Monthly Archives: March 2023

Engage: Subversion #4

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Steve Harper

We must paint this week’s reflection with a broad brush because Brueggemann goes into detail in this chapter. But it is possible to see the big picture. It begins in sections I-III, with the differentiated elitist and neighborly narratives. We … Continue reading →

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Invitation

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Steve Harper

Last June, Matt Horan began a facebook page named “Rev. Dr. Steve & Jeannie Harper Theological Seminary.” It was a tongue-in-cheek title with the intent of creating an online community for those of us who have journeyed together as colleagues, … Continue reading →

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Engage: Subversion #3

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Steve Harper

The Covenant at Sinai subverts the culture of Egypt. Neighborliness subverts elitism. And elites do not take kindly to it. They push back with a counternarrative. And they do it through the use of the dominant word of theit faith … Continue reading →

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At the Gate: “A Bloated Soul”

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Steve Harper

Sitting at the gate, we see the end game of egotism. It is no accident that Jesus made humility the starting point for the blessed life (Matthew 5:3). Being “poor in spirit” gets us off on the right foot in … Continue reading →

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Engage: Subversion #2

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Steve Harper

I am sure you will agree that it is difficult to summarize Brueggemann’s insights in chapter two. Even by his own standards, it took nine sections for him to convey his message about subversion. In this post, and the remaining … Continue reading →

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At the Gate: Mocking God

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Steve Harper

Sitting at the gate, I see Christian nationalism mocking God. In his book, ‘From Judgment to Hope,’ Walter Brueggemann writes that the ancient prophetic message “may still be true among us that God will not be mocked, neither will God … Continue reading →

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At the Gate: 3M Living

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Steve Harper

Sitting at the gate, I see the new way of thinking, believing, and acting that God calls us to live. Like so many others, Walter Brueggemann’s writings have influenced me substantially, and they continue to do so. [1] And as … Continue reading →

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