In this book, a respected Old Testament scholar, psychologist, and religious educator come together to reflect on the three elements of Micah 6:8. How do the Scriptures require us to respond to the problems of the real world? How can we maintain love in our ministrations to others? How can we speak with real authority while still keeping our humility? The book is geared to assist believers to see how Micah 6:8 helps to provide a convergence point for praxis and spirituality.
Get more from Walter Brueggemann in the Select Works of Walter Brueggemann (9 vols.).
“Justice is to sort out what belongs to whom, and to return it to them.” (Pages 4–5)
“First, the poetry is addressed to the leadership, to the ones with social power. They are the ones who have arranged things the way they are. They are also the ones who benefit from the way things are. Second, the agenda is consistently economic. The real issues concerning justice have to do with access to and control of life-goods.” (Page 8)
“Third, address to leadership and concern for economics make clear that Micah is making a critique of the system of social control.” (Page 9)
“God is a lover of justice, which means God intervenes for the poor and weak against the powerful who have too much” (Page 15)
“Justice concerns precisely a right reading of social reality, of social power, and of social goods.” (Page 6)
Walter Brueggemann through his teaching, lecturing, and writing, has effectively demonstrated the significance of the Old Testament for our fractured world today. Recognized as the preeminent interpreter of the ancient Hebrew texts in relation to questions posed by a variety of academic disciplines, he has shown the way toward a compelling understanding of the major components of the faith and life of ancient Israel, especially its Psalms, its prophets, and its historical narratives.
Brueggemann is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is past president of the Society of Biblical Literature and the author of numerous books, including David’s Truth: In Israel’s Imagination and Memory, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Genesis, and The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary.
Sharon Daloz Parks is director of Leadership for the New Commons at the Whidbey Institute. She was senior research fellow at Harvard Business School and the Leadership Education Project at the Kennedy School of Government.
Thomas Groome is professor of theology and religious education at Boston College. Groome was born in County Kildare, Ireland, and holds the equivalent of an MDiv from St. Patrick’s Seminary in Carlow, Ireland, an MA from Fordham University, and a doctoral degree in religious education from Union Theological Seminary/Columbia University. His most recent books include What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life, Educating for Life, A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent, and Christian Religious Education: Sharing Our Story and Vision.