing of democracy, and a solid reason for refusing and resisting the propensity of fascism that wants to reduce political influence to the privileged and entitled few" (pp. x-xi). Thus, this small book is offered as a word of encouragement to these communities to speak out.
The chapters speak to eight principles. The first is a response to the right-wing suggestion that government is bad, but offering the possibility of good governance. While not all government is good, neither is it all bad. The challenge for us is to distinguish between good and bad government and work to make sure that good government exists. He points out how, especially in the Old Testament, the prophets speak of the relationship between sheep and shepherd. The call here is for a government that is not predatory and that cares for the sheep.
The second claim that the right makes, which Anderson details, and Brueggemann refutes concerns the "belief n our perfect, mythical yesteryear." Consider the message of Make America Great Again, a message that hearkens back to a different golden age when things were different -- when white men were in control! Again, Brueggemann draws on the prophets, such as Amos and Isaiah who challenge this longing for yesterday. Instead of pining for the past when white men were in control, Brueggemann reminds us of the message that God is always making things new. Thus, "God's truth is marching on, and all of our illusionary nostalgia will not stop that march toward justice, peace, and freedom by way of mercy and compassion" (p. 24).
Moving on we encounter the third claim of the right wing, and that "establishment experts are wrong, science is suspect." We're constantly hearing that the "experts" are wrong, but again Brueggemann draws on Scripture, especially Wisdom Literature, including Proverbs, but also non-canonical texts like Ben Sirach. There in Ben Sirach, we hear a call to honor physicians and pharmacists, respecting their skills. The fourth claim builds on the third, in that it suggests that science is suspect.
The fifth claim has to do with elevating short-term profits. We see this daily in efforts to manipulate things so that short-term gain can be achieved at the expense of people and the environment. This is where greed drives the conversation.
Moving to the sixth claim, we see the belief that "liberty equals selfishness." We often hear about American individualism in defense of so-called rights such as unlimited gun ownership (in the name of the Second Amendment). Or my right to not receive a COVID vaccine that might not only protect me but others. It's my body, the saying goes (unless you're a woman seeking an abortion). Brueggemann, drawing from the Gospels, reminds us that church people should know that "liberty is not and cannot be selfishness, that accumulation does not work, that anxiety does no good, that greed never succeeds, and violence has no future" (p. 82). In other words, we can't be self-sufficient.
The seventh claim has to do with inequality, which the right says isn't so bad. Now, inequality may be part of reality, it is not good to celebrate. That truth is revealed throughout scripture. Brueggemann points to the story of the manna. They couldn't store it up. There was enough for all, whatever the need. Consider as well the story of the feeding of the 5000. Again people received what they needed though not all were happy because they didn't understand the message of the bread.
The final claim has to do with the belief that "Universal Health Care is tyranny." Here it is a matter of taxes, which need to be collected to support universal health care. The claim is that not everyone is deserving of good health care --- only those who have the funds to get it. We often hear about the undeserving. Yet, throughout Scripture, people are healed without cost. Elisha didn't charge Naaman. Jesus didn't charge anyone for healing. Neither did Peter or John or even Paul. Is not good health care a right for all? That is the question.
With these eight claims examined and found faulty according to Scripture (and you know that Brueggemann has expertise here), in chapter nine Brueggemann restates the eight proposals/responses to the claims made by the right as detailed by Anderson in his book Evil Geniuses. While Brueggemann doesn't believe much is to be gained by making arguments against these right-wing claims, he does believe that the church can and should begin developing an alternative witness and practice. These claims by the right are, in his mind, and rightfully so, contrary to the ways of Jesus. Thus, we are called to take a different course of action.
April 4, 2024
This is a well written, concise, and Biblical response to the political agenda and policies of the Conservative Party, now under the thumb of MAGA adherants. The author does an excellent job presenting the counter argument to eight of their topmost goals and clearly demonstrates that all run against the mandate the Bible has set forth regarding how leaders are to govern and rule. This is one I recommend every person of faith take the time to read and consider.
November 29, 2023
After reading twenty or so pages of Brueggemann’s Ancient Echoes, I recommended the book to three friends—one conservative Christian and two with more liberal perspectives. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m glad that I recommended it early in the process and will continue to recommend it. Brueggemann does not disappoint in his analysis of culture and church. His work is firmly grounded in biblical theology.
Brueggemann bases his concerns throughout the book in biblical principles of justice and community. He engages in a conversation concerning the theses in Eric Anderson’s 2020 book titled Evil Geniuses; The Unmaking of America: A Recent History. In response to the Anderson analysis, Brueggemann counters with biblical examples concerning governance, greed, medical care, hunger, science, and more. In discussing, for example, our cultural focus on short-term profit, Brueggemann quotes Deuteronomy 16:19: “You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.” That verse seems particularly relevant in an era in which bribery seems rampant. In the short chapter on profit, Brueggemann further considers the prophet Jeremiah and the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:44 concerning God and wealth.
While Ancient Echoes is a small book in page count and trim size and with a powerfully relevant message.
Brueggemann bases his concerns throughout the book in biblical principles of justice and community. He engages in a conversation concerning the theses in Eric Anderson’s 2020 book titled Evil Geniuses; The Unmaking of America: A Recent History. In response to the Anderson analysis, Brueggemann counters with biblical examples concerning governance, greed, medical care, hunger, science, and more. In discussing, for example, our cultural focus on short-term profit, Brueggemann quotes Deuteronomy 16:19: “You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.” That verse seems particularly relevant in an era in which bribery seems rampant. In the short chapter on profit, Brueggemann further considers the prophet Jeremiah and the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:44 concerning God and wealth.
While Ancient Echoes is a small book in page count and trim size and with a powerfully relevant message.
February 19, 2024
I have read other books by Walter Brueggemann, and this is far from his best work. While I agree with each of his points, his ability to trace his opinions to the Bible are uneven. Some, such as, a sufficiency other than our own, and bread shared by all the eaters, are readily traced to and supported by Biblical passages. Others, such as, do not let the doctor leave you and public truth amid private rumors, are more difficult to trace to to Biblical roots. Since his work is a response to a list of right-wing claims listed in a book by Kurt Andersen (Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America), he is required to address all of the claims.
I support his position in each case; it is just that some are argued more effectively than others and I doubt that his words will alter the position of those in the right wing.
I support his position in each case; it is just that some are argued more effectively than others and I doubt that his words will alter the position of those in the right wing.
June 7, 2023
In response to Kurt Anderson's book, Evil Geniuses: The UnMaking of America, theologian, Walter Brueggemann, takes on the radical right in America. He seeks to show how and why the gospel faith, rooted in the Bible, refuses the following fallacious claims of the right wing: Government is bad. The good old days were better, science is suspect, we are entitled to their own facts, short-term profits are everything, freedom equals selfishness, inequality isn't so bad, universal health care is tyranny.
The faith of the Bible is deeply at odds with these right-ring distortions, including Christian nationalism, white supremacy and anti-Semitism. The Church has work to do. Thanks Professor/Pastor Brueggemann for gifting us with truth-telling.
The faith of the Bible is deeply at odds with these right-ring distortions, including Christian nationalism, white supremacy and anti-Semitism. The Church has work to do. Thanks Professor/Pastor Brueggemann for gifting us with truth-telling.
July 18, 2024
A Clear Prophetic Word
Brueggeman faithfully and masterfully lets the truths of the Christian faith cry out against the false premises of the ultra-right. A good resource for pastors who want to preach to such issues and laymen who want to offer an informed alternative to those caught up in the lies of the far right.
Brueggeman faithfully and masterfully lets the truths of the Christian faith cry out against the false premises of the ultra-right. A good resource for pastors who want to preach to such issues and laymen who want to offer an informed alternative to those caught up in the lies of the far right.
January 6, 2025
In Ancient Echoes: Refusing the Fear-Filled, Greed-Driven Toxicity of the Far Right, Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann provides a Biblical justification for another book, Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America: A Recent History (2020, Kurt Andersen). Even though I had not read Andersen’s book, I was able to follow Brueggemann’s observations and theological arguments.
June 16, 2025
I’ve been in the prophets and currently Ezekiel lately, and this book really put into words many things I have been thinking about. I haven’t read the book that this book follows (Evil Geniuses by Kurt Anderson), but it was still good.
A bit academic sometimes, but well worth the read to have some biblical rebuttal to some of the right wing ideas I hear and see.
A bit academic sometimes, but well worth the read to have some biblical rebuttal to some of the right wing ideas I hear and see.
May 20, 2023
Good Stuff
One of the best books on the current crisis of privileged politics and public policy and how the Bible addresses such a crisis. As usual, Brueggemann writes with a voice of authority, influence, and deep passion for God and God’s people.
One of the best books on the current crisis of privileged politics and public policy and how the Bible addresses such a crisis. As usual, Brueggemann writes with a voice of authority, influence, and deep passion for God and God’s people.
August 8, 2023
Clear and Concise
In this short book, Brueggemann prophetically and biblically calls out the faulty and inhuman principles of the far-right, offering us a more loving and human way forward of politics and neighboring.
In this short book, Brueggemann prophetically and biblically calls out the faulty and inhuman principles of the far-right, offering us a more loving and human way forward of politics and neighboring.
June 10, 2025
Dr. Brueggemann was brilliant in communicating how Scripture matters today. This is a short but powerful exposition of how to counter the toxicity of the far right today using Scriptural passages and language.
July 29, 2023
Using Biblical stories and references, Walter Brueggemann demonstrates why everyone should reject the White Christian Nationalists propaganda.
November 3, 2025
I think the intent of this book is helpful but working in a conservative area this response to conservative ideas fell a little flat for me.
July 27, 2024
Short, to the point, and a perfect book to read during this important election year. Read it! Absorb it! Our future depends on it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews