Spirituality
of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann is a very insightful argument for
re-evaluating both how one views the psalms as well as how one views society
and how people function within it. This brief, yet poignant book offers a clear
and practical way of understanding and using the psalms in ministry to people
in a society in crisis.
Brueggemann
proposes that for the most part many of the psalms (not all) fit into a cycle
of orientation, disorientation and new orientation groups. These groups are based upon the seasons of
human life cycles. Brueggemann describes
it as “a movement from one circumstance to another, changing and being changed,
finding ourselves surprised by a new circumstance we did not expect, resistant
to a new place, clinging desperately to the old circumstance,”[1]
These seasons of life are not chronological in nature but episodic. We experience our orientation – progress
forward in life attempting to fulfill God’s will. We experience periods of loss, oppression,
transgression and feel lost or abandoned by God and this is a period of
disorientation. Finally out of that pain
comes new orientation where we celebrate a new growth given to us and blessed
by God.
Brueggemann
proclaims “The psalms are profoundly subversive of the dominant culture, which
wants to deny and cover over the darkness we are called to enter. Personally we shun negativity. Publicly we deny the failure of our attempts
to exercise control.”[2] He
proposes that in our world of modern sensibilities and efforts to control so
much of our lives we have made complaints to God or about God, life or
circumstances taboo. With the economy as
it is, and many people in the midst of pain, anger, loss, or despair it leaves
very little for them to resonate with if we remove all the anger, frustration,
and pain from our religious conversations.
Although he does not say it, it reminds me of yet another reason our
younger generations cannot seem to find a home in the church. They are searching for honest conversations
about God and the life that they know.
We have removed that with many churches’ presentation of the psalms.
These are the periods to have open and frank discussions with God and each
other, which are expressed by the psalms in a very tangible and real way. From these real struggles and putting voice
to pain God intercedes. God listens, responds
and begins a new thing.
Surprisingly,
Brueggeman makes a case for the psalms as being very therapeutic. They are a way for us to heal and begin
anew. They are also a place for us to
see that disorientation is necessary in order for us to work towards social
justice and be aware of the systems we function in. “Thus these psalms make the
important connection; everything must be brought to speech, and everything
brought to speech must be addressed to God, who is the final reference for all
of life.”[3] In this way the psalms are our version of
talk therapy.
Brueggemann’s
book would be wonderful for pastors to assist them in using psalms thoughtfully
in the communal life of liturgy in the congregation, and also using them
personally with individuals in their various cycles of orientations with God. Brueggemann gives you not only a framework
for viewing the psalms but a lens in which to view them for real pastoral
care. The psalms help people build real
relationships with God instead of superficial proclamations that do not touch
their Spirit and their doubts. I would also suggest it with a small group Bible
study who really want to grapple with God working in the midst of those periods
of disorientation. It could provide them
comfort and the opportunity to begin to discuss those periods of disorientation
and looking for a new orientation. Due
to the very theological vernacular I would not suggest it to laity to read
independently without a discussion group.
Reference:
Brueggemann, W. Spirituality in
the Psalms . Mineapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2002.
Kindle ebook.
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