This stirring series of essays by Walter Brueggemann represents the inaugural book for the new imprint, Santos Books.
Who
better than Walter Brueggemann to inaugurate this imprint? Sinner?
Undoubtedly. Saint? By God's grace alone. Walter once told me that he is
disliked by progressives because he still believes in the old formula,
that it is by grace alone that we are saved. And then he confided in me,
“Conrad, I have to work to stay in that place of grace.”
And I
love that old truth. Work to stay in the place of grace. For without the
work there is but cheap grace. But without the grace, the work matters
not. And is ultimately, expensive work.
Each of these essays in
this book poignantly speak to the crisis of the current American church.
Decades ago, sociologist Robert Bellah warned us of the development of
civil religion in America. The merging of God and country. The
legitimization of country by God. The validation of war and violence and
racism and abuse and oppression in the name of Christ. While Donald
Trump may represent among the worst outcomes of this combination, he
thrives on its existence that has been part of our country's history
since the beginning.
As always, Brueggemann begins with the Bible
and ends with the Bible. And if your allegiance is to other than the
Bible, you will find him offensive. But if your heart has been softened
by the sword that lays bare the intends and motives of our souls, you
will find in these essays great comfort.
