Newly-published study affirms place of ‘Wisdom’ in today’s culture

Being Reformed series adds third title by noted Old Testament scholar William Brown

by Emily Enders Odom | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – Because the Wisdom literature of the Bible—Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes—can offer invaluable guidance in addressing the challenging issues facing contemporary culture, Congregational Ministries Publishing (CMP) has released a new study entitled Wisdom, the latest in its popular Being Reformed series.

Written by the Rev. Dr. William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, and edited by the Rev. Dr. Donald K. McKim, this six-session study brilliantly demonstrates how Wisdom literature still has profound relevance in today’s world.

“In a culture that prefers sound bites and vents over informed deliberation, we need wisdom now more than ever,” Brown said. “While biblical wisdom in particular covers a wide range of perspectives and approaches, it shares the common goal of navigating a complex world while being faithful to the God who made us all.”

The best-selling Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding is a series of biblically-based studies that provide adults with a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith. Each six-session mini-course—written by well-known and respected scholars—features Scripture, in-depth commentary, and questions for reflection.

“I first got to know Bill Brown at Union [Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond], and had the pleasure of sitting in on one of his lectures on biblical wisdom,” said Mark Hinds, Ed.D., publisher for the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Congregational Ministries Publishing. “Even then, I thought how wonderful it would be to make his insights available to a broader audience. Now, twenty or more years later, I’m pleased to offer Bill Brown’s study Wisdom to the church.”

Because Brown has abiding interests in the use of scripture in the life of the church and the world, particularly in the context of ecology and justice, Wisdom helps students appreciate what they can learn from wisdom texts about God, themselves, and humankind’s responsibilities for the care of the world.

“Wisdom is more journey than accomplishment,” noted Brown. “It is all about living life coram Deo [‘before God’].”

Published by the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Congregational Ministries Publishing, all Being Reformed studies are available for purchase at the PC(USA) Store. Select studies are also available for iBooks and Kindle. Brown’s other titles in the series, Creation and Covenant, may also be ordered through the PC(USA) Store.