Practice Resurrection

December 14, 2009
Christian maturity and character formation isn’t about finding a strategy, or setting goals, or measuring congregational growth by market analysis, argues the writer in a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the New Testament book of Ephesians. Professor emeritus at Vancouver’s Regent College and author of more than 34 books, including the popular Message
paraphrase of the Bible, Peterson practices what he calls “theological aesthetics,” giving new vitality to such common words in the Christian vocabulary as “saint,” “gift,” and “church.” Christians are called to live out the resurrected life that was incarnate first in Jesus and then in us, the author asserts. It’s no insult to the veteran writer to say that his tone is sometimes imperative and occasionally even a little cranky. After all, the message isn’t new—but the commentary is, as usual, thought provoking and helpful for readers who want a different, sometimes contrarian, perspective on Christian discipleship.

Grover Gardner presents a straightforward rendition of Peterson's discussion of his belief that the resurrected life was incarnate in Jesus Christ and remains so in us. While Gardner reads quickly, not taking much time to grab a breath or pause between topics, his delivery is clear, precise, and easy to understand. Nonetheless, it lacks embellishment and narrative drive. Those who are inherently interested in this topic will enjoy this production, but others who look to a narrator to engage them may find this presentation too bland. J.E. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine