Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers

Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers (2008) by Eugene Peterson is the 4th book in his 5-volume spiritual theology series. As the subtitle says, Peterson uses the first part of this book to explore the stories and parables of Jesus and the second half to explore Jesus' way of praying.The first section the book was centered around the journey to Samaria described in Luke 9 to 19. On his journey, Jesus used the opportunity to teach his disciples, typically through the medium of parable. Peterson looks at how Jesus was not simply a theologian, but that he engaged people through the telling of stories. Too often, storytelling seems to be a lost art today, though Jesus was the master storyteller. In this part of the book, chapter 5 "Manure: Luke 13:6-9" was perhaps my favorite. Peterson, through one of the stories of Jesus, educates the reader that Jesus often does not work quickly. He writes, "Manure is a slow solution. When it comes to doing something about what is wrong in the world, Jesus is best known for his fondness for the minute, the invisible, the quiet, the slow--yeast, salt, seeds, light. And manure."In the second half of the book, Peterson introduces the reader to six prayers of Jesus. His exposition on Jesus' "high priestly prayer" in John 17 is essential reading for the Christian to know that we are invited to join in the Trinity. We are loved by a relational God who invites us in. Another important concept Peterson raised here was that of the importance of silence in prayer and in language, an oft overlooked virtue, particularly in modern culture.I would recommend this book, or any in the series, to those who want a deeper understanding of the spiritual life of the believer.

For me, what Peterson did with this book is open up the ministry of Christ. I used this book as a resource in developing a class on the Teachings of Christ. I was not very far into the book before I expanded my theme to include the stories of Jesus. Peterson took these stories that I was very familiar with and presented them to me as...stories. For one of the first times in my life, probably since I grew to be too old for stories, I simply enjoyed the telling of them and what they probably meant to the people of that time. If Peterson does one thing well, and he does many, it is to make us look at the relaxed unhurried nature of Christ and His life in the Gospels. But yet despite the fact that his pace does not seem so fast, He is always just where He needs to be. This is a book that I will go back to again and again to remind myself that the way of Christ is easy and His burden is light, and when I find that not to be true in my life it is because of the extra burdens I have added.

This book is part of a series by Eugene Peterson that is worth reading and rereading. He has a gift for discussing difficult concepts in a way that makes them easy to grasp. And, unlike many of the books about faith in my home library, Peterson doesn't run out of material half way into the book. His works are full of things to ponder from cover to cover.

Love Peterson's books. Sometimes they're a bit wordy, but Peterson has an amazing (God given) ability to bring additional life to the scripures with an insight, knowledgeable context and linguistic creativity that enables the reader to dwell among the scriptures. He brings the kingdom of heaven down to earth with exquisite language and his insights deepen my appreciation for the love and graciousness of our Lord.

You cannot read anything by Eugene Peterson and not be touched and changed by your reading. Especially, applying his teaching on "spiritual reading" to his other works. Of the books in this series, THIS was my favorite. The last section of the book on entering/praying the prayers of Jesus is wonderful and worth the price of the book by itself. As Pastor Peterson unfolded the prayers of Jesus, I could not help but be transported into the various scenarios that occasioned each prayer. Then, I could not help but feel the presence of Christ as He entered my scenarios. It is an amazing exchange, an amazing experience, and one that drives me to want to be a better Christian. I know that, in myself, I cannot be. But, in HIM, I can and will be.Thank you Pastor Peterson.

I am hooked on this author. He has given me such insights. Reading his books are worship.

I love the book and wanted to give it to my friend who has a limited eye sight. He liked it thought he didn't listened to it yet.

Peterson reminds us of the sacred gift that language is and how Jesus exemplifies how we might expect to hear him (and one another?) in the day to day conversations we find ourselves in.

This book allows the reader to explore and evaluate their Christian Spirituality through the crystal clear prose of Dr. Petersen, a man who is thoroughly versed in Biblical knowledge and gifted to convey this knowledge in everyday language. When I read this book I felt my batteries charging.Neil Paul