Renowned Biblical Scholar Walter Brueggemann Dies at 92
His most influential work, "The Prophetic Imagination," revolutionized how modern readers understand the Hebrew prophetic tradition and its relevance for contemporary society.
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan – Walter Brueggemann, one of the most widely respected Bible scholars of the past century, died peacefully on June 5, 2025, at his home in Michigan at the age of 92.
The author of more than 100 books and numerous scholarly articles, Brueggemann was professor emeritus of Old Testament studies at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, where he taught from 1986 until his retirement in 2003.
A Legacy of Prophetic Scholarship
Brueggemann's specialty was the Hebrew Bible and especially the Hebrew prophets, and his books were aimed primarily at clergy and church leaders. His most influential work, "The Prophetic Imagination," revolutionized how modern readers understand the Hebrew prophetic tradition and its relevance for contemporary society.
"It is the vocation of the prophet to keep alive the ministry of imagination, to keep on conjuring and proposing future alternatives to the single one the king wants to urge as the only thinkable one," he wrote.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Walter Albert Brueggemann was born in Tilden, Nebraska on March 11, 1933. He was the son of August Brueggemann, a pastor of the Evangelical and Reformed Church (an antecedent of the United Church of Christ) and Hilda Hallman Brueggemann.
He graduated from Elmhurst College, received his Bachelor of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He later earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from St. Louis University.
Distinguished Career and Recognition
Walter was elected President of the Society of Biblical Literature in 1990, received a Niebuhr Theological Fellowship, a Henry Luce Theological Fellowship, The Niebuhr Medal from Elmhurst College, received eight honorary doctorates, establishing him as one of the most honored biblical scholars of his generation.
Brueggemann taught at Eden Theological Seminary from 1961-1986 and at Columbia Theological Seminary from 1986-2003. Though ordained, Brueggemann never served as a pastor of his own church. He was, however, a much sought after and eloquent preacher and lecturer.
Impact on Biblical Interpretation
Throughout his distinguished career, Brueggemann challenged conventional approaches to biblical interpretation, bringing fresh insights to the Hebrew prophetic tradition and its relevance for contemporary faith communities. Brueggemann was text-focused but resisted the dominant modes of biblical interpretation because they put distance between the reader and the text. He sought to help pastors hear God's voice within the biblical text.
Brueggemann himself was critical of American consumerism, militarism and nationalism. His scholarship consistently emphasized the social and political dimensions of biblical texts, encouraging readers to see Scripture as a living voice that speaks to issues of justice, power, and societal transformation.
Tributes from Colleagues
"Walter Brueggemann is one of the world's great teachers about the prophets," said On Being podcast host Krista Tippett. "He translates their imagination from the chaos of ancient times to our own. He somehow also embodies this tradition's fearless truth-telling together with fierce hope."
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held (and publicly live-streamed) on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 PM (1:00 PM visitation) at Central Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO 63119, or Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
Survivors
He is survived by his cherished wife, Tia Brueggemann, his well-beloved sons, James Brueggemann (Lisa née Simcox) and John Brueggemann (Christina née McHugh), and five grandchildren, Christiana Brueggemann, August Brueggemann, Emilia Brueggemann, Anabelle Brueggemann, and Peter Brueggemann.
Dr. Brueggemann's passing marks the end of an era in biblical scholarship, but his prophetic voice and transformative insights will continue to influence generations of scholars, pastors, and faithful readers seeking to understand the enduring relevance of Scripture for contemporary life.