Eugene Peterson Has Passed Away at 85

Author and pastor Eugene Peterson has died yesterday at age 85 from congestive heart failure and dementia. Peterson wrote over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language
Author Winn Collier first shared the news on Twitter. "My dear friend and pastor Eugene Peterson has died this morning," he wrote. "The lantern is out, but the joy he carried with him to his final breaths endures. Eugene is now with the Triune God he has loved his entire life. Memory eternal."
His family released a statement on his final, joyful days earthside.
"During the previous days, it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven," they stated. "We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. There may have even been a time or two when he accessed his Pentecostal roots and spoke in tongues as well.
"Among his final words were, 'Let's go.' And his joy: my, oh my; the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently. In such moments it's best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. But if you have to say something say this: 'Holy, Holy, Holy.'"
Eric Peterson had shared an update about his father's health status a week before, describing the author's "sudden and dramatic turn" and the family's decision to offer palliative care for his remaining days.
"It feels fitting that his death came on a Monday, the day of the week he always honored as a Sabbath during his years as a pastor," the family stated today. "After a lifetime of faithful service to the church-running the race with gusto-it is reassuring to know that Eugene has now entered into the fullness of the Kingdom of God and has been embraced by eternal Sabbath."
Tags : eugene peterson eugene peterson news eugene peterson death eugene peterson funeral
Hot Trends
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Lulu Roman, Beloved 'Hee Haw' Star and Gospel Music Icon, Dies
-
Amy Grant's "Be Still and Know... Hymns & Faith" Turns 10!
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "The First Hymn (feat. Ben Fielding)"
-
Katy Nichole Announces Sophomore Album, "Honest Conversations," Releases Aug. 15
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Carley Arrowood “Colors” Album Review
-
"Soul On Fire," Inspired By Boy Who Defied Death, will be in Theatres on Oct. 10
-
Earnest Pugh Scores Fifth No. 1 with “Don’t Give Up”
-
The Church Comedy Tour Returns This Summer
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Deitrick Haddon Reimagines A Classic With Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee
-
Kalamity Kills Returns with Fiery New Single "Afraid"
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band
Most Popular
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Lulu Roman, Beloved 'Hee Haw' Star and Gospel Music Icon, Dies
-
Amy Grant's "Be Still and Know... Hymns & Faith" Turns 10!
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "The First Hymn (feat. Ben Fielding)"
-
Katy Nichole Announces Sophomore Album, "Honest Conversations," Releases Aug. 15
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Carley Arrowood “Colors” Album Review
-
"Soul On Fire," Inspired By Boy Who Defied Death, will be in Theatres on Oct. 10
-
Earnest Pugh Scores Fifth No. 1 with “Don’t Give Up”
-
The Church Comedy Tour Returns This Summer
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Deitrick Haddon Reimagines A Classic With Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee
-
Kalamity Kills Returns with Fiery New Single "Afraid"
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band