Journey to the Common Good

An interesting idea posited by a great Old Testament mind. Originally presented as a three-part lecture, this book feels like an idea unvetted by editors, at points, the author identifies it as "imaginative extrapolation."

Brueggemann sees two competing narrative in Jewish scripture, that of empire

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(Pharaoh and Babylon) and that of the common good (Deuteronomy and the prophets). Brueggemann sees Pharaoh's paradigms of wealth, might, and wisdom (think national intelligence) as passed on even to some heroes within the biblical narrative, most notably Solomon whose power rested not on a neighborly common good but on wealth, might, wisdom and an enshrined priesthood who helped those in power retain their position. He sees within the biblical tradition an opposing thread promoting neighborliness characterized by grace, justice, and righteousness, calling true evangelical witness into the work Sabbath adherence and other godly practices that are antithetical to enshrined empires. His interpretative ideas/frameworks for Jeremiah and Isaiah are particularly interesting--even if you don't buy into the logic of the book. His ability to see the Gospel in the Old Testament while meeting its authors on their own very Jewish terms, is particularly helpful.

As a whole, Brueggemann's idea isn't totally without merit, but it's clear that it isn't a fully formulated idea in this format. Each major section of the book has much content worthy of careful consideration, even if the logic connecting one section to the next doesn't feel fully formed. Even so, the book is an interesting read and a good exercise of discernment of biblical truths.

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