213: Walter Brueggemann: The Prophetic Imagination

Renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann passed away in June 2025 at the age of 92. In this special retrospective episode of No Small Endeavor, we celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Drawing from memorable conversations and insightful lectures, we revisit Brueggemann’s piercing critique of what he called the "totalism of market ideology"—the pervasive cultural force shaping American thought and suppressing dissenting voices. With characteristic wisdom, clarity, and wit, Brueggemann challenges us to reject narratives of scarcity, fear, and commodification, inviting us instead into the hopeful vision he famously described as the "prophetic imagination." Listen as he shares personal stories, intellectual turning points, and profound reflections on the power and urgency of truth-telling, both in pulpits and pews. Show Notes Resources: "The Prophetic Imagination" by Walter Brueggemann "My Bright Abyss" by Christian Wiman “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism” by Robert Jay Lifton Walter Brueggemann on the NSE YouTube Channel Similar Episodes: Stanley Hauerwas: “America’s Best Theologian” John Dear Stanley Hawerwas Transcript You can get the unabridged version for this episode in NSE+. Click here to join NSE+ if you're not already a member.  Great Feeling Studios, the team behind No Small Endeavor and other award-winning podcasts, helps nonprofits and brands tell stories that inspire action. Start your podcast at helpmemakeapodcast.com. Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTubeFollow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTubeFollow Lee: Instagram | TwitterJoin our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising… Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices