Review: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. Peterson

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. PetersonA Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. Peterson (IVP Books, second edition 2000)

Subtitled “Discipleship in an instant society,” this book is as relevant today as it was when first published in 1980. If anything, we need it more now, since the pace of life is increasing.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a call to Christians to leave the “tourist” mindset and take on the “pilgrim” perspective. Each chapter looks at one of the Psalms of Ascent (sung by the ancient Israelites on their route to Jerusalem) and applies it to an aspect of “long obedience” discipleship.

This is one of those classic books that can benefit any Christian reader. It’s approachable and down-to-earth, designed for everyday folk who want to learn to live, enjoy and thrive in their faith.

It’s a book to keep, re-read, and share with friends. I’ve marked too many lines to share in a review. Here are a few samples:

My security comes from who God is, not from how I feel. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about him or myself or my neighbours. [Page 87]

We can decide to live in response to the abundance of God and not under the dictatorship of our own poor needs. [Page 97]

In this second edition, the psalms and other Scripture verses are from The Message. This edition also includes a new preface and an epilogue.

Eugene H. Peterson is the translator of The Message version of the Bible, and the author of numerous books on Christian living. His Goodreads author profile gives more information about him and his books.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

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