Walter Brueggemann: In Memory
Walter Brueggemann passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92.
Obituary
Walter Albert Brueggemann was born in Tilden, Nebraska on March 11, 1933. He was the son of August Brueggemann, a pastor of the Evangelical and Reformed Church (an antecedent of the United Church of Christ) and Hilda Hallman Brueggemann. Like his father, he was rooted in the evangelical tradition of German Pietism that continued to be his theological habitat. He grew up in rural parsonages in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. He graduated from Elmhurst College, received his Bachelor of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He later earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from St. Louis University.
Walter was elected President of the Society of Biblical Literature in 1990, received a Niebuhr Theological Fellowship, a Henry Luce Theological Fellowship, The Niebuhr Medal from Elmhurst College, received eight honorary doctorates, and was made an admiral in the Nebraska Navy and an Arkansas Traveler.
He was ordained, along with his brother Edward, by his father into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the United Church of Christ in 1958. In 1960 he was married to Mary Bonner Miller. They were blessed with two sons, James Bonner and John Frederick. They were divorced in 2005. In 2011 he married Tia Ehrhardt.
In 1961 Walter joined the faculty of Eden Theological Seminary, his alma mater, and served until 1986, during which time he served as Academic Dean for fourteen years. He joined the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary in 1986, where he was the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament until his retirement in 2003. During his years on these theological faculties, he was a generative teacher, an engaged institutional citizen, and a prolific writer. In his scholarship he was an indefatigable interpreter in the service of church renewal and social justice. During his teaching years, Walter relished working with his students, treasured collegial relations with faculty colleagues, and delighted in friendship with countless pastors.
Beyond his tireless professional activities of teaching, preaching, and writing – he did love being at his desk! –- Walter was a voracious reader, consuming multiple newspapers every day, being a familiar visitor to local libraries and bookstores wherever he lived, devouring scholarly work, magazines, journals, non-fiction and novels on a vast range of topics. A life-long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he admonished his sons early and often: “two things – love Jesus Christ and hate the Cubs”. He savored the arts, including movies, theater, classical music and jazz. Walter adored stories and conversations. He was quick with a joke and seemed to have one for every occasion.
Walter died peacefully at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan on June 5, 2025 at the age of 92. He is predeceased by his brothers Charles and Edward. He is survived by his cherished wife, Tia Brueggemann, his well-beloved sons, James Brueggemann (Lisa née Simcox) and John Brueggemann (Christina née McHugh), and five grandchildren, Christiana Brueggemann, August Brueggemann, Emilia Brueggemann, Anabelle Brueggemann, and Peter Brueggemann.
A memorial service will be held (and publicly live-streamed) on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 PM (1:00 PM visitation) at Central Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO 63119, or Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
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123 Comments
Mark Wildman · June 5, 2025 at 11:01 am
Sorry to hear this. A fine scholar whose work will live on. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Leslie Mazzacano · June 5, 2025 at 4:19 pm
My condolences to the family if Walter Brueggmann. As a deacon in the Episcopal church I have led and studied Mr Brueggeman’s book. His insight into the old testament helped me greatly not to just ignore it!!! My prayers for comfort and good memories of your loved one.
Beau Boughamer · June 5, 2025 at 10:50 pm
My goodness, I am so sad. I have left and rejoined the church several times. Every time I came back, I mean this, every time I came back Walter Bruggemann’s writing and preaching were involved. I *just* listened to his early Bible for Normal People podcast last weekend. God bless him and his family. It was an extraordinary gift that we were around on this earth at the same time as him.
Dr A James Goddard · June 5, 2025 at 9:41 pm
Your loved one changed the direction of my life under apartheid, in the State of Emergency of 1986, as I read Living Towards a Vision and then Prophetic Imagination. His searching essays in The Covenanted Self opened my conversation with God like no other book. His later, unswerving affirmation of the mystery of Queer identity gave me a life jacket. And then hope to make a new life outside the closet! I will deeply miss his agile imagination and humor in Church Anew – such breaths of fresh air into the crusty staleness of so many unaired corners and locked cupboards of church life. I look forward to meeting him face-to-face in the new creation to offer my deep thanks! I share just something of your huge loss. Peace to you!
Johan Cloete · June 6, 2025 at 4:12 am
He was my theological father ( for me a shadow of the Father) in my life and he was a dear friend. I am so sad. He leaves a huge void in my life.
Daphne Reiley · June 6, 2025 at 6:24 am
My deepest condolences to his family. I know his love for you was deep, beautiful, and kind.
I was actually terrified of having him as a professor! However, when I actually met him, I fell in love with his brain, his kindness, and most of all-his curiosity. I always craved his reactions to anything I wrote. The curiosity of which I spoke kept him engaged with those around him as well as with God. The way he interacted with each individual was personal and highly respectful.
My heart is sad and my spirit is jealous.
Mike Atkinson · June 6, 2025 at 10:12 am
How fortunate we were to live in the same era as Dr. Brueggemann. His thoughtful writing, wit, and depth of knowledge will be sorely missed. All warm care and support to the family who mourn his dying.
Dr. Breonus Mitchell DMin · June 5, 2025 at 11:01 am
I was introduced to Dr. Brueggemann in the early 1990’s. How he impacted my preaching, theology, and doctrine are without question. What a gift he was to the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
Vanessa Guerin · June 5, 2025 at 2:58 pm
I am very saddened by the passing of this extraordinary scholar, whose work I was introduced to by Fr. Richard Rohr when I worked at the Center for Action and Contemplation as the director of publications. I was privileged to publish his extraordinary work more than once in Oneing, the CAC’s literary journal. Dr. Brueggemann was generous and kind to work with, both over the phone and in writing. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Rev. Cordula Schmid Wassmuth · June 5, 2025 at 11:09 am
I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences! I met him once and read his books. He had not only a huge impact on my theology but I was also impressed by his friendliness and humor. May he rest in peace!
Jessica · June 5, 2025 at 4:12 pm
How do you love someone you’ve never met!! What a gift and what a life!!!! I extend compassion to his family and appreciation to God for expressing himself through Dr. Brueggeman. My heart is heavy for his theological absence.
Rev. Gator Lone Wolf · June 5, 2025 at 11:16 am
Walter championed my ordination as an openly gay man and my husband and my struggle for marriage equality. We were jailed after applying for a marriage license here in Kentucky and after we got out, he called me and said, “Just wanted you to know we need more of this. Way to go!” I’ll miss his authenticity and refusal to accept the lie of scarcity. He was a teacher of love’s abundance. R.I.P. Walter.
Kelly Craft · June 5, 2025 at 1:36 pm
A very bright light is missing from the firmament of Biblical scholarship. He has guided me for decades and will continue to do so decades to come. O how blessed i have been by his insight . . .Rev. Kelly Craft
Rev. Elaine Besthorn · June 5, 2025 at 1:55 pm
He was one of my theological heroes. He always made me think…every time I heard or read his works. His prayers….oh my! I will deeply miss his humor and gravelly voice. Such an icon.
The Rev. Jamie Howison · June 5, 2025 at 11:18 am
He was a grand scholar and fine gentleman, who seemed to always have time to talk to people after he had completed his lectures. That was most certainly the case when he lectured at the University of Winnipeg some thirty years ago and paused to revisit with me his paper on the “twin trajectories” that characterize the Hebrew Scriptures, and again when we chatted after his Trinity Institute lecture in New York City back in 2011. Unlike many scholars, he always seemed to have time to stop and take your questions into account. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.
Brian Sturtz, Director of Spiritual Care · June 5, 2025 at 11:18 am
His prophetic imagination, creative words, and profound wisdom transformed biblical scholarship and enriched both the church and the world. His thoughts and writings offered me new insights into myself, God and the world. Thank you, Walter, for your prolific energy and sheer grace. I am grateful and deeply in your debt. Peace be with you and those who loved you. Rest in peace.
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Kate Schmidgall · June 5, 2025 at 11:23 am
Sending love and condolences to Walter’s family and community. Dr. Brueggemann was an intellectual giant and his work has guided so many of us wrestling with narratives of empire and scarcity, seeking “the more excellent way.” I have found this six-part film series we produced with Walter and Peter Block back in 2017 increasingly prescient: https://bittersweetmonthly.com/series/contemplations/the-ache
Jude Akanbi · June 5, 2025 at 11:43 am
Professor Bruggemann’s books opened my eyes to the value of close reading of the text. His works still inspire and the well of scholarship he had dug over the years will last an aeon! Thank you, Prof! Rest well, till the resurrection morning. 🙌🏿
Rev. Shannon Kershner · June 5, 2025 at 11:45 am
Dr. Brueggeman was an amazing professor when I was at CTS in the late 1990s. His OT exegesis class on 1st Samuel is a big reason why we named our first born Hannah. I was glad to reconnect with him when he came to Chicago and preaches at Fourth Pres in 2015. What a gift. What a legacy.
Joan Beck · June 5, 2025 at 1:12 pm
I have a framed photograph of Dr. Brueggemann in my library–a photo published in a seminary catalog, I think. He is leaning over a desk, gesturing to someone nearby, and speaking. Over many years I benefited from him leaning in my direction and speaking words of truth, respect, and God’s love. First, before I ever knew him, when as dean at Eden Seminary he gave refuge to the Lutheran seminary-in-exile that I was part of. Then in his magnificent series of books and public lectures. Again when he took me aside to thank me for a sermon I preached at a conference where he was a keynote speaker…. When I took a sabbatical at Columbia to study with him the last time he taught Theology of the Old Testament…. When we exchanged emails occasionally; when he wrote a recommendation for a continuing ed program; when he greeted me readily at conferences or sent greetings via colleagues…. Walter let me make use of him–his scholarship and his pastoral and personal presence–to supply the worldview and the encouragement my own father never gave me. I am so grateful to God that Walter leaned across his desk to speak to me. May his memory be a blessing for all.
Stephen V. Sprinkle · June 5, 2025 at 11:57 am
Dr. Brueggemann and I crossed paths throughout my lifetime. He delivered the Sprinkle Lectures in memory of my Father and Uncle at Atlantic Christian College on King David. Unforgettable! When I went on sabbatical to Cambridge, he had just completed another of his, and was on his way back to the U.S. He was so gracious. He sold me his bike, a Pashley Princess. Through the years, I followed his work, and have been inspired and challenged like no other scholar. May he rest peacefully, and rise in power.
Rev. Mary Nelson · June 5, 2025 at 11:58 am
On behalf of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC, where we have been proud to name Walter “a child of this church” for so long, I offer my deepest condolences for this loss. He taught generations of pastors and theologians at Eden Seminary, and his influence on the clergy and lay members of this Conference and many others will continue for generations. On a personal note, I have long counted “The Prophetic Imagination” as one of the most impactful books I have read, and I am grateful for the ways his ideas have helped to shape my own thinking and sense of call. He will be missed!
Donald Love · June 6, 2025 at 8:53 am
Thanks, Mary!
Donald Love · June 6, 2025 at 9:54 am
Missouri carries on the German Evangelical Synod tradition of combining pious love of neighbors and strangers with the tools of sociology, as exemplified by Reinie, Helmut and Walt.
Rev. Dr. Calvon Jones · June 5, 2025 at 12:04 pm
Few theologians have shaped the theological imagination of our time as profoundly as Dr. Walter Brueggemann. His scholarship, marked by boldness and brilliance, has left an indelible mark on my own formation as a theologian, preacher, and teacher. I remain deeply grateful for the ways his voice continues to challenge and inspire me to think more critically, live more faithfully, and proclaim more courageously. Dr. Brueggemann did not simply interpret Scripture—he illuminated it. His work, especially The Prophetic Imagination, awakened me to the transformative power of the biblical witness. His critique of royal ideology and his unwavering commitment to the prophetic tradition have opened new vistas in my understanding of justice, lament, and hope. He taught us that the God of Scripture is not an abstraction, but a living force calling communities to liberation and covenant faithfulness. I had the distinct honor of attending several of his presentations in Boston, as well as engaging with him at Yale Divinity School and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. In each setting, his insights were both intellectually rigorous and spiritually stirring. He had a rare gift for speaking to the academy and the church, to the head and the heart. To Dr. Brueggemann’s family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. This is a profound loss for all who were shaped by his life and ministry. May you be comforted by the grace of God and the enduring legacy of his work. Walter Brueggemann’s voice will continue to echo through the classrooms, pulpits, and communities of faith that seek to embody the liberating gospel he so powerfully articulated. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Zé Bruno · June 5, 2025 at 12:05 pm
I mourn the passing of Dr. Walter Brueggemann, even as I celebrate his remarkable life and ministry. I had the privilege of interviewing him twice, and on both occasions, he was gracious, insightful, and deeply kind. His seminal work The Prophetic Imagination was recently republished here in Brazil—a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. May God bring comfort and peace to his family in this time of sorrow.
Rowan Rogers · June 5, 2025 at 12:09 pm
I feel deeply indebted to Dr Brueggemann for his remarkable scholarship, his love for God, and his love for God’s Church. His was a one of a few reliable voices for me. His death leaves an empty space.
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling · June 5, 2025 at 12:17 pm
My condolences go out to the Brueggemann family. Every other loss pales in comparison. Dr. Brueggemann’s theological work challenges us all to become deeper thinkers and better stewards of the biblical text. I learned something new each time I was in his presence, causing me to expand my exegetical work. In my opinion, his treatment of the Psalms is unequaled. Dr. Brueggemann’s contributions will continue to bless the world for generations to come. May he rest in peace.
Moses S. Gordon III · June 5, 2025 at 12:29 pm
While I am saddened to hear of his passing, I am deeply thankful for the life and labor of Dr. Walter Brueggemann. His work has impacted my ministry in profound ways. I extend my condolences to the Brueggemann family along with gratitude for sharing him with the world. His voice will continue to be heard through his writings.
Sam Graham · June 5, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Rev. Bruggemann’s scholarship and literary contributions made him a terrific companion on the journey of faith. May he rest in peace and my condolences to the family.
Rev. Glenda Watts · June 5, 2025 at 6:53 pm
One of my treasured possessions is a photo of Walter Brueggemann and me at Village Presbyterian Church when he spoke there and I had the privilege of driving him to the airport! Thanks for his life and ministry! I think I have most of his remarkable books.
Rev. J.C. Pritchett · June 5, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Scholar. Thinker. Gentlemen. His work and writings have shaped all who have encountered them.
Claudette Grinnell-Davis, PhD, MSW · June 5, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Such a sad day for any of us who cared deeply about an approach to the Hebrew Scriptures that looked beyond individuals to see the call of G-d to love humanity as a whole. His work on the Psalms led me from ministry to social work – a move I will never regret.
Bruce Weik · June 5, 2025 at 12:59 pm
I had Dr. Brueggemann as a professor at Eden Seminary in 1976. He was just getting started. At the time, best known for his sermons. I’ve kept up with him over the years. A truly huge loss. The world got a little darker. But always hope.
The Rev. Anjel Scarborough · June 5, 2025 at 1:15 pm
Dr. Brueggemann was our guest lecturer at a Clergy Conference in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland about 10 years ago. He was working on Journey to the Common Good and likened ancient Israel’s collapse to our present situation in the United States. He spoke of the role of the prophet in warning, leading lament, and casting the vision of God’s preferred future. He said that grief lamented well becomes energy for new, resurrected life but grief not lamented well always turns into violence.
10 years later, I still remember his words. Thank you for this Dr. Brueggemann.
Jonathan Kaplan · June 5, 2025 at 1:15 pm
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Walter’s passing. Wishing my condolences to Tia, James, John, and their families. May God bring you comfort and peace during this time.
PHILIP EISENHAUER · June 5, 2025 at 1:38 pm
So many memories… shared youth in Necbraska, overlapped years at Eden in MDiv years and then the doctoral program later.
Peace to his memory.
The Rev. Tricia Templeton · June 5, 2025 at 1:41 pm
Walter’s teachings and writings have informed my own preaching. But I also remember him in other ways. Years ago I had an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. I was sitting at my desk that afternoon when the phone rang. It was Walter, calling to compliment me on the op-ed. At that time we had never met. Years later, when I had gotten to know him, he came to my church for a lecture series, which also included dinner before the lecture. I know many prominent people who would have skipped dinner and come in at the last minute. Not Walter. He arrived early and greeted and chatted with each person who came in, I saw him do that on a number of occasions. Those two things spoke volumes to me about what kind of man he was. He was more than a brilliant scholar and writer; he was also a caring, compassionate, good man.
Daphne Reiley · June 6, 2025 at 6:40 am
He was so very kind, considerate…and actually loving in his interactions with students and professors. I will always cherish the Fireside Chat with Walter thar Columbia arranged to wrap up a course I was taking. All 40 of us felt like he was there chatting with us…each one. He championed a book I had recently co-authored on the Spirituality of Caregiving. I will always carry his words with me.
Nancy · June 5, 2025 at 1:42 pm
I have always appreciated Brueggemann’s profound writings. I am thankful that he shared his gifts and insights with the world!
Matt Fisher · June 5, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Dr. Brueggeman’s writings changed my understanding of the Psalms and how I pray. His work also deepened my understanding of various themes in the Old Testament. One of the things I most appreciated about his scholarship was how accessible it was. My academic training is in biochemistry and I have been a chemistry professor at small colleges for almost 35 years. I have no training in theology nor am I ordained clergy. And yet I always found what Dr. Brueggemann accessible, informative, and transformational. For that, I am grateful beyond words.
Rev. Dr. Donnie L. Gamble · June 5, 2025 at 2:31 pm
An excellent theologian. I truly enjoyed his writings. I almost have all his published work. He will be missed. Walter, well done, you good and faithful servant.
Barbara Lundsten · June 5, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Walter Brueggemann, I’ve carried your words and heart around with me since we first met at the Archives bookstore in Pasadena. Thank you for the labor of love you poured into this planet, into our lives, into the work we do, the prayers we live, the creativity we produce. You are one that breathes life into all that is good and just. ❤️
Steve Novy · June 5, 2025 at 2:51 pm
Thanks to the Brueggemann family for sharing him with the world. His theological teachings on extraction economies altered this retired mortgage banker’s heart and my understanding of the business world I’d once sought ‘success’ in. I was grateful to him for the generosity of his time and his compassionate interest in the story I had to share. He is my late-in-life hero.
Bill Bellinget · June 5, 2025 at 2:52 pm
Walter Brueggemann was an incredible scholar, friend, and person. He greatly influenced my work and my way in the world. I shall deeply miss him. We have lost one of the saints.
The Rev. Matthew O’Rear · June 5, 2025 at 2:53 pm
The church has lost one of its boldest prophets and most poetic preachers. Walter Brueggemann taught us to wrestle with the text, not tame it. He gave us language when the world was on fire—and dared us to imagine that God was still speaking, still liberating, still calling us to do justice and love mercy.
I am grateful for his witness, his words, and his unapologetic honesty. May we continue to speak with the courage he modeled.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Douglas Ort M.Div. LMHC · June 5, 2025 at 2:57 pm
I first “met” Dr. Brueggemann in 1977 when I read “The Land.” That book and a few others changed forever how I understood life and scripture. In the 1980s I learned of Edwin Friedman and Bowen theory, and In the 1990s The Context Group. Along with what I have learned from Dr. Brueggemann over the years (I have only about thirty of his books), my life and work as a therapist and pastor have been deeply influenced by the admixture of these three ways of thinking about life. I deeply respect this good man and his work. May God bless his family.
Joe Clifford · June 5, 2025 at 2:59 pm
So thankful for the many ways Dr. Brueggemann shared his many gifts with the church and the world. What a blessing it is to have been one of his students. His teaching brought God’s word to life, illuminating the intersection of faith and life and amplifying God’s word in the public square. But what I most remember about his classes were his powerful prayers. When he prayed, the Spirit of God was invoked and we were ready to be changed. “Into your hands, Merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Walter…”
Kathleen Crighton · June 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm
I consider myself blessed to have been able to take two courses with Dr. Brueggemann when I was at Columbia in the late 1990s. His Theology of the Old Testament class was always packed, with people standing along the walls (some of whom might not have been officially registered for the course!). You had to get to class early to get a seat. And he did NOT require students to buy his magnum opus on the subject, although of course most of us did. He lived a long life and continued writing long past the time one might have thought he would have “retired.” Well done, good and faithful servant.
Christine Wenderoth · June 5, 2025 at 3:02 pm
I am so sad to hear of Walter’s passing. I first knew of him through his books and lectures, and then was blessed to be a colleague of his at Columbia Theological Seminary in the 1990s. He was always a delight–a serious patron of the library who engaged me in conversation about his reading, writing, and thinking. He was truly a first-class scholar, Christian, and human.
Al Smith · June 6, 2025 at 5:18 pm
I vividly recall a conversation I had with you about the voracious reading appetite that Walter had. You told me about how he would leave the seminary library with a stack of books, and then return them the very next day; and you said further that he had actually read them all. I think that conversation began when I told you how he would take home a stack of students’ papers to grade, and the papers would all be graded the next day.
Anne · June 5, 2025 at 3:03 pm
Walter Brueggermqn opened my eyes to the awe and broader understanding of the Old Testament as a graduate student at a Catholic institution. Had the honor of meeting him when he delivered a didactic on the Prophetic Imagination with the Benedictine. Sisters of NKY. The precious mention of his sense of humor is spot on. I follow him and hope it will continue, for the benefit of encouragement and clear thinking.
Sending sincere condolences to his beloved family, friends and colleagues around the world. He will be missed but his voice continues.
Christopher Hopper · June 5, 2025 at 3:18 pm
I discovered Walter’s work in seminary. His writings had a marvelous way of unseating (and unsettling) me from the status quo of my faith tradition, moving me further into the kingdom of God—one without borders, prejudice, or partisanship. While I have long since retired from representational ministry, I believe his style of seeing divine activity throughout the human experience continues to instruct my writings in general-market science fiction.
Nothing so simple, nothing less profound. Thank you, Walter.
Csongor · June 5, 2025 at 3:20 pm
I’m grateful for his teaching, his passion about the text and the Lord behind the text. I remember how Walter challenged us all his students to be passionate about the text, and beyond that, the culture, society, politics, in the fullness of life. I hear his words as I read his books, and remembering him how we were weeping in times of sorrow and rejoicing in times of joy. Greatly missed and we feel his legacy is alive and we need to keep it. Condolence to his family and I pray that the coming Pentecost all of you have the Spirit and the strength from above. Csongor
George Shears III · June 5, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Any preacher who wanted to get the Bible right knew Walter Bruggemann. Thank you, sir, for giving us the truth about the truth. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
William (Bill) Brown · June 5, 2025 at 3:23 pm
A mighty oak has fallen. Walter and I overlapped a year when I started at CTS in 2004. I will always remember his hospitality and graciousness. HIs writings were gifts to us all, a lavish banquet that not only sustained but transformed our work as students of the Bible. Much love to Walter’s family.
Katy McCallum Sachse · June 5, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I attended an event called, “Stewardship 2000” at Luther Seminary, at which Dr. Brueggemann was the keynote speaker. I was barely a year out of seminary and…very green. The way he spoke about the biblical movement toward abundance and away from the myth of scarcity has remained a bedrock for me over the past 25 years. I am so deeply grateful for so much of his scholarship but especially for that piece, which has challenged and fed me all these years. Soli Deo Gloria, with gratitude for this gifted and generous servant of God.
Clive e · June 5, 2025 at 3:42 pm
So very sad to hear this. We are currently using his book An introduction to the Old testament as we study on our formation for ministry course at Sarum college Salisbury UK. Such an inspirational author.
Mary Zimmer · June 5, 2025 at 3:47 pm
Oh, no. A great prophetic voice silenced in our day. He is my favorite Old Testament scholar by way of books. I was privileged to hear him speak at a conference for Christian educators years back.
Ciritta · June 5, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Rest well, good and faithful servant. (And thanks again for autographing my book.)
Amy Erickson · June 5, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Walter was my beloved teacher and mentor. I studied with him at Columbia from 1997 to 2000, and he inspired and encouraged me to go on to do a PhD in Old Testament. I’ve been teaching Hebrew Bible for almost 20 years now, and no one has influenced me more. He was fierce and generous and kind, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had his love and support for so many years. Thank God for his wisdom, creativity, and faithfulness, gifts which will endure and dwell among us for generations.
Maher Younsi · June 5, 2025 at 4:22 pm
R.I.P , Walter Brueggemann .
Dianne Tobey Covault · June 5, 2025 at 4:26 pm
there was nothing like listening to Dr. Brueggemann preach and lecture. At one Festival of Homiletics, he went through an entire season of Revised Common Lectionary Psalms readings and gave us some ideas of how to preach on them, a gift both pastoral and prophetic. His words were always profound. He also was humble and had a great sense of humor, an all around nice person. Thanks be to God for the life of Dr. Walter Brueggemann. May he rest in peace and power and may light perpetual shine upon him
David Ostendorf · June 5, 2025 at 4:31 pm
When you heard Walter preach or lecture you knew you were in the presence of the prophets. His words were powerful, penetrating, and provocative, his style mesmerizing. When you spoke with him or exchanged letters he was always with you. We are blessed to have had him in our midst indeed…
Travis Campbell · June 5, 2025 at 4:36 pm
He shook my hand one time we met in person but he shook my heart and head every time I heard him speak or read his works. Words can’t explain my appreciation for his life.
Stuart Harrison · June 5, 2025 at 5:19 pm
He was a one-off, utterly inimitable, an original thinker whose last book co-authored with a theological colleague and friend was full of invaluable and prophetically challenging insights into the core of the rottenness of contemporary western thought, culture and society.
If you haven’t read him do so only if you are prepared to be challenged to your core
Kathy Dawson · June 5, 2025 at 5:20 pm
Dr. Brueggemann was first my teacher in Hebrew Bible at Columbia Theological Seminary and then my colleague when I came on faculty in Christian Education. He was supportive of my work and we continue to read his book The Creative Word at the start of each of our DEdMin cohorts. I learned the power of the Old Testament from him and admired his commitment to his teaching, as well as his scholarship. He will be greatly missed.
Rev Prof Patrick Comerford · June 5, 2025 at 5:32 pm
A wonderful, imaginative, compassionate, creative, inspiring scholar with clarity in his thnking in his writing and a generosity of spirit.
Rev. Dr. "Mitch" R. L. Behringer · June 5, 2025 at 5:52 pm
There were giants on the earth in those days. Walther Brueggemann was the best teacher I ever had. I took every course he taught at Eden Theological Seminary.
Rev. Dr. John R. Seraphine · June 5, 2025 at 6:05 pm
On behalf of the Northern Illinois Online Bible Study I extend my condolences to Walter’s family, and thank God for the blessing of having had this saint as a mentor faithful to the God of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the God we feel in the living Spirit of the Christ of self-sacrificing love. Walter gave of his time for our online discussion of the Psalms. And his talks and his writings have inspired me for well over a half century. Let us all now bravely take up his challenge to work for a more righteous and just world that God’s rule may come as God’s will is done.
Walter Brownridge · June 5, 2025 at 6:25 pm
Requiescat en Pace, Walter Brueggemann. What a Giant!!
Rev. Dr. Bettina Kilburn · June 5, 2025 at 6:43 pm
With prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Walter’s life. Truly a remarkable legacy- a prolific scholar, a provocative teacher and conversation partner to
countless preachers— I am graced to be among them. For Tia, James, John, and families- may God who now holds Walter in the light hold you close in comfort and give you grace and peace.
Rev. Dr. Anthony Everett · June 5, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Dr. Brueggemann was a light for my theological learning and growth! I have been so very blessed with his writings over the years. I thank God for his life and pray that he rests in peace with the ancestors! Amen!
Christian Fahey · June 5, 2025 at 6:57 pm
Easily the most thorough Bible scholar I’ve ever read. His “The Message of the Psalms” was life changing. Incredibly huge shoes to fill. RIP Sir.
Dr. Steven Todd · June 5, 2025 at 7:21 pm
Dr. Brueggemann was first introduced to me 40 years ago, when as a young seminary student at Fuller Theological Seminary, my OT Prophets professor spoke about him first hand, having been his student. We thoroughly engaged in his relatively new “Prophetic Imagination” volume and I was forever a Brueggemann fan! I know there as a ‘man’ behind the curtain as well, and I sincerely extend my genuine condolences to his family and my gratitude for your sharing him with all of us!
Susan Bolduc · June 5, 2025 at 8:12 pm
He was a giant in my faith journey, and his writings seeded my love of the prophets. What a gift he was to the world and our understanding of God. I hope they have lots of theology books for him in heaven.
Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart · June 5, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Thank you, Dr. Brueggemann. Thank you for everything. Your life was a gift to the world.
Rev. Janet Pybon · June 5, 2025 at 8:38 pm
Deeply saddened by this news. Dr Brueggemann’s writings have been a powerful influence on me and I have often quoted him in my sermons. My prayers and condolences for his family and friends.
Rob Ferguson · June 5, 2025 at 8:47 pm
One of my favourite and most followed biblical scholars. Thank God there are people who use their talents and gifts in this way, to assist and equip the rest of us to minister in the world. (I am a prison chaplain in Australia). There are not many people who I didn’t personally know that I truly grieve when they pass, but he is one.
Rev. Randall Brakemeuer · June 5, 2025 at 8:48 pm
Dr.Brueggemann was one of my first professors during the early years of my seminary experience at Eden in the late 60’s. He inspired me, he challenged me, but always encouraged me as I prepared for pastoral ministry. I was so pleased and proud when he remembered my name at a seminar 40 years later! His books have continued to inspire and inform me as the years have passed. He has been and will continue to be a blessing to all who have known him! I shall remain grateful!!
Becky Elliott · June 5, 2025 at 9:35 pm
Forever grateful to have discovered Dr. Brueggemann’s works in seminary years ago. His scholarship and theological influence will always hold a special place in my life. RIP.
Joel Wilson · June 5, 2025 at 10:00 pm
To the Brueggemann Family,
I had the honor of taking a class from Dr Brueggemann at Georgetown University, June 1992-some 33 years ago. I still refer to notes from that course, which was taught with Frs. John Donahue and Joseph Fitzmeyer. He was a master teacher, inspiring in his words and work, and opened up the scriptures to us and those who read his works. May God comfort your hearts, and until that great getting up morning.
Wilma van der Leek · June 5, 2025 at 10:19 pm
There aren t enough words to say how grateful I am for the legacy of Walter Brueggemann. Hands down the most formative teacher for me in what the Bible is, how we can approach it to hear a living word, how to read it with newspaper in hand. Have opened the Psalter for many students through his life moments of orientation, disorientation reorientation.
Mandy Smith · June 5, 2025 at 11:40 pm
The first time I heard Walter Brueggemann speak he was talking about imagination and preaching. He was purposeful, in that complementarian context, to end his presentation with the word “her.” As a woman preacher it rung in my ears.
Sometime after that I asked if he would help me think through an idea I had for a book and he took an entire morning to talk it over with me then, some time later, when the book had taken shape, was kind enough to write the foreword for it. A remarkable, generous, man.
Deepak Babu · June 6, 2025 at 2:11 am
Please accept my deepest condolences. Dr. Brueggemann has has a huge impact on me.
Sharolyn · June 6, 2025 at 2:18 am
“Faith” is not a set of certitudes.“
I have been deeply moved by Walter Brueggemann’s words🙏🏽🌷🙏🏽
Rachie Ross · June 6, 2025 at 2:26 am
Thank you Walter for opening a window in my faith so I could breathe – your work and influence as a deeply good man has impacted millions and as a theological student I spent many hours with you through the page. Enjoy seeing God face to face and it feels very grounding to know you have gone ahead . Much love to the whole family xx
Tom Sakon · June 6, 2025 at 3:32 am
From Japan, I pray for Tia and everyone who love him. I came to Columbia Seminary in 1998 to study Old Testament and my life has completely changed after I encountered him in his Old Testament Theology class.
It has been great blessings not only for me, but for many readers of his translated works in Japan.
In the end of March 2023, my wife and I visited Traverse City to see him and talked about his thoughts on reconciliation in the torn and divided world. His eyes, voice, utterance, and enthusiasm in the Old Testament were as those in the classrooms in Atlanta. I miss him.
Michael Small · June 6, 2025 at 6:35 am
I am thankful for this voice that called us to have imagination, discernment, wisdom, and the courage to speak truth to power in the name and the ways of the Holy. Blessings upon those who loved him.
Katy Castaneda · June 6, 2025 at 7:13 am
The Lord gave us a shining talent in Walter Brueggemann. His works will continue to illuminate generations to come. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Leo Penta · June 6, 2025 at 8:21 am
Walter Brüggemann has been an ongoing inspiration and also an agitator for me and for so many of us working to enflesh God’s peace and justice in the world. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Prayers of consolation for his family. So many of us will miss him.
Sandra Roggero · June 6, 2025 at 8:05 am
My sincere condolences to Walter Brueggmann’s family. A life well-lived until the age of 92! His posts on Church Anew helped this returning Christian (at age 78) to understand how the words of Jesus are especially relevant to this fractured world of ours. He gave me hope. He gave me a way to envision of how Jesus’ words could become real.
Gene May · June 6, 2025 at 8:19 am
I first encountered Walter from his occasional visits to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. I have read dozens of his books, read his weekly insights, and used illustrations from his works in my preaching. I feel as if I have lost a friend.
Mary Shamley · June 6, 2025 at 8:23 am
Thank you for his life, his work and God’s Love reflected though his Ministry. His words have helped me grow and see and understand. I am forever grateful.
Suzanne Hesh · June 6, 2025 at 8:25 am
I feel that I’ve lost a friend who was with me on the journey. The world was blessed by this godly, brilliant, loving man. Godspeed, mi amigo…
ALAN · June 6, 2025 at 8:25 am
i AM IN THE UK Methodist Minister Utterly in awe of your man-he shaped my thinking in how he wrote and what he wrote-yes ‘ prophetic imagination!’ Equally how he preached with clarity , passion and compassion and truly , deeply textual ‘revealer’. I will continue to treasure his insights till I die. He was blessed with forensic logic and carign love and became a blessing to us all. I am sad because of this news but joyful his legagcy will abide in many other hearts and minds!
Alexander Gilchrist · June 6, 2025 at 8:26 am
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Dr. Brueggemann. His thinking and writing were both inspired. I learned (and continue to learn) so much from him. He leaves lasting footprints.
Michael Teston · June 6, 2025 at 8:27 am
It is nearly impossible for me to put into words how Walter Brueggemann has sustained my teaching, preaching, and living over the last 4 decades. When looking for moorings, direction, depth, and anything other than jingoisms I turned toward his writings and teachings. What a loss.
Jonathan Richards · June 6, 2025 at 8:28 am
Thank you and thank God for his life and ministry. His wisdom, shared in books, blogs and podcasts has shaped my faith, my understandings of the Bible and my life. I rarely prepare a sermon without consulting his writings.
Rev. Don Wilson · June 6, 2025 at 8:31 am
As a retired parish pastor, I always turned to Brueggemann. when wrestling with an Old Testament passage. I greatly appreciated his writings, was privileged to hear him lecture many times. His death leaves a huge void in biblical scholarship. May he rest in peace. My sincere sympathy to his family and those closest to him.
Jayakumar Christian · June 6, 2025 at 8:38 am
Dr.Brueggemann was a significant blessing in my own spiritual formation/ journey. He was always prophetic in the way he expounded the Word, in his reading of reality and in his proclamation to the people of God. Bold in his teaching always with sincerity & humility. Blessed to have been blessed by Dr.Brueggemann.
Becky Michelfelder · June 6, 2025 at 8:41 am
So grateful for all he gave us. Blessed be.
Paige McRight · June 6, 2025 at 8:46 am
My deep sympathy to Walter’s family. He was a scholar and theologian who made huge contributions to Old Testament interpretation and a fine teacher in the classroom and far beyond. Beyond all that, he was a man who deeply loved his family. May the memories you hold dear and the promise of resurrection joy be comfort to you all in these days.
Charles Beck · June 6, 2025 at 9:34 am
We have lost a spiritual giant.
My sympathy to Tia, James, John and their families.
Cyprien Comte · June 6, 2025 at 9:57 am
May he rest in peace and may all of you receive consolation.
From France I will say a prayer and a “Merci” for his life and writings.
I love what I know of his publications : several of his so many articles and books about the biblical Prophets.
Rev. Lois Siemens · June 6, 2025 at 9:59 am
I loved his laugh. His words strengthened and deepened my ministry. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Rev Judy Dinnen · June 6, 2025 at 10:30 am
Thank you to Walter Brueggeman for his wisdom and insights. Each time I have encountered his writing, I have been enriched and encouraged. Thank you and condolences to his wife and sons
Rev. Richard Gamble · June 6, 2025 at 11:02 am
I entered seminary as an exile from my Southern Baptist roots, in the quest for a life built on sustaining values. I was an unchurched person in world of people seeking professions in ministry. I was full of doubts that perhaps yet again, I had gone in the wrong direction. My first class in seminary, at eight in the morning, was Introduction to the Old Testament with Walter Brueggemann. From that first class, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. Dr. Brueggemann has been a guide for my whole professional life and continues to guide me still. Forty-two years of ministry, in a variety of forms, have all been founded on what I learned from him. I owe him a deep debt of gratitude.
David H. Rommereim · June 6, 2025 at 11:16 am
I am so grateful to have turned to Dr. Brueggemann’s work hundreds, and hundreds of times throughout my 40 years as a Lutheran pastor most of which rested in New York City. It has continued as I seek to strengthen my own imagination during these harsh days of political and social trouble. His appeal to the imagination, prophetic imagination, is a long lasting gift to both myself and the faithful people of scripture who love to tell the stories of these myths of wisdom and truth, and enlightened radical nonviolence, bending toward justice.
Thank you for such a gift.
Rev. Dale Staggemeier · June 6, 2025 at 12:56 pm
A dear friend has passed. Walter, may you rest in the eternal peace of God. To Tia and his sons and family, you are in my prayers.
James Ewing · June 6, 2025 at 1:11 pm
During my time in St Louis Walter was a true support in my ministry in Campus Ministry, Theological Consortium and colleague on the Eden Faculty. My profound appreciation for his leadership and scholarship and friend and I morn his death and loss of his insightful comments of these past months and years. I join with the thousands of others in mourning and gratitude for his life. Jim Ewing
Charles Kniker · June 6, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Dear Tia and family — So many memories. At Elmhurst we refereed basketball games. At Eden shared humor. Honored by his invitation to contribute to Lee Whiston’s festschrift. His advice regarding the Eden presidency. And support of a book. A friend like no other, he was and is the prophet we should listen to now.
Chuck Peters · June 6, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Walter changed my life when I helped him visit Cedar Rapids, Iowa in April, 2013. The three days we spent together, his joyful presence and his focus on narratives in human history gave me the shift I needed, along with the community events he hosted with Peter Block and John McKnight. I am glad I was able to tell him so…
Rev. Shari K. Maddox · June 6, 2025 at 2:40 pm
I extend my love and sympathy to Tia, James, John and the extended Brueggemann family during this time of grief. I first met Walter at Drury College (now University) in 1972 where he lectured during “Religious Emphasis Week.” Later at Eden, he was instrumental in developing my theoloy for ministry. Walter was an outstanding biblical scholar, a man of deep faith, and a faithful friend and colleague. He supported me through a difficult time and, at the end, preached my Ordination. I will miss his courageous & prophetic voice. The peace of Christ be with his family and all who loved him.
Harold E Brueseke · June 6, 2025 at 2:50 pm
Dr B was a contemporary of my brother Rev. Richard S. Brueseke as they attended Elmhurst and Eden around the same time. I attended Elmhurst about 10 years later and ultimately served on the Eden board. In both of those experiences I was exposed to Dr. B’s intellect, love of the church, and academic qualities. I wish his family God’s peace, grace, and comfort. May they be sustained by their faith and many memories of their loved one
Rev. Warren Geier · June 6, 2025 at 3:22 pm
I feel blessed not only to have learned from Walter but to have been able yo get to know him a little bit over the years. He was without question the greatest influence on how I read and interpret scripture. He was brilliant and at the same time remarkably gracious and accommodating. I will always remember him with fondness and deep appreciation.
Rev. Alvin Dungan · June 6, 2025 at 3:24 pm
I truly grieve with the Bruggemann family at the death of Walter. He was such an inspiration to me and I Iooked forward to his sermons weekly. I will definitely miss his insights into the Hebrew Scriptures that enhanced my appreciation for them.
Rev. Charles Davidson · June 6, 2025 at 4:01 pm
What a giant soul he was—humble, profound, endearing, and ever the prophet of the Word. I shall always be grateful for the inspiration he offered through his writing and his graceful words of personal support and encouragement.
Rev Margie Visser · June 6, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Deepest sympathy on your loss. What a wonderful legacy we are all left with. Great gratitude 🙏
Rev. Natalie Hill · June 6, 2025 at 4:52 pm
I feel so honored to have witnessed the Rev. Dr. Bruggemann’s witness, including his scholarship on the Hebrew Bible and his prophetic voice for our times. His voice was so important, especially in the last 6 months, and I hope that I can even partially imitate his model of ministry where he found ways to proclaim the good news in the face of oppressive social conditions as recently as his blog post on 5/14. He was a preeminent scholar who never lost sight of his call to ministry. I profiled him for a course on discipleship last semester, and his teaching will be something I return to throughout my academic and pastoral vocations.
Rev Al Smith · June 6, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Earlier today I sent a personal email message to Dr Brueggemann, not knowing of his death. The only way I can best express the loss I feel, is to share the message with those who knew him. Here is the message I sent to Dr Brueggemann:
Dear Walter,
It’s been a while since I last wrote to you. I hope you are doing well. I write to tell you how much you, by the grace of God, have shaped my life since graduation from CTS, Class ’89. I was so very blessed to have studied under you and all the CTS faculty at that time. I don’t think I ever shared my call to ministry story with you. But it all began in the Fall/Winter of 1985. I was working for Pan Am World Airways, in Pan Am’s World Services division located at Cocoa Beach, Florida. My wife Judi and I were very active in the Riverside Presbyterian Church. I had been first ordained as Deacon in that church. Judi had been asked if she would serve as the Dean of a Synod School event for the Southeastern Synod of the recently re-unioned PC(USA), and she agreed to do this. In her planning, she had asked if I would be available to pick up incoming seminary faculty at the Orlando International Airport, which I gladly did. It was during the chauffeur service of two seminar professors that the seed of my call was planted. The Rev. Doctors Jim Costen of Johnson C Smith Seminary, and Shirley Guthrie of CTS were in my car as passengers I was chauffeuring back to Cocoa Beach, Florida. At one point during this short 30 minute trip, I asked with curious interest: “What’s it like to go to seminary?” Without hesitating Shirley Gutherie said, ” Why don’t you just come up to Columbia for a visit, as there are exploration weekends for people who ask that question.”
To make a long story short, many wonderful and mysterious events took place that paved the way for my call to CTS. I experienced, one affirmation after another, that one day led me into your classroom. I felt as though I was on the “God Train”. I would add that during this period of call discernment and understanding, there was one event that clearly shook me in many ways. One night in late January 1986, Judi and I went to sleep. We awoke the next morning and shared what was to be a very prophetic dream that we had both had that same night. We both had a dream of a missile launch from nearby Cape Canaveral that had violently exploded shortly after launch. It was the very next day, January 28, 1986 that Space Shuttle Challenger exploded one minute and 13 seconds into the launch. Because of this event, Judi and I thought we would never be able to sell our home and be able to go to Decatur, GA. We were certain the real estate market would tank (which it did in the aftermath). The good news for us was that our house sold within a week after listing it, and we packed up and moved to Decatur.
Let me just say Walter, that every night before retiring to bed, I give our LORD thanks for your influence on my life; and I give God thanks by name for all CTS faculty that taught the Class of 1989. Lastly, I have noticed that there are several places in the Psalms where the Psalmist calls the people to sing a “new song”. In as much as the biblical accounts were originally transmitted by way of singing new song, it is my understanding that when a “new song” is called for, it has probably been preceded by some community notable event that should be carried into the future for a heritage understanding of the faith. Now, I am not the “Psalmist” of old, but I have felt compelled to write and rewrite my own Psalm; and I would now like to share it with you. You may note in the psalm, your influence on my thinking; especially the idea of how we humans “FORGET”. I shall always remember how you emphasized that the people of God always got untracked in their lives when they “forgot” who it was who created and sustained them. Finally, Please know that I love you as my brother.
Note the attached psalm I’ve written!
Your student and friend,
AL Smith
Rev Anne Bartlett · June 6, 2025 at 9:06 am
Walter was my professor at Eden Seminary in the early 1980’s and formed me as a preacher and as a person of faith. I have been rereading his sermons recently and felt again his incomparable presence, intellect, energy and passion for the church. Most importantly, Walter showed me God’s grace.
Walter Brueggemann, prolific scholar and theologian, has passed away at 92 - JesusGPT · June 5, 2025 at 2:30 pm
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