A Burning in My Bones cover art

A Burning in My Bones

The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message

Preview

Audible Standard 30-day free trial

Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Get unlimited access to bingeable podcasts.
Standard auto renews for £5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

A Burning in My Bones

By: Winn Collier
Narrated by: Richard Poe
Try Standard free

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £12.96

Buy Now for £12.96

About this listen

This essential authorized biography of Eugene Peterson offers unique insights into the experiences and spiritual convictions of the iconic American pastor and beloved translator of The Message.

“In the time of a generation-wide breakdown in trust with leaders in every sphere of society, Eugene’s quiet life of deep integrity and gospel purpose is a bright light against a dark backdrop.”—John Mark Comer, author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

“This hunger for something radical—something so true that it burned in his bones—was a constant in Eugene’s life. His longing for God ignited a ferocity in his soul.”  

Encounter the multifaceted life of one of the most influential and creative pastors of the past half century with unforgettable stories of Eugene’s lifelong devotion to his craft and love of language, the influences and experiences that shaped his unquenchable faith, the inspiration for his decision to translate The Message, and his success and struggles as a pastor, husband, and father.  

Author Winn Collier was given exclusive access to Eugene and his materials for the production of this landmark work. Drawing from his friendship and expansive view of Peterson’s life, Collier offers an intimate, beautiful, and earthy look into a remarkable life.
 
For Eugene, the gifts of life were inexhaustible: the glint of fading light over the lake; a kiss from his wife, Jan; a good joke; a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. As you enter into his story, you’ll find yourself doing the same—noticing how the most ordinary things shimmer with a new and unexpected beauty.
Christian Living Christianity Biography

Critic reviews

“Winn Collier captures Eugene Peterson’s sense of wonder over the presence of God and the radiance of Scripture. Through A Burning in My Bones, you’ll learn to experience life through Eugene’s eyes: dig deep, look for what is real, find the sacred in the rough and ordinary, and live like God is real.”—Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church

“How do you reduce into words the vital reality of this man, scholar, searcher, teacher, and faithful friend? Eugene was a man who brought Scripture to fresh life for me and millions of others—who else would invite the phrase Holy Luck into a retelling of the Beatitudes? Winn Collier’s skilled storytelling weaves the threads of Eugene’s life into something fitting, like the prayer shawl he wore in his study every day.”—Luci Shaw, Regent College writer in residence and author of The Generosity poems

“I knew Eugene Peterson for thirty years, or at least I thought I did. He didn’t talk much, especially about himself. I knew nothing about his mouse tattoo, his Pentecostal mother’s radio program, the abysmal failure of his first church plant attempt, his friendship with a young Pat Robertson, or his square dancing prowess. Somehow Winn Collier ferreted out the little known facts about Eugene that, taken together, complete the picture of a humble, gentle giant who brought the Bible to new life for millions and became an inspirational model for beleaguered pastors everywhere.”—Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace

“Captivating from the first page, Collier’s artful storytelling immerses us into the life of a spiritual sage. With a gentle hand, he weaves together moments and words and letters and prayers, drawing out themes like threads in a tapestry, never imposing a narrative. In these pages, we go beyond The Message and the pastor, and meet the human in all his earthiness and holiness. This is a work of art worthy of the man who wanted to be a saint.”—Glenn Packiam, associate senior pastor of New Life Church and author of Blessed Broken Given

“In the time of a generation-wide breakdown in trust with leaders in every sphere of society, Eugene’s quiet life of deep integrity and gospel purpose is a bright light against a dark backdrop. For years his life has been the North Star for my life and pastoral call. This seminal biography is an unmistakable call to quiet resistance against the way of the world and, when necessary, the way of the church. Only read this book if you’re ready to live differently.”—John Mark Comer, pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
All stars
Most relevant
Fantastic to follow the story of his life and family both triumphs and regrets. What a presence and integrity lived.

Pure inspiration.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Absolutely loved every word. I have long loved The Message and read it for more than twenty years . This wonderful account beautifully read has only enhanced my high regard for its author. Usually listen again. Dr Annie 8/1/22.

Wonderful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

One can hardly hear from Peterson and walk away unchanged. The story of his life is congruent with the words he wrote throughout his life. This deep intimacy with his Creator, challenged and stretched at times by the tension he felt between academia/intellectual assent and being a pastor of real people, is noticed and marked as sheer gift by the author and Peterson. But it’s this intimacy, the grace of God, that brings this man’s life to be ‘congruent’: Doing Jesus’ work in Jesus’ way.

“Congruence”

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

A brilliant account of the life of Eugene Peterson, earthed in his desire to follow Jesus in the everyday.

Brilliant storytelling

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Although slow at times, that is a reflection of Eugene's life in that season so it adds to the story. It is amazing to hear the journey behind this authentic pastor and author.

An authentically lived life

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews