Read A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Discipleship in an Instant Society Eugene H Peterson 9780830822577 Books

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As a society, we are no less obsessed with the immediate than when Eugene Peterson first wrote this Christian classic. If anything, email and the Internet may have intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same--a long obedience in the same direction. Tucked away in the Hebrew Psalter, Peterson discovered "an old dog-eared songbook," the Songs of Ascents that were sung by pilgrims on their way up to worship in Jerusalem. In these songs (Psalms 120-134) Peterson finds encouragement for modern pilgrims as we learn to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community and blessing. This 20th anniversary edition of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction features these Psalms in Peterson's widely acclaimed paraphrase, The Message. He also includes an epilogue in which he reflects on the themes of this book and his ministry during the twenty years since its original publication.

Read A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Discipleship in an Instant Society Eugene H Peterson 9780830822577 Books

"Perhaps the best thing about this book is the premise it is written on -- that being a Christian means embarking on a journey, away from the world, toward the City of God. Not an original idea, but certainly one we can stand to be reminded of often, and one I'd love to see more books devoted to that.
Eugene Peterson finds in the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), a cycle of songs sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem to worship, a wonderful parallel to the modern (and timeless) Christian pilgrimage. Each chapter is a meditation on one of the songs, and Peterson draws out the ways each of them show us an aspect of the Christian faith (Repentance, Providence, Worship) and how they relate to each other. (It is natural that the journey begins with repentance and ends with blessing; the rest of the sequence is just as intuitive.)
Eugene Peterson has a poet's heart and a theologian's training, but the former prevails. Others may be perturbed that he does not explain exactly why suffering exists in the world; I am grateful that instead he chooses to meditate upon the way that suffering is a central ingredient of human experience...."in suffering we enter the depths; we are at the heart of things, we are near to where Christ was on the cross."(134)
I enjoyed and appreciated this book not because it taught me a lot of new things, but because it caused me to slow down and reflect; to remember things I had learned, and see them with new eyes. Like the songs sung on the journey, it is not so much intended to impart new information, but to bring back into mind (and spirit) the old things, the ancient things -- the things that have the power to redeem us and heal us."

Product details Paperback 216 pages Publisher IVP Books; 20th Anniversary edition (June 30, 2000) Language English ISBN-10 0830822577

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A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Discipleship in an Instant Society Eugene H Peterson 9780830822577 Books Reviews :

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Discipleship in an Instant Society Eugene H Peterson 9780830822577 Books Reviews

• Perhaps the best thing about this book is the premise it is written on -- that being a Christian means embarking on a journey, away from the world, toward the City of God. Not an original idea, but certainly one we can stand to be reminded of often, and one I'd love to see more books devoted to that.
  Eugene Peterson finds in the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), a cycle of songs sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem to worship, a wonderful parallel to the modern (and timeless) Christian pilgrimage. Each chapter is a meditation on one of the songs, and Peterson draws out the ways each of them show us an aspect of the Christian faith (Repentance, Providence, Worship) and how they relate to each other. (It is natural that the journey begins with repentance and ends with blessing; the rest of the sequence is just as intuitive.)
  Eugene Peterson has a poet's heart and a theologian's training, but the former prevails. Others may be perturbed that he does not explain exactly why suffering exists in the world; I am grateful that instead he chooses to meditate upon the way that suffering is a central ingredient of human experience...."in suffering we enter the depths; we are at the heart of things, we are near to where Christ was on the cross."(134)
  I enjoyed and appreciated this book not because it taught me a lot of new things, but because it caused me to slow down and reflect; to remember things I had learned, and see them with new eyes. Like the songs sung on the journey, it is not so much intended to impart new information, but to bring back into mind (and spirit) the old things, the ancient things -- the things that have the power to redeem us and heal us.
• Eugene Peterson’s classic book “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” is built on the fifteen Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). Many scholars believe these psalms were sung by pilgrims as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend the three great festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles or Booths). Peterson uses these psalms as his outline, with each of the psalms describing a characteristic of Christian discipleship repentance, providence, worship, service, help, security, joy, work, happiness, perseverance, hope, humility, obedience, community and blessing. The psalms then become a metaphorical description of our life-long journey towards God. Ironically the title of the book is a line taken from Nietzsche, an atheist.
  
  Throughout this interesting read, Peterson incorporates historical and linguistic insights without getting too theologically detailed. Peterson clearly demonstrates that a lifelong obedience is the only true path of discipleship to Jesus. This is a well-written book. The reader will find many gems throughout. In our instant culture that wants everything now, this book is more needed now than ever.
• Peterson seems to take up residence in your vocabulary and with the skill of a finely trained chef, he culls the precisely right word in every sentence. His writing is more fine cuisine than communication. Walking through a paragraph, my soul resonates with his sentiment, much like my appetite rises and lists with the aroma in a kitchen. More important than the exquisite pairing of nouns and verbs etc, is the message. I bought this book with the goal of deepening my relationship with my Savior and this study of the Ascents has been most helpful. Oppressive misconceptions that have limited my efforts for years seem to clank on the floor with nearly audible metal ringing. I recommend this for anyone wondering where this abundant life we sing about is hiding. Peterson shares an ancient road map that leads right to it.
• An absolute gift. Probably my most favorite Christian book of all time - every person of the Christian faith should own this book. After reading it, I use it now for a devotional and pick it up often when I need encouragement and reminding what this journey is all about. God has used Eugene Peterson to be a shaping voice for me like no other in my walk of faith. Chapter 12 on Psalm 130, Hope - God used to touch my heart deeply. There is so much in all of this book to continue to go back to....Hazordous work in Chapter 6...wow.
  Thankful for Eugene's voice, I've gone deeper in my faith and learned a lot from his words and also how he encourages scripture reading.
  One of my most favorite quotes from the book
  "The joy comes because God knows how to wipe away tears, and, in his resurrection work, create the smile of a new life."
• Our Christian relationship with God is often put into trite cliches—“Accept Jesus into your heart,” “Follow God’s will for your life”—and often these cliches do not explain the mechanics of our lifelong intimate interactions with our Creator. Of course Peterson cannot perfectly convey what is necessary for the Christian life, but he does attempt the task. In his effort he is able to convey so much more than a trite cliche repeated in church. Peterson conveys a lifetime search for God, a joyful understanding of His word, a dedicated life... because Christianity is not a goal where after a time you arrive and you can rest on your laurels, Christianity is for life! And in Peterson’s writings, the life is immensely rewarding, joyful, unselfish, intimate and disciplined.
• This book has been a life changer for me. I have read it for years. Somebody told me recently that Peterson has some unorthodox beliefs now but even if that is true i would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the Christian life and know how to persevere.
• This is a great book to read if you are looking for encouragement in the day-to-day routine of life. Sometimes life gets uninteresting, but this book has helped me see the hand of God in the mundane. I like to read a chapter a day as a devotional. The chapters are short and full of inspiring thoughts to get you through your day.