Comments on: Practice Resurrection, continuedâ€”Why I Love Eugene Peterson

By: RonP

RonP — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:59:00 +0000

Love this post, Mike. Thanks. It brings to mind how crucial it is that we come daily to Christ’s table and eat and drink what He has chosen to provide from His fully-stocked pantry of grace. Too often I find myself chosing to eat cold beans from the dented can of self-reliance.

By: Chaplain Mike

Chaplain Mike — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:20:52 +0000

First and foremost, his books on pastoral ministry: Working the Angles, Under the Predictable Plant, Five Smooth Stones, The Contemplative Pastor. On a personal level, you can’t beat A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. The current 5-volume series of “spiritual conversations” is also outstanding, but I am still working through it. What I find with Peterson is that I don’t always “get it” the first time through, except for a few outstanding quotes and ideas. His books (for me) require savoring, coming back to them again and again. He elicits contemplation, not just reading or study. Enjoy!

By: BrianD

BrianD — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:21:09 +0000

I am discovering Peterson for the first time, outside of The Message, courtesy of a couple of fine folks at another blog. Which of his books, and/or audio lectures, have impacted you the most, Mike?

By: Chaplain Mike

Chaplain Mike — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:34:54 +0000

Tom, no need to apologize. Like I said, I respect your opinion. Some others were trying to take us farther astray, which made it necessary for me to comment. I just have to step in once in awhile to make sure the conversation stays on track. I hope you’ll continue to read and join our discussions.

By: Tom R.

Tom R. — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:08:22 +0000

Apologies. My feelings are obvious, and I did not exhibit any self-control in the expressing of them. Peace.

By: ScottL

ScottL — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:39:41 +0000

I, too, love Peterson, though I’ve still yet to read a lot of his works. But I did enjoy his Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places. And, of course, I find it refreshing to dip into The Message at times.

By: greg r

greg r — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:07:49 +0000

BIG thanks for your watchcare, here, Chap Mike; we all benefit when we stay on task.

I guess part of growing up is learning how or when to disagree, or to even ask “Is it worth it, eternally ?” before even getting started. Your post choices are very “MONKISH” , IMO, I appreciate you taking over a tough job, tho I’m sure it’s a labor of love.

IN HIM
Greg R

By: greg r

greg r — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:59:55 +0000

Off topic, but I’m dying to hear one of your splinter sermons; maybe it’s the masochist in me. are they online ??

thanks, that’s a great and lofty goal.
Greg R

By: Chaplain Mike

Chaplain Mike — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:55:53 +0000

Tom and Matthew, please let me be clear. I respect your opinions and your right to express them. There is probably an appropriate place to talk about Peterson’s theology and discuss its merits or lack thereof. This post is not that place. Find someone who is evaluating his positions, and comment there.

When I am reviewing a book or particular topic or piece of writing, I only ask that you stick with responding to the subject at hand and legitimate corollary topics. Peterson’s view of The Shack has absolutely nothing to do with anything I’ve written here. It does not come up when considering this current book, and it certainly has nothing to do with the illustration I am commending to you in this specific post.

By: Chaplain Mike

Chaplain Mike — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:53:33 +0000

Michael has done so from the beginning of Internet Monk and so have I since adding my voice. And so it will continue. Peterson is a voice of sanity in the midst of the circus that is the American church scene. And one heck of a writer.

You don’t agree with everything he says? Fine. I differ with everyone I know on something; I even change my own mind and can’t believe I once held to certain positions. Such is life, and such is the church, Tom. If you have specific disagreements, bring them up when it is appropriate and discuss them humbly. That is no problem. But a comment like yours on a post like this contributes nothing positive.