Walter Brueggemann Analysis

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Walter Brueggemann is attempting to show the importance of viewing scripture as multidimensional where there are always new layers that can be discovered and unexpected meanings. He believes that it is important to have a backbone of certain apostolic faith where scripture reveals consistent theological claims of God’s character and will. Besides these main points, we have to rely on interpretation which are not objective. Brueggemann wants us to shift away from a ridged reading of the bible and to more mysterious view where the text continuously holds fresh and different meanings. Like how imagination takes us beyond the text and it can help bridge the ancient world to our own. Or how we can be inspired and strengthened by the spirit of the …show more content…

It is a tricky balancing act to say the least.
Phyllis Trible raises significant questions regarding to the pluralistic interpretations of scripture. Trible’s point that churches often use scripture as it is traditionally understood without dealing with the hermeneutics of it, has been rather common in most religious setting I’ve been in. It might not be a “bad” interpretation, however, it gets back to Brueggemann point of one-dimensional readings of the bible which lack the newness and strangeness scripture has to offer.
The article by Ronald Osborn shows how we follow a trail of tradition; a just war tradition. However, American Christians, in particular, often times are not even following the just war parameters that St. Augustine lays out. Instead, they have more of a pro-military and “ends justify the means” attitude which contradicts much of St. Augustine’s stance. There are large problems in the way Christians have traditionally viewed violence and justice. Is killing Osama bin Laden the way to achieve justice for the victims? What about the costs of this getting to this

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