A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of the Message by Winn Collier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I savored this authorized biography of Eugene Peterson. I learned a lot about the man, the pastor and theologian/scholar. Collier does a fair job of getting us to know who Eugene Peterson was even though he knew him personally. He leaves it to us to interpret his life especially the ambiguous parts of Eugene. Personally, I learned a lot about his pastoring experience, though I would not agree on everything. I also admired his discipline, his scholarly mind and above all his “long obedience in the same direction.” Collier’s biography is not exhaustive nor does a follow traditional chronological sequence, especially at the beginning when he describes Eugene growing up. But this was hardly a problem.
The last chapter, was probably the longest and deals with Eugene’s last year or so. Collier tries to explain the controversies that surrounded Peterson in his last year related to his views on sexuality. His conclusion was that Peterson at this point was not well physically and mentally. Eugene, according to Collier, lived in ambiguity. I would agree with Collier. Eugene was more of a mystic living in the spiritual world of Scripture and prayer not a dogmatist. Much of who he was, as is true of all of us, is part of his upbringing. Petersen believed that we ought to be who God made us to be and let Him teach us along the way. And that’s what he did and practiced. Even though I don’t agree with the way Peterson viewed Scripture in regards to some moral issues being ambiguous (I believe they are clear), I understand how his pastoring experience shaped his understanding of these issues. His love and patience for people was admirable. His commitment to the “local” church was admirable. His rejection of modern church trends and fame was admirable. His lack of engagement in the issues that we as a church are facing, though I understand why he didn’t, I think was not the best choice. But Peterson wasn’t “wired” to do that. I get that.
The description of Peterson’s passing into eternity was profoundly moving. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not only this, but lead me to watch some of Peterson’s videos, research some of his favor authors and of course, it encouraged me to be a better pastor and writer. I won’t be like Peterson, but as long as keep my long obedience in the same direction, I will be ok.
Btw…I finished it on my birthday.
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