Eat This Book

Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading is a book written by Eugene H. Peterson, an American theologian and pastor. The book was published in 2006 and is part of Peterson's series on spiritual theology. It explores the practice of reading the Bible not just for information but for transformation, encouraging readers to engage with the text in a way that shapes their lives and spirituality.

Overview

In Eat This Book, Peterson emphasizes the importance of lectio divina, a traditional Christian practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. The title of the book is derived from the Book of Revelation 10:9-10, where the apostle John is instructed to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's message.

Themes

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of spiritual reading:

• **The Importance of Reading Scripture**: Peterson argues that reading the Bible should be a formative experience, shaping the reader's life and actions.
• **The Practice of Lectio Divina**: He provides a detailed explanation of the four steps of lectio divina: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
• **The Role of the Holy Spirit**: Peterson discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and illuminating the reader's understanding of the scriptures.
• **Community and Scripture**: The book also touches on the communal aspect of reading the Bible, emphasizing that it should be read and interpreted within the context of the Christian community.

Reception

Eat This Book has been well-received in Christian circles for its insightful and practical approach to spiritual reading. It is often recommended for those looking to deepen their engagement with the Bible and to develop a more profound spiritual life.

Author

Eugene H. Peterson is best known for his work on The Message, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible. He has written numerous books on spirituality and pastoral theology, and his works are widely respected in Christian communities.

See also

• Lectio divina
• Spiritual reading
• Eugene H. Peterson
• The Message (Bible)
• Christian spirituality