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 progressives dislike him 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 it is ultimately expensive work.
Each of these essays in this book poignantly speaks 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 the country by God. The validation of war, violence, racism, abuse, and oppression in the name of Christ. While Donald Trump may represent one of the worst outcomes of this combination, he thrives on its existence, which has been a part of our country's history since its inception.
As always, Brueggemann begins with the Bible and ends with the Bible. And if your allegiance is to anything other than the Bible, you will find him offensive. But if your heart has been softened by the sword that lays bare the intentions and motives of our souls, you will find in these essays great comfort.
