Buddhism Quote by Walter Brueggemann
““It occurs to me that the situation of the church in our society, perhaps the church everywhere always, is entrusted with a truth that is inimical to present power arrangements. The theological crisis in the church—that shows up in preaching and in worship as elsewhere—is that the church has largely colluded with the totalism of the National Security State. Or more broadly, has uncritically colluded with Enlightenment reason that stands behind the National Security State that makes preaching Easter an epistemological impossibility.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology for the Community, 1995
He critiques the church’s alignment with state power and rationalism, arguing it undermines authentic faith and preaching.
In simple terms: The church often supports oppressive power structures, limiting true spiritual insight.
Key Takeaway
Question and resist uncritical alliances with power.
Themes
faith
power
critique
theology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- public policy debates
- academic theology
Key Concepts
institutional complicity
epistemic limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How can the church maintain prophetic voice?
- What alternatives to Enlightenment rationalism exist?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched systems is difficult and may cause division.
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