Ancient Echoes - by Walter Brueggemann (Paperback)

About the Book

In Ancient Echoes, Walter Brueggemann responds to eight "truth claims" made by the radical right in US politics. In each instance, ancient biblical faith grounds the critical response to those mistaken "truth claims." The echoes of biblical faith reveal that the right wing "truth claims" contradict reality and the legacy of the biblical tradition.

Book Synopsis

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 Geniuses: The Unmaking of America: 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.

Review Quotes

In this powerful book Walter Brueggemann goes right after the sacred creeds of toxic right-wing politics, challenging each hollow affirmation with "ancient echoes," the vibrant counter-testimony of scripture. In Brueggemann's hands, the words of the Bible leap to life and provide razor-sharp alternative ways of thinking, believing, and living. Every rabbi and minister who hopes to free the pulpit to engage the culture with vigor should read this book. --Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University