Play Audiobook Sample
Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 870 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Eugene Peterson is convinced that the way we read the Bible is as important as that we read it. Do we read the Bible for information about God and salvation, for principles and “truths” that we can use to live better? Or do we read it in order to listen to God and respond in prayer and obedience? // The second part of Peterson’s momentous five-volume work on spiritual theology, Eat This Book challenges us to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God’s revelation, and to live them as we read them. With warmth and wisdom Peterson offers greatly needed, down-to-earth counsel on spiritual reading. In these pages he draws readers into a fascinating conversation on the nature of language, the ancient practice of lectio divina, and the role of Scripture translations; included here is the “inside story” behind Peterson’s own popular Bible translation, The Message. // Countering the widespread practice of using the Bible for self-serving purposes, Peterson here serves readers with a nourishing entrée into the formative, life-changing art of spiritual reading.
Download and start listening now!
"This is a great book to read if you're into Eugene Peterson's work. While considered by many (including myself) to be rather liberal in his theology, the academia in this book is nothing to scoff at. Peterson writes candidly and with a zeal for Scripture that any theologian can appreciate."
— Drew (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Peterson’s exposition of lectio divina is one of the fullest to appear in recent years…A worthy sequel to Peterson’s 2004 hit Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Gardner’s gentle vocal personality lends itself well to persuasion as he gives full value to the details of spiritual reading and encourages listeners to regain the lost art of biblical meditation.”
— AudioFile -
“Deep, stirring, luminous, even profound—if you are going to read one book about reading scripture, it should be this one.”
— Lauren F. Winner, author of God Meets Girl and Real Sex -
“Peterson encourages us to read the Bible as if were dogs gnawing on a bone. Eat This Book made me lick my chops.”
— Gerald Sittser, author of A Grace Disguised
Eat This Book Listener Reviews
-
" One of my favorites from Eugune. "
— Luke, 2/20/2014 -
" Really enjoyable read. Great stuff on spiritual reading of the text. And, he's a great writer. The last part is about The Message, his paraphrase of the Bible. If that's not you're cup of tea, you can skip that. But the first 2/3 is fantastic. "
— Shane, 2/6/2014 -
" A conversation in the art of spiritual reading. Rec. by Ann Voskamp. Rec. by Scripture Union blog. "The author of The Message tackles an important question: how can Bible reading and prayer become a genuine dialog with God?" Very thought provoking. "
— Michelle, 2/6/2014 -
" A sort of primer on how to read the Bible, by the "translator" of the Message (and it includes a whole chapter on his philosophy and motivation to do the Message, which I found illuminating and helpful). Recommended to anyone who's been reading the Bible a long time. "
— Alissa, 1/21/2014 -
" Read this nightly with husband. We enjoyed it - and learned a lot. I've read a couple of books by Peterson, would like to read more. Knowing the background of how The Message Bible came to be was interesting, too. "
— Valerie, 1/18/2014 -
" Peterson is a smart guy. He talks about his passion for the Word, about the history of it and the story of how he had engaged others through creating the Message. "
— Emily, 1/13/2014 -
" i'll start reading it whenever i can pry it from gordon's hands! "
— Amy, 1/1/2014 -
" As I have written before. I cannot read anything by Peterson with experiencing delight, hope and joy. He explains why reading the Bible seriously and taking it into ourselves for examination and contemplation is and can be a joy. "
— Charles, 10/2/2013 -
" Excellent book - enjoyed the beginning half more so than the end though. It was interesting to hear towards the end of the book the story of how Peterson came to write "The Message" translation of the Bible. "
— Heather, 9/26/2013 -
" I've nearly purchased this book multiple times. Amy finally bought it, so I scored from the bedside table and read the first two chapters. Incredible. I love EP's style. "
— Gordon, 1/28/2013 -
" It will change forever how you read/perceive the Bible. Lot's of history and background. Challenges notion of reading for our own gain as opposed to allowing it to form/transform us. Peterson is a deep thinker and a very good writer, most enjoyable. "
— Greg, 12/12/2012 -
" This is a fairly good introduction to reading the bible. I like his metaphor of "eating the bible." He also present interpretive issues when studying the bible in a way that is palatable to conservative Christians who might be intimidated by more academic books. "
— Mike, 3/21/2012 -
" A LOT to chew! "
— Timbrel, 3/11/2012 -
" This book is pretty much terrible. Don't eat it, read it, support the author in any way at all, etc. "
— Brett, 11/13/2011 -
" Peterson is in love with himself and little else. It's trite and was a big waste of money. "
— Sam, 3/22/2011 -
" <em>I read this with N.T. Wright's "The Last Word."</em> A good book for evangelical Christians who want to learn how to read Scripture spiritually. However, Peterson does discuss the importance of exegesis. "
— Jamaal, 2/26/2011 -
" Makes you think about how you read the Bible. Generated good discussions in our women's study. We took exception with some of the points Peterson brings up, but a worthwhile read none-the-less.<br/>Last chapters were not received well by the group. "
— Jim, 10/29/2010 -
" The first three quarters of this book were great. If you're looking for a renewed appreciation for the words and Word of God, check this out. "
— Anna, 9/20/2010 -
" One of my favorites from Eugune. "
— Luke, 9/5/2010 -
" Excellent book - enjoyed the beginning half more so than the end though. It was interesting to hear towards the end of the book the story of how Peterson came to write "The Message" translation of the Bible. "
— Heather, 2/6/2010 -
" Peterson is a smart guy. He talks about his passion for the Word, about the history of it and the story of how he had engaged others through creating the Message. "
— Emily, 9/5/2009 -
" Thought provoking. A good choice for anyone interested in the art of reading. "
— Don, 5/6/2009
About Eugene H. Peterson
Eugene H. Peterson, (1932-2018) pastor, scholar, poet, and writer, was the author of more than twenty books, including The Contemplative Pastor. He founded Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, and pastored that church for twenty-nine years. He was professor emeritus of spiritual theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lived with his wife, Jan, in Montana. They had three children and six grandchildren.
About Grover Gardner
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.