"Continuing his series of 'conversations' in spiritual theology, prolific author, pastor and theologian Eugene H. Peterson (most familiar for his Bible paraphrase The Message) provides an intimate look at Jesus' words. Arguing that the Fall created a 'language catastrophe,' Peterson contends that people of faith need to 'eliminate the bilingualism' they use to talk about religion and everyday life: 'There is no "Holy Ghost" language used for matters of God and salvation and then a separate secular language for buying cabbages and cars.' To this end, the author explores Jesus' prayers across the Gospels and parables that are unique to the Gospel of Luke. Using poet Emily Dickinson's dictum to 'tell it slant,' Peterson ably shows that 'personal, metaphorical, particular, relational, local' language can convey profound religious ideas. His meditations on prayer ask universal questions about its efficacy; most moving are reflections on Jesus' last brief words, which form a 'prayer mosaic from the cross.' Peterson's greatest gift is his ability to write about such ideas as sin, repentance, grace and glory in masterfully simple-and concrete-ways." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

A work that will deepen one's understanding of Scripture and strengthen awareness that language is a gift of God, this volume focuses on Jesus' words in daily contexts, and examines how he addresses God in prayer.

In this work, Peterson explores how Jesus used language--he was earthy, not abstract; metaphorical, not dogmatic. "Tell It Slant" promises to deepen Christians' understanding of Jesus' words, strengthen their awareness, and nurture their efforts to make all speech a blessing.