Traveling Light: Modern Meditations on St. Paul's Letter of Freedom

I'd start by saying, for most of my adult life, Eugene Peterson has been a guiding light and a model of faithful Bible interpretation and faithful living. That said, I've been disappointed in Traveling Light on a couple of broad fronts especially related to its appeal to young people.First, it's wordy. He seems to say in multiple paragraphs what he could have said as well in one well-constructed paragraph. This seems like one article or one short sermon series, expanded into a book.Second, it seems uncomfortable with much nuance in the relationship between freedom and church structure/process. While it's certainly true that church structure and process CAN be stifling and were used in an attempt to stifle Paul, Dr. Peterson's narrative doesn't acknowledge that not every newcomer to a church has Paul's mandate and maturity and that the early church defined roles and processes as a way of "discerning and discipling".True, structure should not dominate or be used to stifle Spirit-inspired innovation, but it has important uses and, even with young people, it has an appeal. It's interesting, for example, the movement of young people toward the Anglican or Catholic or Orthodox churches which are on the high end of the structure/tradition continuum and the increased use of liturgy in churches with non-liturgical traditions.Finally, for young people it may be a true solution to a problem they don't acknowledge. A central thrust of the book, while absolutely true, seems to be in need of re-framing with young adults. Although the message of freedom from sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ speaks to me and people of my generation, that message may be less persuasive to younger people who have grown up with LOTS of freedom and too many choices and a limited sense of moral constraint. As Paul did on Mars Hill, writers wanting to reach young people may benefit from beginning with acknowledging what they believe or need, which for this group may benefit from a focus on Christianity as the source a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as an all-wise and caring mentor who leads you into all truth, including the truth of the need for salvation from sin.Again, I'm grateful to Eugene Peterson for his writings and insights across the years, and I understand that this book was not intended solely for young people, but, IMHO, is not one of his best books.

My personal testimony is that this book, with the emphasis of God's glorious gift of freedom through his Son, has been a solid anchor in both my life and in my adult daughter's life. That is a statement no critic can refute. Think of that, a different generation who can share the love of Christ because of Peterson's work! Marvelous! I would not trade that relationship for silver or gold.Is Peterson ever too wordy for me? Perhaps now and then. But on the flipside, my vocabulary (and more importantly, the increased capacity to see large Christ-based themes) has been greatly enhanced and now I am able to read his other books with much less effort and a greater appreciation for the love of God. True, a growing vocabulary's benefits come with the cost of personal effort. But your effort is never alone. The Spirit gives you capacity for thoughts that you could never come up with on your own.The final chapter of the necessity of death before resurrection is a wonderful description of Paul's life: "I die daily. Repentance does not come without the death of the old life..... every day.

I appreciate reading through any of Eugene Peterson's books. He is well thought out and provides a pastoral voice to apply the scriptures in a local congregation. I love hearing his heart in his work as he pursues God's heart. This book had much to give from Galatians. Maybe not as well known as other books he wrote. Still worth the reading.

Clear, concise, and very motivating with many stories of how lives are changed. Peterson is a master writer with the ability to mix the "good news" of the New Testament with contemporary living.

This is probably one of the most freeing books I've ever read. I loved it and could notwait to recommend it to others. For anyone who longs to live free, and cut loose from allthese inhibitions sin brings into our lives, it is like an open window bringing in fresh air.Highly recommended!

Brings new insights into the meaning of Paul's letter. Not your traditional views!

An excellent reflection on Paul's letter by a masterful and creative commentator - great for use as a group Bible study resource

Eugene Peterson opens up the meaning of Galatians for me. His writing style makes the content easily understood and engages the reader in deeper contemplation of the book.