How Bono and Eugene Peterson Found Common Ground

The Message was the second title in the history of NavPress to sell more than a million copies, eventually 20 million.

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.”

Psalm 23, The Message

Eugene Peterson meets Bono

Eugene Peterson has completed his “long obedience in the same direction.”

The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible, died October 22, 2018, at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.

About his death, Peterson said,

“I have no idea how it’s going to work out. But I’m not afraid, I’ll tell you that.

I’ve been with a lot of people who are dying. I think those conversations are some of the best I’ve ever had. These are people who have lived a good life and who have embraced their faith. They’re not afraid.”

He was the author of more than 30 books, including the bestselling A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, where he explored discipleship and perseverance in the Christian life.

Peterson was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), taught at Regent College, and held degrees from Seattle Pacific, New York Theological Seminary, and Johns Hopkins University.

Peterson’s influence in the church extended long after nearly 30 years as pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland.

Bono meets Peterson

His theology met rock music when U2 frontman Bono read the Psalms and wanted to meet Peterson, who had never heard of him. Eventually, the two men met and appeared in a film about the Psalms in 2016.

“As a songwriter it’s very clear to me that Eugene Peterson is a poet as well as a scholar. He brings the musicality to God’s Word that I’m sure was always there.”
Bono, Grammy award-winning artist and lead singer of U2.

“Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this. He is helping get me and the Message to the very people Jesus spent much of his time with.”
Eugene Peterson, beloved author, pastor, and writer of The Message.

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Doctor Aletha

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.