Evaluate and critique the overall presentation by Brueggemann in his book In Man We Trust
Brueggemann discussed his subject in a very unique and scholarly fashion in such a way that his book appears like a survey, or a commentary of a particular Old Testament book. But what is more interesting is that all throughout the book, the author was able to maintain excitement and suspense through the insights and knowledge he poured in his discussion which made reading of the book exciting and enjoyable.
The first key theme of the Old Testament discussed by author that has greatly contributed to the significance of the title of the book was his discussion of the wisdom theology. Brueggemann cited various texts particularly from the book of proverbs which depict the importance of wisdom in the everyday life and on how to become wise and responsible in life. The author emphasized that wisdom was given by God to human being in order to carryout the task of sustaining peace, justice, and well-being. The author depicted that man can do this responsibly because of the wisdom given by God. Brueggemann puts it, This task belong to uspeace, justice, well being. What we are called to achieve cannot be avoided by turning it over to God. When these problems are solved they will be solved by human choices requiring courage and insight. God will not do our work for us. A human future is possible only when we exercise human responsibility
Brueggemann concludes his discussion of the first topic asserting that God took a risk by empowering man with wisdom. The author states that the Gospel implies that man can be trusted, honored and believed. Indeed, the most prominent Old Testament depicts David as most trusted, honored, and believed individual. Brueggemann called David as a problematic innovator nevertheless, he revealed that David has led Israel responsibly towards a new form of history. The Davidic period was a shift from a sacral and cultic affair to politics and history. Brueggemann stressed that men make the major decisions and live with the consequences of their choices. He stressed that though God is still present and decisive, but the style and assumptions are radically secularized. He noted Israels history since David has become more properly human history in the modern sense of the world.
What was the author actually discussing was that the course of Israels life as nation has shifted from divine government towards a human political system of governance. That is, God entrusted to David the leadership and it was in this context that the David was branded as problematic innovator. However, the author recognized that it was through Davids innovation that Israel ceased to be a minority community and emerged into the larger world of ancient Near Eastern power and prosperity. The author also depicted that it was I David that a new and profound meaning of life was derived which was capable of providing a set of images which take care people towards maturity. Brueggemann stated, The resources of David tradition affirm the centrality of graciousnessa graciousness which cares and asks expects much from us. The one who trusts has not just trusted us, but has trusted us with his world. So the core myth affirms that we are to till it and keep it (Gen. 215) i.e, exercise responsible oversight for the world (47). This affirms the authors concept about the topic In Man We Trust as he was implying that with Gods act of intrusting man with higher responsibility which God himself has previously workout for his creation, the author stressed that man can be trusted, be honored and believed as he has responsibly fulfilled his task.
The author discussed an important period in the Old Testament which called the period enlightenment also known as the new vision of man wherein Brueggemann referred to this period as the Solomonic Period or the period to which Israel experienced its golden age. During this time, Israel did not only experience tremendous economic prosperity but also in terms of their cultural and intellectual life. This was confirmed by the writer of the Bible book of I Kings 10 23-25. But one thing very noticeable is the authors discussion of each topic was that he keeps on referring to wisdom teaching. Although out his discussion, Brueggemann emphasizes on the connection of wisdom theology to human trustworthiness and on his capability to be responsible towards making his own destiny. He stated that with wisdom, man knows his choices and that he could rightly chose what is good for him. This assertion contributes to the concepts he was trying to present in this book.
Another theme which the Brueggemann gave emphasis is concern about freedom to which, according to the author is manifested in different ways. Among which are in the way he makes decision to shape his government in the non-Israelite city of Jerusalem, and in the way he shift military operations from a peoples militia to state army. While the discussion of freedom referred largely to the central authority and not about the peoples freedom. Indeed, the author presented David as one who knows how to use his freedom. Brueggemann puts it, David is presented as a free, mature son. He is not a slave living to be free. He is a son who knows his fathers wills for him responsible freedom, trusting his world to him holding him accountable, but finally letting him work or it out Here again, the author emphasizes that man can be trusted to be responsible of any thing that is entrusted in him including leadership on a national scale and of course on an international scale.
The next key theme which the author discussed was very much related to responsibility and trustworthiness. The author speaks of Davids and Solomons maturity as remarkable. While the term maturity was not so much given emphasis yet it was obvious that all the discussions by the author regarding various theological issues such as the theology of the secular, the death of God theology, including the Black and white theology demonstrate the essence of maturity. While the Black and White theology which is referred to by the author as a racial emphasis, poses stark contrast in the sense that Black theology endorses changed institution, changed social circumstances, and changed self-image thereby leaving behind the model of self image of the obedient slaves, the white theology rejects such changes. In the context of maturity and the wisdom theology, the author stressed the need for the Blacks and Whites to be freed from the plantation mentality.
While the issue in the Blacks and White theology is complicated in view of the Whites theology which is a pure type of anti-change and anti-revolutionary, the author cited if a change would come, then it is Gods well. This kind of thinking was obviously in line with the vocation maturity which is required by the cultural situation, in part urged by our faith. But the consequences of the white theology which hold to the irresponsibleness of its emphasis on racial superiority of the White against Blacks, Brueggemann the racial distinction and discrimination which was a classic expression of immaturity and irresponsibleness. The author was therefore right to say that biblical materials can be utilize in a variety ways to come to terms with the call of the biblical God that we be neither servants nor orphans, but a grateful sons and daughters. It is a call that is always frightening.
Given all the discussions above, it was apparent that author was well verse in the Old Testament theology and he has a balanced view in his discussion of the important themes and events cited in the book. The authors presentation of his ideas as well as the flow of such ideas was very clear and scholarly and requires the reader to reflect how he utilizes the wisdom and God has given or whether his action are in line with the vocation of maturity. Towards a meaningful reflection with the authors discussion, the questions raised by the writer are worth giving attention in a very personal way. First, how does my attitude or my actions reflect the call to maturity Second, how do I relate with people who are struggling with the call to maturity
The answer to these two questions reflects not only the level of my maturity in terms of how others view my character but also the level of my maturity in terms of how I relate with other people. I am aware that the author was talking about the church ministry especially in the context of how the ministry gets shapes in mature ways. In this context, he cited three models by which the church could respond well to the felt needs. This include the ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation, the ministry of transcendent assurance and guidance, and, the need for order.
While there were still more valuable discussions which the author has discussed notably realism, in the end, I would like to affirm the authors claim that realism does not mean simply to repeat a theological tradition but to look at our actual situation. It is realism to say that only adults can cope with our present situation. It is obscurantism to say that we are incapable or incompetent, because in our precarious world we really have no options but to live up to the style urged by the wisdom teachers and to which we are summoned by Jesus Christ.
Given this, I realized that because of the wisdom that God has given, I am capable of making a responsible decision, and because of this, I could say that I can be trusted that I am capable of making my self a reliable and mature individual.
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