I’m reading Eugene Perterson’s memoir “The Pastor” (Get it on Amazon.com). Eugene Peterson is at times a controversial man. He is best known for writing “The Message” version of the Bible, but has also written several other books. Before all of that, however, he was just a pastor. In fact, he was planting churches long before it was cool to do so.
I at times disagree with him, especially in regards to the books and authors he often endorses. It’s a shame that many pastors I know would never consider reading this book because of those disagreements. I think he’s worth listening to. His memoir has been like a cool drink of water on a hot day for me. Amid the barrage of all the “get-stuff-done” pastor books in which I often drown, this book has been a life preserver tossed at just the right moment.
I’m not yet finished with the book, but there is one impactful idea that has already concreted itself into my thinking through Pastor Peterson.
Thoughtless cliche and trite religious banter are dangerous things. Not only that, but we have been bedfellows for so long that we no longer recognize it when we encounter it.
With the proliferation of social media online, came a new pressure to be succinct, quick, and multi-focussed. This leaves little room for thoughtful, sturdy, and robust clarity in our communication. Our words are no longer strong enough to support weighty ideas like sin, gospel, eternity, steadfast love, forgiveness, repentance, Yahweh. We write for the book jacket. We preach for the 140 character limit and the 23 minute attention span. Well considered opinions have been replaced by the click of the “Like” button.
Don’t be hasty to write me off as a luddite. That’s not me. I read Eugene Peterson and see a man that has worked very hard to be a pastor and a writer who considers every word so that when it hits the air from his mouth, or the page from his pen, it can carry the enormous weight of eternal Truth. I believe that this is one of the central characteristics about Peterson that has compelled so many to follow his shepherding and read his writings.
He doesn’t waste words. He doesn’t waste ideas.
In many ways this is a characteristic of a generation that I fear is passing on to give way to a new culture of banality. Christians need to take time to think, pray, read and listen so that when it is time to speak, our words and thoughts are in keeping with the glory of the subject.
This doesn’t mean that humor, wit, and lighthearted conversation is out. Certainly not! We just can’t let go of our awareness that time is fleeting, people are sacred, and there is nothing trivial or cliche about the God we represent.
This video is funny. And it’s not trite.
Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.
