Walter in the Pews
Here’s another excerpt from Conrad L. Kanagy’s upcoming biography entitled Walter Brueggemann’s Prophetic Imagination: A Theological Biography.
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Reverend Roger Greene had been hearing the rumors for several months: “Professor Walter Brueggemann of Columbia Seminary is moving to Cincinnati!” When he first heard the rumblings of Brueggemann’s coming, he didn’t think much about it. For one thing, Brueggemann was ordained in the United Churches of Christ and would probably end up at First UCC. In addition, he was leaving a Presbyterian seminary so perhaps Mt. Washington Presbyterian church would attract him. Chances were he would end up in one of those traditions. In any event, Roger had been at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church for nearly two decades. He had developed a nonanxious presence as a leader who had faced success and defeat as well as highs and lows— he could handle the renowned theologian if he had to.
He had weathered the initial growth of the congregation under his leadership. He had weathered the eventual decline as folks began to hear his messages challenging the consumer “market-driven” society (the dominant American religion) that has infected the church. He had weathered the struggles around sexuality. And he had weathered the battle to place an American flag in the sanctuary. He could certainly weather the arrival and attendance of the twentieth century’s most prolific theologian. A man of Brueggemann’s character was likely to be absent most Sundays anyway. Off lecturing, preaching, leading retreats, and probably taking regular, personal retreats on mountain tops to hear from God. Something had to explain the quality and quantity of his work. Undoubtedly it was connected to a deep, contemplative life. After all, that’s what had gotten Roger through the low spots of ministry over the decades. Still, he wondered what it would be like to have someone of Brueggemann’s qualifications in the pews. Probably a tough critic when it came to sermons and preaching. Little did he know just how tough Walter was known for holding his pastors to the high standard of relying upon the biblical text, exhibiting a dialogic relationship with the God of that text, and living a life that reflected a love of God and neighbor. Walter didn’t think that was too much to ask. And neither would have Roger had he known. But he would find out soon enough, and he would pass Walter’s assessment with flying colors.
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