Things I Think
1. The news came yesterday that Eugene Peterson is in the last few months of his life. I’ll speak for myself as I’m sure many others will speak as well…his writings helped me stay in the faith and in the ministry.
He shined a bright light down a path away from all of the things that were choking the life of Christ out of me to a place where the Spirit still moved. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude and will mourn when another giant passes to be buried by dwarves…
2. Peterson gave us permission to think and use our imaginations in theology and worship…and thus became a target for small minded dullards…
3. I already have read some of those dullards hoping that Peterson “repent and be saved”. I just hope like hell that heaven is big enough to avoid those folks eternally…
4. “The Pastor” will outlive Peterson by a century…many other of his books will as well. “The Message” won’t, but it won’t matter…
5. It was noted that Peterson is suffering from dementia…which may explain his “double minded” view of homosexuality that was made much of last year after an interview. Maybe the reality was that an old man was taken advantage of by someone with an agenda…
6. There is nothing more symbolic of the fall and nothing that cries more for the hope of resurrection than when the brilliant ones die from dementia…
7. Speaking of agendas…have you ever noted how the press and culture make it sound as if the LGBTQ community is like, half the population?
8. “Progressive” Christians and “conservative” Christians usually follow me for about a week on Twitter before they both flush me…and accuse me of belonging to the other tribe…
9. Both sides have their checklists now and you must check off every item to belong to the tribe. Grown ups can actually pick from both without affirming all…so grow up, people…
10. I prefer the word “autumn” to the word “fall”…
a well-crafted line & hefty thought “…another giant passes to be buried by dwarves…”
autumn–a superior season & word choice.
I, too, am tired of the arrogance of the ‘repent & be saved’ crew, who rarely, if ever, practice what they preach. I pretty much have to repent every time I open my pie-hole.
You ând me both, fil.
I’m glad you’re here…
…besides, where’s the wisdom in telling someone with dementia anything, much less something weighty like ‘repent and be saved’? Dementia is loss of short term memory and the ability to ‘connect the dots.’ Duh.
I like the term ‘progresservative’ better each day, especially if it pisses someone off.
I don’t have a problem with The Message. That’s because I realize what it is – a paraphrase. It is like a short verse by verse commentary, or like the exposition a preacher might give from the pulpit. A reader is at liberty to agree or disagree with any of Peterson’s paraphrase, just like a reader or hearer might agree or disagree with any commentator’s commentary or preacher’s exposition.
If someone misuses The Message by calling it or preaching it as a “translation,” Peterson should not be judged for the misuse of someone else. Here is what the The Message website says it is: “The Message—a vibrant Bible paraphrase that connects with today’s readers like no other.” Caveat emptor.
It’s not a bad resource if you’re looking at an obscure passage and would like a second or third opinion. It’s not inspired, but that doesn’t mean it might not be helpful in a particular case.
…further, there’s a lot of good company outside the camp. Some of us withdrew, others dispatched, but the wisdom is rich and the fellowship sweet.
Jean,
Well said…
Sad to have seen the news of Peterson but his life has been a life well lived.
Back when the whole same-sex marriage kerfuffle happened with Peterson, I had wondered even then if there possibly could be elements of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s that might be contributing factors. Still wouldn’t be able to say if it was or not, but this news certainly makes it possible. It’s a shame if Peterson ended up getting slammed so much (by both sides) when a big cause of it may have been something out of his control.
Agreeing with Jean about The Message.
The line about giants buried by dwarfs…Brilliant!
#9 – Yes, Yes, Amen and Amen!!!
#6 I had a wonderful Grandmother as well as her sister who died as a result of dementia. My mother is now on that road. Lots of giants who live with and have died from this wrethched disease. I know you in no way were slighting them. Just hits close to home.
Thank you, CK.
Erunner…my grandma died of dementia.
Hits close to home for you as well. It’s not easy to see and I’m sorry for your loss.
My biggest takeaway remains my first impression, which drew me to videos of him, then his books – I was stunned by how balanced he was when speaking of “the ministry.”
He shared stories of difficulties, but I never perceived from him an anger towards “the sheep.”
In short, I loved how he modeled the way to be bruised, but continue being modeled into Jesus, as opposed to stacking one’s baggage until one can justify them with man’s commandments.
So sorry to hear about Eugene Peterson.
I interviewed him in the late 80s for a theological magazine. He was both gracious and
smart.
It’s getting to be just about the time to go into our chambers and shut the door like Isaiah 26:20.
First I’ve heard about Peterson — saddened but also thankful for a life well-lived, and for his writing that have increased my faith. I especially enjoyed his five-volume series on spiritual theology. I pray for the peace and comfort of him and his family.
Michael
I thought of making up a checklist for you, but realized that it would contain too many contradictions… Long live the contradictions! ?
Why is autumn the only season with alternate name choices?
If autumn is fall spring could be up. Summer could be… heat? Winter … ? dunno jingle bells?
RIP Eugene.
My apologies, skimming here, i thot Pastor Peterson had passed away already… But i do pray that he IS resting wherever he is today…
Em,
“Fall” is easy to say, but kinda sounds generic and slightly negative. I like “Autumn” but takes more effort to say for people like me who don’t like to talk much. Autumn just sounds more down-home, comfy, whimsical, etc.
Dan from GA. ?
But why isnt it spelled autumm? Who says atumun. LOL
AND doesnt it sound more accurate to say that Easter is an “up” holiday?
Enough and i apologize for rabbit trailing on a serious comment thread – avoiding going out and raking the fallen leaves and pine needles blanketing the yard makes me a bit irreverent …. and irrelevant ?
Thanks for not flushing me, Michael.
See you.
Jerod,
I don’t like flushing anyone…been flushed more than once myself.