Summary:
Tenacious Solidarity: What it means and why it matters
In the United States, religious groups are encouraged to stand up against powerful and unfair governments. They can do this by leaning on the teachings and stories in the Bible, especially those that talk about working together and holding each other responsible. Instead of becoming numb or tuning out because of overwhelming news or making faith a private thing, these communities should avoid shallow interpretations and instead think carefully about what is good, what rights people have, and how everyone can live well.
A Layman’s Guide to Tenacious Solidarity
Religious communities in the United States are called to resist oppressive totalitarian powers by drawing on the Bible’s rich resources and prophetic rhetoric rooted in communal covenant and accountability, countering the psychic numbness from constant news and privatized spiritualities, while avoiding superficial spiritual interpretations and engaging in moral deliberation about virtues, rights, and flourishing.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of news or noticed how some spiritual messages seem to be all about personal comfort, without tackling real issues? In his book Tenacious Solidarity, Walter Brueggemann, a respected biblical scholar, urges religious communities in the United States to do more than just go with the flow or settle for shallow spirituality. Here’s a breakdown of some key points that he says and why it matters—without any academic jargon.
The Call to Resist Unchecked Power
Brueggemann talks about “rapacious totalisms,” which basically means leaders or systems of government that want total control, with no limits. He says that today, religious communities—churches, synagogues, mosques, and others—have a duty to stand up against this kind of unchecked power. For him, it’s not enough to pray in private or just focus on personal well-being. Instead, people of faith are called to work together, draw strength from their traditions, and speak out when something is wrong.
Why We’re Feeling Numb—and Why That’s a Problem
We live in a time when news is constantly in our faces, on TV, on our phones, everywhere. This 24/7 cycle can make us feel numb—like we’re being hit with so much information that we stop caring. This “psychic numbness,” as Brueggemann calls it, makes it harder for us to recognize injustice or get involved in changing things. On top of that, there’s a trend toward “privatized spiritualities,” where faith becomes a solo activity and is all about personal peace, not about helping others or tackling tough issues together.
The Bible as a Tool for Real Change
Brueggemann says the Bible isn’t just a rulebook or a source of comforting stories—it’s packed with resources to help us deal with today’s challenges. When religious communities really dig into biblical stories and teachings, they find powerful words and ideas that can inspire resistance to injustice and help build a better society. He encourages readers to look beyond just the facts or surface-level interpretations and see the deeper calls for action, justice, and accountability in these texts.
Avoiding Superficial Spirituality
Too often, people interpret the Bible in ways that only serve their own personal interests—what Brueggemann criticizes as “religious kitsch.” Religious kitsch refers to commercially produced art or objects depicting religious themes in a sentimental, tasteless, or overly sentimental type such as images of Jesus on decorative plaques, prayer candles, etc. This approach reduces religion to something flat and trivial, missing the bigger picture. Instead, he challenges religious communities to avoid these shallow takes and move toward readings that ask hard questions, encourage honesty, and invite action.
The Power of Prophetic Voices
Real change happens when people speak out with what Brueggemann calls “prophetic rhetoric.” This kind of speech isn’t just about criticizing what’s wrong—it’s rooted in the idea of a covenant, or a shared commitment. Prophets in the Bible held their communities accountable to their promises to each other and to God. Brueggemann thinks we need that kind of accountability today: leaders and members of faith communities who remind us what we stand for and challenge us to do better.
Moral Deliberation: Debating What’s Right
Finally, Brueggemann highlights the importance of moral deliberation. This means having honest conversations about what’s good, what’s just, and what helps people (and the world around us) truly thrive. It’s about asking: What virtues should we live by? What rights matter? What rules and goals should guide us? This kind of thoughtful debate, he says, is crucial to resisting totalitarian tendencies and building a society where everyone can flourish.
· In short: Brueggemann’s message is clear—faith isn’t just about personal comfort or private rituals. It’s about communities standing together, challenging injustice, and engaging with each other to figure out what’s right. By tapping into the deeper wisdom of their faith traditions, religious groups can find the courage and clarity they need to resist oppression and create a better world for all.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 