Presbytery of New Hope

Brueggemann's Introduction to Old Testament Named Best Academic Book of 2004

by Association of Theological Booksellers

The Association of Theological Booksellers selected Walter Brueggemann's "An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination" as the best academic book of 2004.

Dr. Brueggemann, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA, is considered among the foremost Old Testament scholars in this country. In this work, he covers every book of the Old Testament in the order in which it appears in the Hebrew Bible. He describes the development of the Old Testament as a "traditioning" process, growing out of historical, ideological, political, and religious forces in ancient Israel.

A review in Publishers Weekly describes this work as "a clear and eloquent introductory study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Brueggemann's reading of the Old Testament makes it alive for us today . . . His crystal-clear prose, lucid ways of telling stories and canny theological insights make this introduction a real gem."

The book was released by Westminster John Knox Press in late 2003.

Columbia Theological Seminary, located in Decatur, Georgia, was established in 1828 and is one of 10 theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).