One of the most influential biblical scholars and theologians of the past century has died.
Walter Brueggemann passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92, his official website confirmed. He is survived by his wife, Tia, his sons, James and John, and their families.
A prolific author, writing over 100 books, Brueggemann is being remembered by pastors, professors, and church leaders across the world as a vital and prophetic voice in contemporary Christianity. His work has shaped generations of theologians, preachers, and lay leaders.
Born in 1933 in Tilden, Nebraska, Brueggemann often spoke of his father’s influence — a German Evangelical pastor whose legacy left a lasting imprint on his approach to scripture and ministry.
His academic journey began at Elmhurst College, followed by studies at Eden Theological Seminary and Union Theological Seminary, where he earned his Th.D. under the mentorship of James Muilenburg. He later received a Ph.D. in education from St. Louis University.
Brueggemann’s career in the classroom spanned more than four decades, teaching at Eden Theological Seminary from 1961 to 1986 and then at Columbia Theological Seminary until his retirement in 2003. He held the title of William Marcellus McPheeters Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia.
He is best known for his groundbreaking work in rhetorical criticism, a method that emphasizes the persuasive and poetic power of Scripture.
His book Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy (1997), remains a foundational work for biblical scholars.
But for many, it was The Prophetic Imagination (1978) that introduced them to his unique voice. His website's biography describes it as "a voice that called the Church to speak truth in the face of empire, to imagine alternative realities rooted in the justice and mercy of God."
Brueggemann’s reflections on the Psalms also became essential resources for pastors and worship leaders. His book The Message of the Psalms offered a new and deeply personal lens through which to engage the ancient songs of Israel.
Beyond the academy, Brueggemann was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a frequent speaker at conferences, and a willing mentor to countless church leaders. Known for his thoughtful yet piercing delivery, he often lingered over single words with theological weight, inviting his audience into a deeper engagement with Scripture.
He remained a faithful St. Louis Cardinals fan throughout his life, and in recent years, he and his wife Tia made their home in Traverse City, Michigan, according to his website.
Tributes have poured in online, calling him a “prophetic voice,” a “teacher of teachers,” and “the conscience of the American church.”
In 2023, sociologist Conrad L. Kanagy published Walter Brueggemann’s Prophetic Imagination: A Theological Biography, describing him as “the most prolific Old Testament student of the twenty-first century.”
His family says that details on a funeral will be forthcoming.