Walter Brueggemann Biography
Walter Brueggemann is surely one of the most influential Bible interpreters of our time. He is the author of over one hundred books and numerous scholarly articles. He has been a highly sought-after speaker.
Brueggemann was born in Tilden, Nebraska in 1933. He often speaks of the influence of his father, a German Evangelical pastor. Brueggemann attended Elmhurst College, graduating in 1955 with an A.B. He went on to Eden Theological Seminary, earning a B.D. (equivalent to today’s M.Div.) in 1958. He completed his formal theological education at Union Theological Seminary in 1961, earning the Th.D. under the primary guidance of James Muilenburg. While teaching at Eden, he earned a Ph.D. in education at St. Louis University.
Brueggemann has served as faculty at two institutions in his career: Eden Theological Seminary (1961-1986) and Columbia Theological Seminary (1986-2003). He is currently William Marcellus McPheeters professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia.
Brueggemann’s primary method with the text is rhetorical criticism. Words matter to Brueggemann, and one can tell that by listening to him speak as he hangs on to particularly theologically significant words. His magnum opus, Theology of the Old Testament (1997), is a rhetorical-critical look at the Old Testament through the lenses of “testimony, dispute, and advocacy.”
Many have come to know Brueggemann through his book entitled The Prophetic Imagination, originally published in 1978. His best-known work, however, may be with the Psalms. Numerous church leaders have used his Message of the Psalms as a new way of organizing and processing the Psalms. He has been writing about the Psalms since 1982, and he continues to this day with a commentary published in 2014.
Church leaders find a friend in Brueggemann, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. His work inspires, energizes, and convicts, and he often makes time to interact personally with those to whom he speaks at large events.
He is a longtime St. Louis Cardinals/Browns fan.
Walter passed away on June 5, 2025. Read more about that here.
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*Photos on this page provided by Westminster John Knox Press.
51 Comments
John F. Lezada · March 25, 2013 at 10:21 pm
I’m a life-long fan. 😀
Ray Armstrong · June 5, 2025 at 6:06 pm
One of the joys of my ministry has been to read Walter’s books. We first met at a pastor’s conference in Bloomfield Hills, MI in 1966, and he gave me a perspective on faith which has freed me to live my own life with courage and thanksgiving. Over more than fifty years our occasional correspondence has helped to shed light on my path in ministry; the occasions on which I have had opportunity to hear him lecture have stimulated my thought and given me new direction for study. Our lunch together in the last week of his residence in Cincinnati will stay in my memory as a rare privilege. I thank God for his great volume of books which shed light on the scriptures as no other scholar has done. May God raise up more men and women who can write and speak from such a full heart and brilliant mind!
Gareth Brandt · June 5, 2025 at 10:05 pm
Prophetic Imagination helped to shape my theology. His books on the Psalms shaped how I read and teach the book.
Reverend Philis Griffin · July 6, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Professor Brueggemann was an unusually, gifted man of God. It is good to know that he relished his students. As one of his students, I thank God that our paths crossed. He is among the top 5 blessings in my life that I’ve received from YWH. To his family, in the words of the Apostle Paul, your beloved patriarch is now among that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. You are his legacy. May YHW continue to pour out his riches blessings on you during this season of remembrance and grief.
louise blackman · February 21, 2015 at 1:49 am
I have not found in any other religious thinker and writer such a rich treasury of powerful insights and wisdom. I keep a copy of ‘The Theology of The Old Testament’always beside my Bible and have found reading a portion every day empowering and envisioning. A work of overwhelming integrity.
Inbaraj Jeyakumar · October 12, 2016 at 1:14 pm
Indeed Dr.Breugmann is a great Biblical interpreter of our time. I love his commentaries on Jeremiah “To build, To plant” and ” To pluck up, To tear down”.
Jeff Stadden · February 8, 2017 at 7:40 am
So thankful to have become aware of you and your ministry, Sir!
Denise Schwartz · November 8, 2017 at 6:58 am
In reading Dr. Constable’s commentary on Psalm 137:9, I came across a quote from Dr. Brueggemann. I’m delighted to have been introduced to his work. This statement has made me think and wonder: “It is an act of profound faith to entrust one’s precious hatreds to God, knowing they will be taken seriously.”
Rev. Donald W. Sherman · January 27, 2018 at 2:10 pm
My wife was a graduate of Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in St Louis. Did you lead their chapel time or Bible Study? She attended EDH from the fall of 1959 to spring of 1962. I wanted to express the importance of your Spiritual guidance for her 60 years of Nursing. Thank you.
joan brueggemann · February 18, 2018 at 2:28 pm
I am wondering if/how we might be related..???
My father was Hubert Brueggemann.. a LCMS
pastor in Milwaukee. I have just discovered you, and
am enjoying your writings !!
David Stevens · March 24, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Thank you for showing the purpose of imprecatory psalms! In my preparation for preaching on Leviticus 19:18, your words concerning what a Christian is to do with feelings of vengeance were refreshing, illuminating, and healing. Grace and peace to you, brother.
Nola Pelser · May 28, 2018 at 7:21 am
Prophetic Imagination helped me to understand Jesus,s life. and myself better. And I should add , it also helped my husband to understand me .
Nick Harris · August 9, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Dr. Brueggemann,
I was reading some of your work and I was curious if you could explain to me what is meant by “The chastisement upon him was for our benefit, and through his wounds we are healed” that is found in Isiah 53:5. They key word is healed in this sentence and I’m sure there’s much debate around it. Could it mean the gentile nations are now mentally aware, sound, awoken to the idea that Israel was god chosen servant? I’m sure you have received many questions on this but I would appreciate your response as I’ve found your work to be very interesting.
Thanks,
Nick
Hans-Joachim Bode · September 11, 2018 at 7:46 am
I follow an recommendation of Richard Rohr. I´m interested in kontemplation and spirituality.
Bless you
Hans-Joachim Bode
J. Davis Patterson, M.Div. · December 23, 2018 at 10:38 am
Just listened to a re-broadcast of program by Krista Tibbett ‘On Being” Rebroadcast 12/23/18 NPR from a 2011 interview. I met him personally on 4/2/98 at The Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies at the 1998 A. Vanlier Hunter, Jr. Memorial Lecture in Baltimore MD., Grace United Methodist Church. Went through my notes from The Prophetic Imagination which he proved a personal note and autograph. Reviewed same and would like to send him thanks and notes as a retired pastor dual standing, Presbyterian Church USA and United Church of Christ.
Thank you for your help in making contact other than Facebook to which I do not subscribe.
Thank you,
J. Davis Patterson, M.Div.
216 Carters Neck Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-871-0992
Elizabeth J Prasad · February 21, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Decades ago in Louisville, you spoke to a large gathering of Christian educators from all over the USA. I, teaching children at the College Community Congregational Church, was somehow allowed to go to that gathering. I remember you challenging the crowd as you do mightily today. You said, “Now, I want you to read this scripture again as if you were a beggar boy on the streets of Jerusalem today.” Soon after, my husband from Uttar Pradesh, had enough money saved to begin a ministry among his Dalit people (extracted from society by the rich and powerful for more than 3,500 years). This was a lifelong quest arising from the question, “Why am I unable to do what other children in India do because I am XXX (a term illegal in India today)?” His heart never left the village side. He spoke with prophetic imagination. All the years I knew him, until his death in 2016, he was focused as a laser beam on his people and he began something there that went to the root of the extraction society. As I now work with leaders there, they strive to remember where they came from so as not to repeat the extraction mechanisms that shatter community and separate us from God. I have been inspired to tears through your insights. I pray for continuing blessings in your life and amazing work. Thank you.
Rachel E Gunawardena · December 14, 2019 at 7:01 am
My mother studied under Dr. Brueggemann at Eden in the early seventies and never forgot his Hebrew lessons, which she incorporated numerous times throughout her own preaching and pastoring career. She died over two years ago, but her congregation of 28+ years still remembers so many of the illustrations she used to make Old Testament stories more comprehensible. Thank you for teaching Rev. Gretchen Sterrett all those years ago and for continuing to educate her through your books (she had several still in her office when she died). She learned many of your lessons well and used them to educate others: a telling tribute to a phenomenal teacher!
Rev Dennis SIebert · December 28, 2019 at 4:09 pm
Dear Rev. Brueggemann,
A great teacher and friend. You gave me feet to my faith. Eden “68”
I still enjoy our communications, God bless you.
Dennis SIebert
Peter Butzin · January 19, 2020 at 4:56 pm
I was blessed to have taken Dr. Brueggemann’s two semester class as a first year seminarian at Eden Theological Seminary in 1969.
He was the best professor I ever had (and, as a graduate of Carleton College and a PhD program at Washington University, I had lots of great professors).
His lectures were like well-preached, insightful and scholarly sermons.
I never served in the parish ministry, but founded and have been active in a UCC church in Tallahassee. I continue to be inspired by his work, his sermons and his academic works, particularly after retiring from my secular work.
Don Love · October 4, 2021 at 2:42 pm
I enrolled at Eden after graduating from Reed College in 1971 with a major in literature and religion, looking, for instance, at similar use of language in Wisdom Literature and Brecht. Walt’s work on interpretation was the attraction. I was interested in the religious eduction program but it turned out that was only for women. Walt was supportive but I left Eden when they demanded I write my personal theology. Theology is interesting the way a fossil is, evidence of how people experienced the Big Picture at a given time. It’s more important to be involved in the social construction, as Walt was coming to see at the time. I moved to the Ozarks and took up the theology of Vincent Bucher, socialist minister at Shannondale. Coops were the answer to poverty.
richard lewin · February 24, 2020 at 12:17 pm
I recently came across a promotional brochure for a new publication, with Study Guide available that bore the recommendation of Dr. Bruggemann. Was impressed, and want to look further into it, but can no longer find it. Can you help?????
Bec Cranford · March 30, 2020 at 6:05 pm
I love Walter B. He’s helped me so much in my life as a minister and advocate.
brenda r. berry · March 5, 2022 at 10:33 am
It is the first Sunday of Lent-3/6/2022, and I just happen to pick up a small NIV book of Psalms. Inside the cover someone had cut out a small snippet of paper in small print and taped it inside the cover. It is captioned: Psalter and Suffering Papers. Bruggermann’s Schema outlining a series of Psalms of lament and assignment. CO-INCIDENCE? My sermon topic for tomorrow is: “THE PURPOSE OF THE DESERT”
Jeanne Huchthausen · December 16, 2021 at 12:35 pm
I met you, along with my twin sister, 60 years ago in Evanston, IL. My memory is you were a Lutheran pastor serving Northwestern students in Evanston. Anyway, I saw you on TV recently, talking about your views…. people no longer think of God as all knowing, omnipotent, etc. I was fascinated by that. What DO some people believe instead of that? I look forward to hearing from you.
SBennett · January 8, 2022 at 12:36 pm
“Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now.”
The Sabbath of the Lord Jesus is the Seventh Day, Saturday. That is clearly stated in the 4th Commandment in Exodus Chapter 20. This is the only Sabbath that God recognises as His own, not a Sabbath instituted by man. I would like to hear Walter B. address this from a Biblical viewpoint.
RALF STORES · March 18, 2022 at 3:09 pm
I just finished reading Sabbath as Resistance. This is one of the most convicting and thought provoking books on Sabbath I have ever read. This is a remarkable work. I have already ordered my next book Materiality as Resistance, can’t wait to dig into this one. Thank You, Ralf Stores
Boyi Musa · August 11, 2022 at 4:48 pm
Thank you Rev. Prof. Brueggemann, I came to know and read your works through Dr. Hassan Musa in Nigeria at Theological Seminary Kagoro, and I have been so blessed through what God has used you to do especially in Old Testament, may God bless you and keep you healthy
John Knox · September 6, 2022 at 9:24 pm
[Yes, that’s my real name, and I’m the son of a PC(USA) minister.] Speaking as a PC(USA) member, we really need some kind of online access to your marvelous, convicting message at the dedication of the denominational headquarters in Louisville in 1988, entitled “Principles of Readiness.” Can you and/or yours post a pdf of “Principles of Readiness” on this site? It’s a keeper for all time.
Barbara dulick · September 26, 2022 at 7:09 pm
Dr. Brueggemann taught me at Webster College in ST LOUIS or Loretta Novitiate near Nerinx High school. I have bragged about him for the last 50 years and passed notes on to other people from his classes and my brother and I were just discussing how incredible he is.
Judy Schaefer Stortz · February 15, 2025 at 11:40 pm
You served as intern at Grace Evangelical and Reformed
Church in Chicago for a short time. Your sermons were an energized standout for us youth, parents, grandparents as evidenced by attendance and after-sermon questions.
I attended Elmhurst and understand the power of words / Word. Now live at a Jewish/Christian senior residence / be researching
your other works. You seeded faith for many. Be well.
Scott Fisher · December 30, 2022 at 3:35 am
I ran across a copy of your book “The Prophetic Imagination” in a used bookstore in Nashville just a couple of days ago. I have just started reading it and I absolutely love it! I’ve been in ministry for over 30 years and this book speaks to the political and religious atmosphere of today maybe even more than when it was written! It would be so great if you would consider doing a new printing with a new preface so that more people of today will be introduced to it and you and your writings. It has certainly reignited a fire and reawakened a hunger in me for the prophetic ministry and a deep desire to be a vessel for change.
Thanks so much!!
Wendell Griffen · February 17, 2023 at 5:58 am
Dr. Brueggemann, thank you for writing the Prologue to my first book, The Fierce Urgency of Prophetic Hope (Judson Press, 2017). Thank you for helping me re-imagine our call to be prophetic followers of Jesus. Wendell Griffen, New Millennium Church, Little Rock, Arkansas
Linda Hanifin Bonner · March 15, 2023 at 8:50 pm
Dr. Bruggemann, we learned that you were once served in a capacity at First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis many years ago. We would love to host you one weekend as a guest pastor, if it is possible. you have so many followers and we use your teachings continuously.
Dr Ben D Craver · March 23, 2023 at 4:10 pm
Dr. Brueggemann, many years ago, you spoke in chapel at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, TX. I had the distinct privilege of hearing you, but, more importantly (to me, at least) was that, before you spoke, you took time to speak briefly with this MDiv student and sign a copy of your Genesis commentary in the Interpretation series. Thank you so much. I still cherish that “original autograph.”
Leslie Jogi · April 4, 2023 at 8:46 pm
Dear Dr Brueggemann- you have walked me through unsettling times and constantly cast light on the mystery who is God. Your works fill me with delight and take me “further up and further in” (C S Lewis The Last Battle). Thank you. Leslie Jogi
Deborah Kohler · August 11, 2023 at 3:22 pm
I’m reading Sabbath as Resistance. It makes me wonder what your thoughts are how the Israelites ended up in Egypt to begin with. The Joseph cycle is usually told as a positive thing in terms of the relief from the famine. Now I’m wondering about how people are lured into the Pharoah/Empire way of life that takes us away from living by the 10 commandments, particularly the first 3. As with Sabbath as Resistance, poverty, starvation and other social ills are timeless. Do you have a book on what there is to learn and then do about faithful response to these realities?
Nancy Schneider · October 26, 2023 at 9:33 am
My reading group at St. Matthew Lutheran, Urbana, IL is planning to read Dr. Bruggemann’s Ancient Echoes for our Nov. 17, 2023 discussion. Suggestions for particularly strong points to focus considering our present U.S. political/ethical dilemna?
Sarah Shively · July 20, 2024 at 10:08 am
I believe my father, Philip Shively, was at Eden during your time there. I found one of your books on his shelves last week while visiting my mother in Wisconsin—Cadences of Home. I am enjoying the read at this time. 2024 is a disordered time for the world and for my family. We are without employment and struggling to get back on our feet. Our sense of home is being deeply challenged as we worry about paying the rent and everything else.
Dad died at 77. He was also born in 1933. I would like to know if you knew him at Eden. He met my mother while there. Phil and Nancy raised their family in Iowa City and Burlington, Iowa. My family is now in Portland, OR. For many years, we lived in New York City. I taught English as a Second Language at the American Language Program at Columbia University. Sometimes my summer classes were taught at Union. I always loved being there. We often went to church at The Riverside Church during those years: 2006-2015.
Our family was close to Reathel and Holly Bean. You may have known them. Holly worked at Union. They knew my parents from Reathel’s time in Iowa City when Dad was a campus minister at the University of Iowa.
I hope you are in good health. Your words continue to inspire.
Warmly, Sarah Shively
Niall MacTaggart · September 10, 2024 at 6:18 pm
I was deeply challenged by your book prophetic imagination. You gave a very broad and deep background, an explanation of your thesis, and I am most interested in hearing what the Holy Spirit may have to say to his church today, by way of adjustment and reimagining the word of God. Do you have any suggestions? Besides prayer? I am 70 and I live in. Western Canada, I’m currently serving in a ad HOK position as a preacher and minister at home and overseas. I have a reformed background and embrace the charismatic influence, but I’m most interested in God’s, continuing revelation through his word under the holy Spirit.
Are there some others who have these burdens I would be interested in communicating with them.
Dean Brown · October 21, 2024 at 1:42 pm
I have many memories of being in Dr. Brueggemann’s class at Columbia Seminary, way back in 1991. His love for the Psalms led me on a path later in life, to instill in me a renewed love for Psalms.
Karissa Niehoff · December 8, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Dr. Brueggemann… We lived next door to you when my father, Dr. Randall Niehoff, was getting his doctorate at Eden. I was in second grade. You may remember (or not!) that your sons, my brother Kirk and I had an amazing part-time Beatles air band…fabulous.
I am now a member of the Second Presbytarian Church in Indianapolis. Our pastor is Chris Henry; wife Sara…an amazing church family. So many connections!
The Rev. Mark Hallahan · June 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Eternal rest grant unto your servant Walter, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Amen.🙏🏻💜
Barb Ross · June 5, 2025 at 12:45 pm
A prophetic voice goes silent today and the world weeps.
Rev. Terri Hord Owens · June 5, 2025 at 3:01 pm
God has called this prophet home. I am profoundly grateful for his legacy of ministry, writings and wisdom. Walter Brueggemann has been one of the most impactful influences on my own ministry, and I know so many others who share this deep gratitude for his life and gifts. Rest well, good and faithful servant. Our hearts weep, but we do not mourn as those without hope, for we know you are in the presence of the One you have so faithfully served.
Rev Mark Harvey · June 5, 2025 at 8:02 pm
A theologian that impacted many around the globe. Home with our Lord Jesus. For those who truly repent and believe and who receive Christ by faith, we will be joined with Walter in the eternal Kingdom.
Harold Kolenbrander · June 6, 2025 at 7:00 am
Walter was a dear friend, and his passing deeply saddens me. He was an important person in helping me to develop a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of Christianity. I shall always be grateful! My deepest sympathy to Tia and his entire family. Walter, dear friend, rest in peace.
Dale Staggemeier · June 6, 2025 at 12:37 pm
A truly wonderful person, teacher, theologian and friend has passed. Walter was a dear friend who we asked to Baptize our daughter. When she met him at a Worship Service some twenty years later, he remarked, “My you have grown some!” This world is lessen by his passing. Thankfully, we have his writings and teachings to inspire us forward. Our sympathy to Tia and the rest of his family. May our friend Walter rest in the eternal peace of God through Jesus Christ.
David Chapman · June 6, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Brueggemann came to Bethel Seminary (St. Paul, MN) back in 1981, at the behest of Prof. William Bellinger, for whom I was a Hebrew teaching assistant. Bellinger would eventually co-author a Psalms commentary with him. Brueggemann lectured and spoke in chapel for a few days. I distinctly recall his exegesis of Genesis 18, bringing to our attention that the text (revealed by the Sopherim’s marginal notes) was altered to read “…while Abraham remained standing before YHWH,” from the probable original, “while YHWH remained standing before Abraham.” Brueggemann sympathized with the scribes’ supposed desire to “avoid an irreverent phrase,” but dared to wonder out loud about theological possibilities if we were to attend to the original. He suggested that the text reveals an otherwise unpopular notion that God is very interested in human reactions and responses–as opposed to being a cold and distant Aristotelian deity–especially with regard to such events as the pending judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham’s resulting “counter-offers” about the number of righteous residents required to stay God’s hand speaks directly to God’s desired partnership with humankind in issues of justice. This was, to state the obvious, not the way good evangelicals were supposed to think. However, Brueggemann was always ruthlessly biblical. And it was as if he lifted a thick veil off of my evangelically-protected eyes. From that moment forward, I have understood and exercised faith as more of a relational enterprise than a purely cognitive one. This exegetical episode radically changed my prayer life and my ministry philosophy. God bless Walter Brueggemann! May his theological legacy live long!
Gene Lassiter · June 11, 2025 at 8:52 pm
Hear the thunder? He has arrived and is debating the Most High God for leaving out so much in the Holy Scriptures!
Charley Lopez · July 11, 2025 at 12:03 am
Always learned too many important lessons from his courses on the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures and the Holy Scriptures in general when he was professor at Eden Seminary. Rest easy dear professor +
Charley Lopez · July 11, 2025 at 12:14 am
To this day, I refer to The Psalms & the Life of Faith, Fortress Press, 1995, Part 1, is a favorite, The Psalms as Prayer & Praise, pgs 3-132. Over the years, I have underlined passages related to justice and injustice in the Psalms. God’s way of surprising individuals and entire communities demonstrates that God’s activity will overturn conventional ways of thinking and acting. Walter was always challenging in class and helped me think more broadly about the importance of the Psalter. I also refer to his Theology of the Old Testament, where many helpful insights stimulate curiosity.