Eugene H. Peterson

Date of Birth: November 6, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 22, 2018

Biography

Eugene H. Peterson was a renowned American clergyman, scholar, and author, best known for his work in making the Bible accessible to modern readers through his contemporary translation, “The Message.” Born in East Stanwood, Washington, Peterson grew up with a deep love for the church and scripture, which led him to pursue a life of ministry and scholarship. He earned degrees from Seattle Pacific University, New York Theological Seminary, and Johns Hopkins University. Peterson served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he ministered for nearly 30 years. His pastoral experiences deeply informed his writing and theology, emphasizing the importance of spiritual formation and the lived experience of faith. He authored over 30 books, including “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction,” “Run with the Horses,” and “Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places.” Peterson’s work has had a profound impact on Christian thought and practice, and his legacy continues to influence pastors, theologians, and laypersons around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Eugene H. Peterson

1. Eugene Peterson was awarded the honorary title of ‘Doctor of Humane Letters’ by Seattle Pacific University.

2. He was a professor of spiritual theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.

3. Peterson’s translation of the Bible, “The Message,” took over a decade to complete and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

4. He was known for his emphasis on the importance of pastoral care and the spiritual well-being of individuals.

5. Peterson spent the final years of his life in Montana, where he continued to write and mentor young pastors.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eugene H. Peterson

1. “The Bible is not a script for a funeral service, but it is the record of God always bringing life where we expected to find death. Everywhere it is the story of resurrection.”

2. “Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts.”

3. “The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped — it requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory.”

4. “The most important thing a pastor does is stand in a pulpit every Sunday and say, ‘Let us worship God.’”

5. “Christian maturity is largely a matter of paying attention and not getting bored.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding Eugene H. Peterson’s net worth are not readily available, his translation of “The Message” and numerous published works have significantly contributed to his financial standing, with “The Message” alone selling millions of copies.

Children

Eugene H. Peterson and his wife, Janice, had three children: Karen, Eric, and Leif. His family life deeply influenced his writings and teachings, particularly his emphasis on the importance of familial relationships in spiritual development.