What's up theology nerds! When we lost the legendary Walter Brueggemann, I knew we had to do a proper tribute to one of the most influential biblical scholars of our time. I'm joined by Bo and Rolf Jacobson from Luther Seminary for a deep dive into Walter's life and work - this is the guy who somehow managed to have both mega-nerd street cred in the academy AND pastors across the country whose preaching was transformed by his books. We explore how Walter revolutionized biblical theology by showing us a God who's relational, passionate, and takes sides (goodbye, distant philosophical absolutes), his famous disagreements with Terence Fretheim about divine freedom versus fidelity, and how "The Prophetic Imagination" is really about hope and alternative consciousness, not scolding people. Rolf shares incredible stories about Walter's pastoral heart, we discuss his brilliant interdisciplinary work that connected everything from Paul Ricoeur to economic theory, and we talk about his scathing critique of American capitalism (the golden calf in front of Wall Street is basically God trolling American Christians about their idolatry). Whether you know Walter from "The Prophetic Imagination" or you're just discovering him, this conversation captures why he was so special - a scholar who made ancient texts dangerous again and showed us that the God of the Bible is way more interesting, subversive, and liberating than we usually dare to believe. As Walter would say to his grandkids about the manna story: "You are not children of scarcity, you're children of abundance - don't forget it."
If you want to get access to the Introduction to the Old Testament class with Dr. Brueggemann, head over to TheologyClass.com
You will find 3 of my episodes with Brueggemann combined into this one episode.
Books by Brueggemann that we mention
Join us at Theology Beer Camp this October 16-18 in St. Paul, MN. (Rolf is coming too!)
Dr. Rolf A. Jacobson is the Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary.
Previous Episodes with Dr. Jacobson
Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! Get info and tickets here.
Online Class: Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost with Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim
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Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025
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