Eugene Hoiland Peterson

I just learned of Eugene Peterson's passing. His books have been my guides and friends over the past years. I read the Message every day along with Praying with the Psalms. I return to The Jesus Way, Traveling Light,Eat This Book,Tell It Slant, and Leap Over a Wall again and again for spiritual companionship and direction. His spiritual theology expressed in such a conversational manner has been foundational to my encouragement in the faith. I always wanted to thank him in person. I thank...

Thank you! Thank you for your labor, your work, your letters. I am forever changed, and eternally grateful!

Eugene Peterson spoke at the Midwinter Conference of Evangelical Covenant Church pastors in Chicago sometime in the mid 1990's. I had read several of his books. Working the Angles and The Contemplative Pastor both made a huge impact on my understanding of pastoral ministry. His writing helped me to try to be the kind of pastor I really wanted to be in contrast to the kind of pastor I thought my denomination wanted me to be. Those books helped me to set boundaries. I needed someone to...

I only learned last night of his death. For years I have devoured his books, and they have been foundational in my growth as a teacher. (I always substituted 'teacher' in my mind when he wrote 'pastor') My other favorite writers--George MacDonald, GK Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, CS Lewi--had passed away, but I always felt that Eugene Peterson was a neighbor, just a few states away and that I could drive to Montana if I really needed to ask him a pressing question. I...

He made the Holy Scriptures come alive.