Eugene Peterson’s New Book
March 26, 2010
For some time now Eugene Peterson has been producing his five volume spiritual theology, starting with Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places. He has now finished the fifth and final volume, Practice Resurrection.
These books are conversations with Peterson, the biblical text, theology, poets and writers, culture, former students and parishioners, and the church in North America, woven together in reflective, beautifully written presentations. His writing uses imagination in fresh ways to look at our relationship with God and the world. He takes what we already know in some sense, turns it around or sideways or upside down or backwards, and forces us to join him in new perspectives that have the strength of possessing the old truth but looked at with revitalized eyes. It really proves a treat.
In earlier volumes I found his greatest strengths in looking at biblical books as a whole and fitting them into our journey. In the fifth volume, Peterson takes us deep into the book of Ephesians to expound its relevance for every Christian and church, a relevance often missed by not spending enough conversation over the implications of Paul's argument.
I have always enjoyed Ephesians. Its relevance for me and my ministries over the years has stood out. I have preached from it, taught it in all kinds of contexts, and have reflected on it for my personal relationship with the Lord and with his church. Peterson's treatment and reflections on it permitted me to see new things. He renewed me in his conversations.
For me, Practice Resurrection has proved a wonderful read and a growth tool for my walk with Jesus. I encourage you to add it to your "must" reads.
