Psalms as a Grammar for Faith

In this readily accessible and winsome introduction, Dr. Bellinger makes a compelling case that the Psalms provide a 'grammar of faith' for all seasons of life, from plea to praise, all intermixed with lament and protest. It is, in fact, a grammar of transformation for communities of faith in such a time as this.

~William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

Bellinger’s urging here is that the Book of Psalms, beyond our characteristic personal and devotional use of it, should be a major resource and guide for the public worship and public proclamation of the church. Bellinger brings to this task both his long years of critical learning and his acute theological sensibility. His concluding pages concerning the flow of the canon break fresh ground. This book will be welcomed by all those who care about the worship, the preaching, and the faithfulness of the church.

~Walter Brueggemann, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

Bill Bellinger, seasoned psalm scholar and dedicated churchman, has produced in A Grammar of Faith a succinct and highly readable examination of the book of Psalms. The volume is not a commentary or an introductory textbook; rather, it examines and models various ways of reading and understanding the psalms as well as addressing some of the major issues confronting psalm scholarship today. The volume will appeal to both student and pastor and will make an excellent classroom resource.

~Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford, Carolyn Ward Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and Director of the Masters of Theological Studies degree program, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University

...A short volume that would make an excellent companion text for individual or group study of the psalms.

~John R. Barker, The Bible Today

William Bellinger, a seasoned psamls scholar, in this brief but thoughtful book, builds off the notion of 'grammar', something that, according to Bellinger, Ludwig Wittgenstein 'suggests serves the purpose of characterizing what is being discussed'. As such, Bellinger argues that the psalms provide such a grammar, a grammar that allows us to sing, pray, and speak our faith.

~David G. Barker, Evangelical Quarterly

In this slender but learned volume, a leading biblical scholar introduces students, ministers, and thoughtful lay readers to the contemporary study of arguably the most treasured book of the Old Testament.

~Mark W. Hamilton, Restoration Quarterly