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Living the Resurrection by Eugene H. Peterson
Living the Resurrection The Risen Christ in Everyday Life by Peterson, Eugene H.. Published by NavPress,2006, Hardcover
Hardcover
First published January 4, 2006
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About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
432 books1,006 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 1, 2015
This short little book is based on a series of sermons from Eugene Peterson on how to keep the Resurrection central to our lives as Christians. Based on an examination of the Resurrection narratives in each of the gospels, Peterson suggests three spiritual disciplines as ways of developing a Resurrection practice: Sabbath-keeping, the Eucharist and the naming of others in community (i.e. knowing and being known).
There was nothing in this book that struck me as particularly revelatory; I have considered all of these topics before, albeit some only at a glancing level. However, the writing here is clear, warm and engaging and you feel like Peterson is in the room with you, all of which makes the book easy to read. I think my biggest takeaway from reading this was the simple idea that the Resurrection is not a "one and done" event in our lives. We live out Resurrection power every day. I've thought about this idea before too, but what I have not considered is which spiritual disciplines or practices allow me to fully realize it in my own spiritual life.
As he so often does, Peterson provides a warm, pastoral voice on topics that matter. This is a short, refreshing book on spiritual disciplines as a path to remembering one of the core tenets of the Christian faith: Resurrection.
There was nothing in this book that struck me as particularly revelatory; I have considered all of these topics before, albeit some only at a glancing level. However, the writing here is clear, warm and engaging and you feel like Peterson is in the room with you, all of which makes the book easy to read. I think my biggest takeaway from reading this was the simple idea that the Resurrection is not a "one and done" event in our lives. We live out Resurrection power every day. I've thought about this idea before too, but what I have not considered is which spiritual disciplines or practices allow me to fully realize it in my own spiritual life.
As he so often does, Peterson provides a warm, pastoral voice on topics that matter. This is a short, refreshing book on spiritual disciplines as a path to remembering one of the core tenets of the Christian faith: Resurrection.
April 8, 2020
One definition for mystic, is mysteriously spiritual. That sounds like Eugene Peterson and it sounds like this book. Peterson was a Bible scholar and translator, a teacher, pastor, writer, poet and mystic. This small book is about living the everyday life in light of, and in the presence of the resurrected and living Jesus. Parts of the book are absolutely beautiful, and other times I had no idea what he was talking about. He writes about engaging life and Jesus through wonder, meals and friends. He writes that Jesus takes everything we bring him, blesses it, breaks it and gives us something back that is new and better. Am I better for reading this?... Yes, and if a deeply spiritual and mysterious book on following Jesus is your cup of tea, you will be also. Be aware that it will probably need a rereading somewhere down the road.
April 16, 2020
Reading Eugene Peterson is a delight.
This is my 16th Peterson book, and I'm always a little afraid when I see one this short that it's just a repackaging of something he's already taught. I was worried that this might be just a rehash of other things he's written about resurrection, or maybe a shortened version of his very in-depth book Practice Resurrection. But this book (re-released in 2020, but originally written in 2006) is a fresh look at the topic.
Yes, his main point is the same as it always is - resurrection is not a thing that happened, it's a thing that's happening, a thing that is happening to us as we eat together, worship together, live together. But he tells it in a new way this time, with fresh insights from scripture.
He walks us through the entire resurrection story, Matthew to John, over and over, looking at a different part of it each time, highlighting the differences and similarities and pulling out hints at what resurrection should mean for us.
This is my 16th Peterson book, and I'm always a little afraid when I see one this short that it's just a repackaging of something he's already taught. I was worried that this might be just a rehash of other things he's written about resurrection, or maybe a shortened version of his very in-depth book Practice Resurrection. But this book (re-released in 2020, but originally written in 2006) is a fresh look at the topic.
Yes, his main point is the same as it always is - resurrection is not a thing that happened, it's a thing that's happening, a thing that is happening to us as we eat together, worship together, live together. But he tells it in a new way this time, with fresh insights from scripture.
He walks us through the entire resurrection story, Matthew to John, over and over, looking at a different part of it each time, highlighting the differences and similarities and pulling out hints at what resurrection should mean for us.
April 16, 2025
Eugene coming correct, once again.
April 6, 2022
Good short book on the implications of the resurrection. Some good moments and some that were just meh.
March 30, 2024
This book is nothing like I thought it would be… but I’m grateful for Eugene Peterson’s observations and reflections on the resurrection accounts that challenge me to think in a very different way. Here’s my one sentence summary: The resurrection is the center of our spiritual formation.
September 14, 2020
Classic Eugene's writing. Felt like a sermon more than a book
March 30, 2020
Eugene Peterson is one of the most loved authors in the evangelical world. What makes him most readable is his creative use of words and how he crafts ideas together in a manner that helps us see ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Most of all, he is Bible-centered. He is what I call a word-smith, and a teacher of the Word of God. What is the book about? It's about the resurrection of Jesus. Here, Peterson shows us at least three things that help us incorporate the reality of the resurrection into the reality of our present lives.
First, he helps us take a closer look at the particular aspects of Jesus' resurrection. Beginning with the gospel narratives of "wonder, astonishment, surprise," there is a sense that the resurrection is beyond our biggest imagination. All four gospels give a unique perspective about the state of wonder. Matthew's narrative looks at the women's perspective that reveals the shift from wonder to worship. Mark shows us how the women were stunned beyond words. Luke gives us a sense of awe and confusion rolled into one. John invites us to see and to be thoughtful about the truth being revealed. Pointing out six references to the common fear, and helps us see the difference between human fear and holy fear. Peterson gives us the biblical perspective of holy fear: fear of the Lord. In doing so, he shows us the beauty of heavenly encounters that transcend human paranoia. How do we connect from earth to heaven? How do we comprehend the meaning of the resurrection? Simply put: It all starts with wonder. Refuse to let our human intelligence and desire for control interfere with the working of the Holy Spirit. He shows us five ways to do that. We should not be afraid of mystery but be open to God showing us the beauty of the resurrection. After all, he describes life on earth as "not a vacation paradise" but a "war zone."
Second, he compares and contrasts Jesus' times and our contemporary times. Recognizing the disconnected society from God; and the disdain over Church and Christianity, Peterson encourages believers to be witnesses of Christ. Continue to witness through regular worship; togetherness; social good; holy living; etc. Peterson shows us the relevance of spiritual formation through ordinary activities. The way we build a bridge from earth to heaven is via spiritual formation. He takes us back to the ordinary meals Jesus shared with his disciples and how Jesus spoke about his death and resurrection. The early disciples refused to believe but were eventually assured after seeing the prophecy comes true. Spiritual formation is the increasing view of earth from heaven's perspective. It is about learning to see the coming kingdom more and more, in all things present and future. The author also brings back the place of liturgy and explains how important it is as part of spiritual formation as a community. Peterson takes ordinary stuff and creatively builds rungs like a ladder leading up to the resurrection. He starts with a common family meal. He celebrates the togetherness of the community. He highlights the place of meals in the gospels, drawing out unique emphases in each gospel writer's narrative. He urges us to embrace routines. Eventually, he takes us to the common table, the Communion experience where we see Jesus not only as being the host at the table but as the host for all of life.
Third, he aims to help us cultivate the reality of what it means to live as people of the resurrected Christ. In "Resurrection Friends," Peterson expands on the meaning of a resurrection community that as far as our identity is concerned, we are not to differentiate ourselves between experts and laypersons. No economic disparity nor reputation must stand in the way of our communal identity. Friends are spiritual peers. There are to be no spiritual elites. For together, our identity is all in Christ alone.
My Thoughts
The resurrection is the highlight of Christianity. While the world celebrates Easter through chocolate eggs and furry bunnies, Christians celebrate the joy of the Resurrected Christ, seeing the prophecy fulfilled and the promise revealed through the Person of Jesus Christ. Christians all over the world celebrate Resurrection Sunday at least once a year. Just like the need to live as Christians not only on Sunday but every day of the week, we are encouraged to live out the resurrection life not only on Easter day but every day of the year. The apostle Paul has claimed that if there is no resurrection of Christ, our faith is in vain. Thus, why should Christians only celebrate resurrection one day per year? Peterson does us all a favour by shining light on the Resurrection and helping us to live out the reality of this resurrection.
Peterson writes with great understanding of the cultural climate. He creatively works through the angles of modern culture and helps us see the ancient biblical text with clarity and illumination. Keeping his eye solely on the Resurrection, he helps us see the world as what Christ would us see. I like the way he exhorts us to live our ordinary lives well. We don't have to depend on a single fantastic experience in order to authenticate our faith. All we need is a consistent practice of spiritual routines, and to remember that small things done faithfully will achieve great results in God's time. If there is one reason to read this book, this would be it: To live as ordinary people in our ordinary world, so that the world may know that Christ has come, Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. This is the perfect companion book to read in readying ourselves for Resurrection Sunday.
Eugene H. Peterson (1932-2018) is a pastor, scholar, writer, and poet. He has authored more than twenty books, including A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, The Contemplative Pastor, Leap Over a Wall, and the best-selling Message Bible. He is Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Eugene founded Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he was the pastor for twenty-nine years. He lives with his wife, Jan, in Montana. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
First, he helps us take a closer look at the particular aspects of Jesus' resurrection. Beginning with the gospel narratives of "wonder, astonishment, surprise," there is a sense that the resurrection is beyond our biggest imagination. All four gospels give a unique perspective about the state of wonder. Matthew's narrative looks at the women's perspective that reveals the shift from wonder to worship. Mark shows us how the women were stunned beyond words. Luke gives us a sense of awe and confusion rolled into one. John invites us to see and to be thoughtful about the truth being revealed. Pointing out six references to the common fear, and helps us see the difference between human fear and holy fear. Peterson gives us the biblical perspective of holy fear: fear of the Lord. In doing so, he shows us the beauty of heavenly encounters that transcend human paranoia. How do we connect from earth to heaven? How do we comprehend the meaning of the resurrection? Simply put: It all starts with wonder. Refuse to let our human intelligence and desire for control interfere with the working of the Holy Spirit. He shows us five ways to do that. We should not be afraid of mystery but be open to God showing us the beauty of the resurrection. After all, he describes life on earth as "not a vacation paradise" but a "war zone."
Second, he compares and contrasts Jesus' times and our contemporary times. Recognizing the disconnected society from God; and the disdain over Church and Christianity, Peterson encourages believers to be witnesses of Christ. Continue to witness through regular worship; togetherness; social good; holy living; etc. Peterson shows us the relevance of spiritual formation through ordinary activities. The way we build a bridge from earth to heaven is via spiritual formation. He takes us back to the ordinary meals Jesus shared with his disciples and how Jesus spoke about his death and resurrection. The early disciples refused to believe but were eventually assured after seeing the prophecy comes true. Spiritual formation is the increasing view of earth from heaven's perspective. It is about learning to see the coming kingdom more and more, in all things present and future. The author also brings back the place of liturgy and explains how important it is as part of spiritual formation as a community. Peterson takes ordinary stuff and creatively builds rungs like a ladder leading up to the resurrection. He starts with a common family meal. He celebrates the togetherness of the community. He highlights the place of meals in the gospels, drawing out unique emphases in each gospel writer's narrative. He urges us to embrace routines. Eventually, he takes us to the common table, the Communion experience where we see Jesus not only as being the host at the table but as the host for all of life.
Third, he aims to help us cultivate the reality of what it means to live as people of the resurrected Christ. In "Resurrection Friends," Peterson expands on the meaning of a resurrection community that as far as our identity is concerned, we are not to differentiate ourselves between experts and laypersons. No economic disparity nor reputation must stand in the way of our communal identity. Friends are spiritual peers. There are to be no spiritual elites. For together, our identity is all in Christ alone.
My Thoughts
The resurrection is the highlight of Christianity. While the world celebrates Easter through chocolate eggs and furry bunnies, Christians celebrate the joy of the Resurrected Christ, seeing the prophecy fulfilled and the promise revealed through the Person of Jesus Christ. Christians all over the world celebrate Resurrection Sunday at least once a year. Just like the need to live as Christians not only on Sunday but every day of the week, we are encouraged to live out the resurrection life not only on Easter day but every day of the year. The apostle Paul has claimed that if there is no resurrection of Christ, our faith is in vain. Thus, why should Christians only celebrate resurrection one day per year? Peterson does us all a favour by shining light on the Resurrection and helping us to live out the reality of this resurrection.
Peterson writes with great understanding of the cultural climate. He creatively works through the angles of modern culture and helps us see the ancient biblical text with clarity and illumination. Keeping his eye solely on the Resurrection, he helps us see the world as what Christ would us see. I like the way he exhorts us to live our ordinary lives well. We don't have to depend on a single fantastic experience in order to authenticate our faith. All we need is a consistent practice of spiritual routines, and to remember that small things done faithfully will achieve great results in God's time. If there is one reason to read this book, this would be it: To live as ordinary people in our ordinary world, so that the world may know that Christ has come, Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. This is the perfect companion book to read in readying ourselves for Resurrection Sunday.
Eugene H. Peterson (1932-2018) is a pastor, scholar, writer, and poet. He has authored more than twenty books, including A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, The Contemplative Pastor, Leap Over a Wall, and the best-selling Message Bible. He is Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Eugene founded Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he was the pastor for twenty-nine years. He lives with his wife, Jan, in Montana. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
February 9, 2019
I am a bit conflicted by these three stars because there is some gold in these pages. Peterson's thoughts on sacredness in the ordinary do not just resound as truth but are just plain beautiful. I have never been so excited about celebrating communion. His paragraphs on repentance should be required reading. He explains the parallel between the breath given to man at Creation and the breath Jesus breathed on His disciples. There is just so much good stuff. However, Peterson ends up in the weeds too often for this reader's comfort. I don't know if that is a result of such a creative, thoughtful mind or poor editing or disjointed assembly of multiple essays. From a doctrinal standpoint, Peterson sometimes overshoots a plain reading of scripture, which is interesting given his encouragement toward the beauty and truth of the most basic and ordinary. From a practical standpoint, about 2/3 through the book are a few paragraphs where he gives an overview of what he is teaching. It would have been very helpful to see this in the first chapter.
April 17, 2014
Peterson is so good at getting his readers to see the disconnect between the faith they know and the faith they live. In this little book his goal is to get readers to practice the resurrection life. We do this by cultivating a sense of wonder (chapter 1), partaking in resurrection meals (ch. 2), and hanging out with resurrection friends (ch. 3). This book is particularly provocative in its diatribe against the 21st-century commercialization of the Christian faith—especially Evangelicalism. The reality of the resurrection, argues Peterson, should result in a radical, other-worldly faith, not in a this-worldy cultural construction. Especially liked his idea that all meals should somehow be a reflection of or reminder of the Eucharist (his preferred term).
February 11, 2008
gordon has raved about this for a long time so i'm giving it a shot.
April 22, 2020
Read about half of this and then decided to move on. Peterson has written some wonderful books, but I don't think this is one of them. Too much of it feels stretched out in order to fill the pages.
December 23, 2020
I could not figure this book out. After reading it, I’m not sure I could say precisely what it’s about.
Currently reading
April 13, 2023Eugene Peterson used the phrase - "practice resurrection" from Wendell Berry's poem to anchor this book in the resurrection of Jesus. The poem:
MANIFESTO: THE MAD FARMER LIBERATION FRONT
by Wendell Berry
Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay.
Want more of everything ready-made.
Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery any more.
Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something they will call you.
When they want you to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something that won't compute.
Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace the flag.
Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot understand.
Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium.
Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion--put your ear close,
and hear the faint chattering of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world.
Laugh. Laughter is immeasurable.
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head in her lap.
Swear allegiance to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos can predict the motions
of your mind, lose it.
Leave it as a sign to mark a false trail, the way you didn't go.
Be like the fox who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection
MANIFESTO: THE MAD FARMER LIBERATION FRONT
by Wendell Berry
Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay.
Want more of everything ready-made.
Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery any more.
Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something they will call you.
When they want you to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something that won't compute.
Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace the flag.
Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot understand.
Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium.
Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion--put your ear close,
and hear the faint chattering of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world.
Laugh. Laughter is immeasurable.
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head in her lap.
Swear allegiance to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos can predict the motions
of your mind, lose it.
Leave it as a sign to mark a false trail, the way you didn't go.
Be like the fox who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection
June 19, 2020
It is held among the Judaism's belief that resurrection is an event that will occur in the future. Yet resurrection is at the crux of the Christian faith and Jesus's resurrection among the living signifies a new beginning for his followers, that they too will begin to experience the resurrection here and now and not only in the far future after death. Resurrection primarily begins when we put to death our will to live on our own terms and instead choosing to live on God's terms. This God that we can choose to live for is exceeding worthy and deserving. When we behold him and his creations in wonder, we are naturally incline to surrender to his will and experience the resurrection power even in our daily lives. The resurrection is an organic byproduct of our relationship with God. As we progress in our faith, it is easy to fall trap into the religious activities and practices of faith that we make an idol out of the good things to satisfy our needs instead of worshipping the truine God. We need to be careful not to lose our sense of wonder for God as we become more mature in the faith. Thus, the cultivation of spiritual life is crucial and pivotal so that our faith remains organic. The sense of wonder is a powerful force in our faith journey. Fear is another powerful force that can either keep us within God's will or pull us away from his will for us. There are many different kinds of fears. But as Christians, we want to have a reverential fear for the Lord and to hold him at the utmost high in our regards. The fear of the Lord will bring us insurmountable joy as do the sense of wonder. This is a refreshing book that is very soothing for the soul. Although short, the ideas in this book are not simple and I definitely need to read it again to grasp the points I have missed out.
August 21, 2025
The Big idea or phrase that stands out for me: “Spiritual formation by resurrection.”
Other ideas:
- we engage in a life that is permeated by the presence and companionship of the resurrected Jesus, in the company of friends.
- Noticing, entering in, engaging.
- Rest enables us to notice what God is doing, and to experience awe.
- moving away from professionalism and programs into relational intimacy with God, in the company of friends.
- 2 key words are basic to formation by resurrection:
1. Repent (saying no), and
2. Follow (saying yes).
- turning our backs on busyness (that is ego driven).
- following becomes prayer. It is with others, in community.
“Peterson writes about the Resurrection “in the present tense— … moving readers from merely believing in the resurrection to actively experiencing its power in contemporary life.” (Claude quoting an Amazon review).
The book ends with a refreshing reading of the resurrection account in all 4 gospel books of the Bible (Message translation).
Other ideas:
- we engage in a life that is permeated by the presence and companionship of the resurrected Jesus, in the company of friends.
- Noticing, entering in, engaging.
- Rest enables us to notice what God is doing, and to experience awe.
- moving away from professionalism and programs into relational intimacy with God, in the company of friends.
- 2 key words are basic to formation by resurrection:
1. Repent (saying no), and
2. Follow (saying yes).
- turning our backs on busyness (that is ego driven).
- following becomes prayer. It is with others, in community.
“Peterson writes about the Resurrection “in the present tense— … moving readers from merely believing in the resurrection to actively experiencing its power in contemporary life.” (Claude quoting an Amazon review).
The book ends with a refreshing reading of the resurrection account in all 4 gospel books of the Bible (Message translation).
May 25, 2023
Peterson in his characteristic manner invites us to contemplate the final pages of each of the 4 gospels to examine how Jesus lived His resurrected life. Peterson summarises such a life as being one that:
1. Is full of wonder,
2. Involves participation in meals with others
3. Involves walking with friends
I loved the simplicity of Peterson's reflections even though some of his thoughts weren't immediately accessible in my mind. Each of the above elements is a chapter in this short book.
I appreciated Peterson's summations in the final pages. We live a resurrected life by following Jesus with a group of friends (not on our own!), we listen to Him speak, observing what He does, and responding to what He says, via prayer, fellowship and action. The resurrected life gets inside us and transforms us into the people He desires us to be.
This is a very good read and like all Peterson books, I heartily recommend.
1. Is full of wonder,
2. Involves participation in meals with others
3. Involves walking with friends
I loved the simplicity of Peterson's reflections even though some of his thoughts weren't immediately accessible in my mind. Each of the above elements is a chapter in this short book.
I appreciated Peterson's summations in the final pages. We live a resurrected life by following Jesus with a group of friends (not on our own!), we listen to Him speak, observing what He does, and responding to what He says, via prayer, fellowship and action. The resurrected life gets inside us and transforms us into the people He desires us to be.
This is a very good read and like all Peterson books, I heartily recommend.
July 3, 2022
Great short little book
I read this short little book in one sitting this Sunday morning, and it is terrific. Peterson does a great job weaving together a cohesive account of what Jesus's resurrection means for practically living the Christian life out in the real world. Far too often we as Christian get comfortable in our own echo-chambers, musing on "God Talk." Yet, Jesus is Alive, and we as the Church are His Body in the world, and the most formative places for spiritual development are in our workplaces, working, and at table sharing everyday meals with family and friends. We must not simply bow to the feet of Jesus, but also must get about daily life, bringing Christ's resurrection to the world and expanding His Kingdom and Reign to the places He has stationed us.
I read this short little book in one sitting this Sunday morning, and it is terrific. Peterson does a great job weaving together a cohesive account of what Jesus's resurrection means for practically living the Christian life out in the real world. Far too often we as Christian get comfortable in our own echo-chambers, musing on "God Talk." Yet, Jesus is Alive, and we as the Church are His Body in the world, and the most formative places for spiritual development are in our workplaces, working, and at table sharing everyday meals with family and friends. We must not simply bow to the feet of Jesus, but also must get about daily life, bringing Christ's resurrection to the world and expanding His Kingdom and Reign to the places He has stationed us.
December 7, 2022
Through walking slowly through the four resurrection accounts, Peterson reminds us in wonderfully earthy detail that the resurrection isn't just something that happened, but something that happens.
When we eat together, in wonder, while practising sabbath, we see the realities of the resurrection in new and exciting ways.
Perhaps a little too brief, and not quite up to some of Peterson's other work, this was a delightful little read, that felt wonderfully 'normal'. A man who truly understands all of DAILY life to be wonderfully saturated with God. As he quotes in the book, "Let's stop the God talk and get on with life."
When we eat together, in wonder, while practising sabbath, we see the realities of the resurrection in new and exciting ways.
Perhaps a little too brief, and not quite up to some of Peterson's other work, this was a delightful little read, that felt wonderfully 'normal'. A man who truly understands all of DAILY life to be wonderfully saturated with God. As he quotes in the book, "Let's stop the God talk and get on with life."
April 14, 2023
I appreciate what Eugene Peterson was about. He had a heart for communicating deep biblical understanding in accessible language for the ordinary person.
In an effort to keep things simple, I believe he left out some points that are key to the Resurrection. He gets us within the ballpark of what Resurrection means, but then he leaves us at the concession stand. He acknowledges that we should be spiritually formed, however, he didn’t speak much on “what/who” we are being formed into, how we are to become spiritually transformed, or the implications this has for bringing healing and justice to the world.
In an effort to keep things simple, I believe he left out some points that are key to the Resurrection. He gets us within the ballpark of what Resurrection means, but then he leaves us at the concession stand. He acknowledges that we should be spiritually formed, however, he didn’t speak much on “what/who” we are being formed into, how we are to become spiritually transformed, or the implications this has for bringing healing and justice to the world.
December 4, 2024
This edition has a touching foreword by Peterson's son, Eric, as he reflects on his father's death, and it led me to remember the books I have read by Eugene Peterson, and the impact they have had on my life. I think I was in my 20's when I read "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" -- a book which has shaped the way I think about my Christian walk with God. Other books have impacted my soul's resurrection formation, such as "Leap Over a Wall' about the life of David. And this book, too emphasizes what Peterson always emphasizes -- the soul's journey with God. I will miss you, Eugene Peterson. So glad we have your books.
March 29, 2025
Living the Resurrection
Eugene Peterson has been one of my favorite authors for some time - since I was in college - and I never really realized it. His translation of the Bible - The Message - helped me during my formative years as a Christian and continues to be a source that I go to from time to time.
Recently, a friend of mine introduced me to one of his books - Run with Horses - about the life of Jeremiah and it was incredible! Now, preparing to teach an Easter message about the resurrection, I picked up this book - relatively small - and found some wonderful principles within it. I highly recommend it.
Eugene Peterson has been one of my favorite authors for some time - since I was in college - and I never really realized it. His translation of the Bible - The Message - helped me during my formative years as a Christian and continues to be a source that I go to from time to time.
Recently, a friend of mine introduced me to one of his books - Run with Horses - about the life of Jeremiah and it was incredible! Now, preparing to teach an Easter message about the resurrection, I picked up this book - relatively small - and found some wonderful principles within it. I highly recommend it.
April 10, 2019
I always enjoy Peterson's pastoral, down-to-earth style. This book had some great points of theology and application. My favorite line reminded readers that Christ's resurrection provides both the foundation and the means for our new life. Peterson applied "resurrection living" to sharing meals and communion, baptism, and keeping Sabbath. Overall, this was an enjoyable read but a bit disjointed (other reviewers have implied that it draws from a collection of essays/sermons, which would make sense).
April 25, 2025
Eugene Peterson always takes me by surprise with his fresh, unvarnished insights and Living the Resurrection was no exception. Loved it. I made a point to read it in the days leading up to the Christian celebration of Easter and wasn't disappointed. He made several lovely points about living the resurrection every day, my favorite being following hard after the person of Jesus Christ. There was also a section in the back with each gospel story of the resurrection for a hands-on reading. Challenging. Hopeful. And always shared with a tender love for humanity.
March 28, 2021
Eugene Peterson walks you through the resurrection stories of the gospel and argues that resurrection isn’t an event, rather that it is happening today. He explores resurrection through the practices of Sabbath, shared meals and baptism. He shares much insight into a broad range of faults rife the church today - workaholism, professionalism, cynicism, lack of wonder - and offers solutions to bring us back to living the resurrection.
April 2, 2021
Eugene Peterson is always refreshing and offers perspectives that are not often seen. In three chapters, he offers a narrative weaving all the stories of the resurrection and applies them to our daily lives. He connects wonder of the resurrection with the Sabbath, resurrection meals with the Lord’s Supper and transformation of the resurrection with baptism. All of these are part of our spiritual formation.
June 27, 2022
Peterson’s strongest point in the book is the wonder of the resurrection—it’s something we can’t control or fully grasp. This is beautifully and wonderfully explored. However, like many Christian books on a specific topic, I feel he overdoes it—saying that the whole Christian life is tied to this resurrection wonder. It no doubt is an essential aspect that we can’t hear enough about, but no one thing (besides the Lord or the gospel) is really “what it’s all about.”
March 13, 2018
Disjointed
I wanted to read this book because Peterson always brings new insight to the subject . He did not disappoint. I very much appreciated his points that Christian formation takes place in everyday life and that we experience resurrection and community . However in spite of Some attempts to tie the book together it seemed like a series of essays.
I wanted to read this book because Peterson always brings new insight to the subject . He did not disappoint. I very much appreciated his points that Christian formation takes place in everyday life and that we experience resurrection and community . However in spite of Some attempts to tie the book together it seemed like a series of essays.
May 19, 2020
This short book is excellent for devotional reading or for anyone who wants to better understand the relevance of Christ’s resurrection to the Christian life. Contrary to popular belief among lay people, the resurrection isn’t just intended to secure our bodily resurrection after physical death, but has significance for our lives today.
May 15, 2021
Classic Peterson! Grounding the practice of living the resurrection in a community of followers by seeking to honor the Sabbath, to remember our baptism, to enjoy table fellowship with fellow believers and the Lord himself while continually repenting of our sinful ways to follow the ever faithful Jesus.
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