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258th out of 763 books
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608 voters
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
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...more
Paperback, 212 pages
Published
June 30th 2000
by InterVarsity Press
(first published June 1980)
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I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional on Psalms 120-134, and used it for my quiet time. I read the psalm (each chapter begins with the actual text - a big plus to me), the chapter in the book (which focus' on a theme of the Christian life as presented in the psalm), the psalm in my Bible (different translation) and then the African Bible Commentary on the Psalm.
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but troddin...more
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but troddin...more
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A work on discipleship built on and around the Psalms of Ascent. Peterson's gift for bold, fresh expression caught and kept my interest as a reader. But it is how he helps the reader to join him in coming to the Scriptures "slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully, and obediently" that makes A Long Obedience in the Same Direction worth reading.
A favorite quote: "For Christian faith cannot be comprehended by examining an Instamatic flash picture which has caught a pose of beauty or absurdity, ecstasy...more
A favorite quote: "For Christian faith cannot be comprehended by examining an Instamatic flash picture which has caught a pose of beauty or absurdity, ecstasy...more
Eugene Peterson guides us up to Jerusalem as he takes us through the Songs of Ascents -- Psalms 120-134.
He writes in clear, conversational prose and in a way that makes me think he would be a great teacher and an even better friend.
In the final chapter, he recalls a Charles Dickens character (from "Great Expectations") "who called her rigidity religion." And he comments: "We find that kind of thing far too often, but, thankfully, we do not find it in Scripture."
I don't think we would find it in...more
He writes in clear, conversational prose and in a way that makes me think he would be a great teacher and an even better friend.
In the final chapter, he recalls a Charles Dickens character (from "Great Expectations") "who called her rigidity religion." And he comments: "We find that kind of thing far too often, but, thankfully, we do not find it in Scripture."
I don't think we would find it in...more
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 thes...more
This book is phenomenal. Perhaps it came at exactly the right moment in my faith and my appreciation for artistic writing style, but I loved it and would now rate it as one of my top 5 favorite books ever. Peterson writes beautifully, and with clarity, using the Psalms of Ascent as springboards to discuss aspects of long-term discipleship. The result is an honest assessment of the joys and tribulations of a walk with Christ. He does not candy-coat the faith or make apologies for sin, but instead...more
I read this one slowly and let it sink in--that worked well. Peterson leads a journey through the "songs of Ascent" from the Psalms while engaging the theme of walking and its spiritual correlative of sticking to obedience to God. Peterson writes so well that the journey is most enjoyable and encouraging.
Seventeen publishers rejected this manuscript.
Peterson recalls being informed that "there was no 'niche' in the market, ... that it was irrelevant to the concerns of contemporary North Americans" (202). Who wants to purchase a book on Spiritual Growth with the words "long" and "obedience" in the title, anyway?
Fortunately, InterVarsity Press took a risk and published a book that spoke honestly about Spiritual Growth. Life with God is not a sprint—it's a decade-long path of obedience. Whether or n...more
Peterson recalls being informed that "there was no 'niche' in the market, ... that it was irrelevant to the concerns of contemporary North Americans" (202). Who wants to purchase a book on Spiritual Growth with the words "long" and "obedience" in the title, anyway?
Fortunately, InterVarsity Press took a risk and published a book that spoke honestly about Spiritual Growth. Life with God is not a sprint—it's a decade-long path of obedience. Whether or n...more
Beautiful meditations on the Psalms of Ascent! I didn't know what those were before reading this book, but they are the psalms Hebrew pilgrims would traditionally sing while walking up to Jerusalem for annual festivals--Psalms 120-134. I love Eugene Peterson's writing style--I'm also a big fan of his paraphrased translation of the Bible called The Message. Peterson's scholarly skills as a translator of Biblical languages connect with his years of pastoring a church and his knowlege of the time p...more
Does the view you have of your walk with Jesus stand-up to what Jesus asks of you today? Who is praying for your current struggles (or even knows them intimately)? Who do you share your victories with to celebrate and refresh your soul?
May you find inlightenment of the Love of Jesus and a Family in His Church through the reading of this text. Peterson is always worth the time.
May you find inlightenment of the Love of Jesus and a Family in His Church through the reading of this text. Peterson is always worth the time.
Eugene's been a favorite author of mine since "The Message" and "Praying with the Psalms." He is no-nonsense, golden-toned, inspired, full of wisdom, and deep.
"A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" wins my prize for Best Book Title I've Heard So Far. I've been wanting to read it for years and am very glad I finally did.
"Long Obedience" takes a discerning look at the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). Here are highlights:
120: Renouncing the World: Repentance
121: Go to God for Everything: Providence
122...more
"A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" wins my prize for Best Book Title I've Heard So Far. I've been wanting to read it for years and am very glad I finally did.
"Long Obedience" takes a discerning look at the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). Here are highlights:
120: Renouncing the World: Repentance
121: Go to God for Everything: Providence
122...more
I love this book - the whole idea of instant gratification and how that plays with spiritual growth is timely.
This is based on the psalms of ascent (Psalm 120-131) and is a wonderful look at the whole of the Christian life in a honest way by Peterson. Good for all to read whether you are just starting down the road of being a Christian, or you have been a follower of Christ for sometime.
Devotional book of the year for me.
It's been a long time since I've read a book on spiritual formation that wasn't somehow trite, that wasn't some version of "Jesus please help me win the lottery today, because we both know I deserve it." If you like pop-sci Christian books like that, then you may not like this blast from the past by Eugene Peterson.
But if you're like me and you have long suspected that any spirituality which does not offer a rigorous apprenticeship is bogus, then you will prob...more
It's been a long time since I've read a book on spiritual formation that wasn't somehow trite, that wasn't some version of "Jesus please help me win the lottery today, because we both know I deserve it." If you like pop-sci Christian books like that, then you may not like this blast from the past by Eugene Peterson.
But if you're like me and you have long suspected that any spirituality which does not offer a rigorous apprenticeship is bogus, then you will prob...more
Peterson wrote A Long Obedience in the Same Direction thirty years ago and it's fifteen chapters are based on the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), Psalms that were most likely sung as Jewish pilgrims made their ascent to Jerusalem for their holy feast days.
Each chapter begins with one of the fifteen Psalms in The Message translation which provides the framework for the chapter. In fact, it was actually the work done during the writing of this book that, as Eugene says, "provided the impetus fo...more
Each chapter begins with one of the fifteen Psalms in The Message translation which provides the framework for the chapter. In fact, it was actually the work done during the writing of this book that, as Eugene says, "provided the impetus fo...more
Tim's review of another Peterson book reminded me of this so I'm adding it. I haven't read it in ages, but I loved it every time I read it right up until the day our good friends who are Bible translators for Wycliffe said it would be helpful in their translation of the Psalms and we sent it with them. I think this is Peterson at his best: lyrical, Biblical, pastoral. It's also quite difficult to get lost in it because it's sharply edited by IVP and broken into truly distinct chapters, each of w...more
A marvelous book dealing with the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). I first studied the Psalms of Ascent in a Beth Moore Bible study entitled "Stepping Up." Beth quoted Peterson several times and I knew I would love to read his book and, sure enough, it has really added a lot of enrichment to my understanding and enjoyment of these Psalms. Peterson can really expose the Scriptures in a way that causes one to enter right into them and live within them. Psalm 120 began with the theme of repentenc...more
Jul 17, 2012
Tim
added it
This book has been the most formative book in my life, next to the Scriptures. Long before he became famous for "The Message", Peterson was challenging Christians and Christian leaders on spiritual formation. When times in life have been difficult I have carried the Bible and this book as the tools to help me persevere. I would highly recommend you live in these Psalms with Peterson. You will be enriched and encouraged!
It's a timeless book. Personally, it pierced me to the heart. In our time where almost everyone seems busy and always on the rush, discipleship is taken for granted. I almost shed a tear on Chapter 6 when the author talks about being a Christian as a hazardous work. I can honestly relate to that how tough and challenging it is to live a Christian life. A long obedience and a life of deep prayer is what it takes to be a follower of Christ. This is a wonderful book.
Aug 09, 2011
Chauncey Lattimer
added it
An excellent analysis of The Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). Though it was actually written 29 years ago (1980), Peterson has updated the book in this "revised and expanded edition" in such a way that it is 21st Century appropriate. I highly recommend the book and it is currently being used as a focus for a sermon series.
A marvelous, thought-provoking discussion of discipleship in an Instant society. Peterson's thoughts apply the PSalms of Ascent, Psalm 12- to 134, to life today. He seeks to call the church back to pilgrimage rather than the settled, mediocrity of our society where we are bombarded by emails, cell phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc.
Although some amazing points that were well worth reading were sometimes scattered about, Peterson's authentic approach rooted in years of experience could impact anyone's life. I was especially encouraged by his commentary on the life of a pastor, the importance of balance and the time and place for prayer.
After finishing this book I wished I'd read it ten years ago. It's a thoughtful, meditative journey through the Songs of Ascent in the Psalms as a reflection on Christian discipleship and that it is, in fact, a long journey, not an instant exchange. I rank this book with Piper's "Desiring God" and Bonhoeffer's "Cost of Discipleship" as books that changed my whole perception of Christian discipleship.
Really nice reading of the 15 psalms of ascend in Psalms (120-134). This is a devotional read and more sermon-like as well. The insights are wonderful and some are thought provoking. Please do read this slowly and let the ideas seep in instead of reading it like a madman. I will reread this on a much slower pace in the future.
Aug 02, 2011
Milan Homola
added it
This is a devotional commentary on the Psalms of Ascent. There are some really high points....Peterson has brief yet very inspiring moments with his words. There are points where the chapters seem too long. Overall I recommend this as a great read on those particular Psalms.
It's hard to rate this one. I enjoyed some of Peterson's insights, and it is obvious that he has put a lot of study into the Psalms in their original language. I also like the overall theme of the book, which is that discipleship is a slow process that is at odds with our desires for instant gratification. Despite all this, I had a really hard time engaging consistently with this book. There were two or three chapters that I thought were brilliant, and one or two that I thought were frustratingl...more
Apr 26, 2012
Peggy
added it
I have always appreciated reading and studying the Psalms. Peterson has a way of discussing these Psalms of Ascent that helped me reflect on them as they apply to me, personally. This was one of the most enriching Bible Studies our small group has done.
Another study guide for the Psalms, which we recommend as an extension of our study of Intimacy with God by Cynthia Heald. The focus of this study is encouraging readers to persevere, to go "from strength to strength" rather than from crisis to crisis.
This book reminded me that the life of a Christian is a life of discipleship and pilgrimage, following the Son to the Father. It reminded me that on this pilgrimage every aspect of our lives experiences helps us to continue and grow, and the one whom we are following helps us to trust, thank, try, as we follow. It reminded me that the life of faith, which is a life of victories and failures, joys and pain, sunshine and rain, is best understood as a journey which requires a long obedience while h...more
A meditation on the Songs of Ascent, the Psalms that Israel would sing as they traveled to Jerusalem to worship - Peterson shows that these fourteen songs take the Christian all the way through life and give us food for the journey. Greatly aided my study of these Psalms (120-134), and I used an ESV along with Peterson's own translations of the Psalms. His translations were helpful as well, giving insight into the Psalms I hadn't realized in many places. Always pastoral in his goals, Peterson ai...more
Feb 28, 2009
Pat
marked it as to-read
thanks to all of you who have commented on how this book has touched your lives. It has been on my "to read" list for a few months now. After reading your comments, I think it's time to get a copy and start reading...
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Eugene H. Peterson is a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He has written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of t...more
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