Spirituality of the Psalms - (Facets) Abridged by Walter Brueggemann (Paperback)

About the Book

Using a model of orientation--disorientation--new orientation, Brueggemann explores how the genres of the Psalms can be viewed in terms of their functions. The result is a fresh reading of these ancient songs that illuminate their spiritual depth.

Book Synopsis

Based on the bestseller, The Message of the Psalms, this condensed version offers readers simple insight for how the Psalms apply to every season of life.

The Psalms nourish and nurture. The Psalms provide voices of faith in the life of community. In this shortened version of The Message of the Psalms, Dr. Brueggemann provides an insightful perspective and a structured overview of the Psalms using three categories: orientation, disorientation, and new orientation. Orientation is the establishment of structure and order. Disorientation is a place of imbalance and nonsense even potentially unjust. New orientation is moving forward away from what was and toward new possibilities.

Spirituality of the Psalms brings together the Christian faith, expressions of suffering, hope, and seasons of everyday life. Brueggeman explains how Psalms of negativity, cries for vengeance, and profound penitence are foundational to a life of faith, and establishes that the reality of deep loss and amazing gifts are held together in a powerful tension.

In this succinct edition, Brueggemann encourages readers to look up specific Psalms for study and consider God's justice in an unjust world. Spirituality of the Psalms is a brief yet thought-provoking edition for any reader wanting to understand complex dynamics found within the Old Testament Psalms.