Bono & Eugene Peterson | THE PSALMS

This short film documents the friendship between Bono (of the band U2) and Eugene Peterson (author of contemporary-language Bible translation The Message) revolving around their common interest in the Psalms. Based on interviews conducted by Fuller Seminary faculty member David Taylor and produced in association with Fourth Line Films, the film highlights in particular a conversation on the Psalms that took place between Bono, Peterson, and Taylor at Peterson’s Montana home.
The film is featured exclusively through FULLER studio, a site offering resources-videos, podcasts, reflections, stories-for all who seek deeply formed spiritual lives. Explore these resources, on the Psalms and a myriad of other topics, at Fuller.edu/Studio.
© Fuller Theological Seminary / Fuller Studio
a Fourth Line Films production, in association with Fuller's Brehm Center Texas and W. David O. Taylor
Bono:
[Video message, 2002] Mr. Peterson, Eugene, my name is Bono. I'm the singer with the group U2 and wanted to video message you my thanks and our thanks from the band for this remarkable work you've done. There's been some great translations, very literary translations, but no translation that I've read that speaks to me in my own language, so I want to thank you for that. Take a rest now, won't you? Bye.
Eugene Peterson:
I’d never heard of Bono before. Then one of my students showed up in class with a copy of the Rolling Stones-Rolling Stones?-and in it there was an interview with Bono in which he talked about me and The Message. He used some slangy language about who I was, and I said, "Who's Bono?" They were dumbfounded I'd never heard of Bono, but that's not the circle I really travel in very much. That's how I first heard about him.
Then people started bringing me his music, and I listened to his music, and I thought, "I like this guy." After a while I started feeling quite pleased that he knew me.
[Interview at Point Loma Nazarene University, 2007:]
Dean Nelson:
Yes, but the rest of the story is that he invited you to come and hang with them for a while. You turned him down.
Eugene Peterson:
I was pushing a deadline on The Message. I was finishing up the Old Testament at the time, and I really couldn't do it.
Dean Nelson:
You may be the only person alive who would turn down the opportunity just to make a deadline. I mean, come on. It's Bono, for crying out loud!
Eugene Peterson:
Dean, he was Isaiah.
Dean Nelson:
Yeah.
Jan Peterson:
The Old Testament is a long, long book, much longer than the New Testament, and it did take a long time and a lot of devotion on both of our parts to have that happen.
Bono:
I have to say, in the last years, Eugene's writing has kept me as sane as this is, if you call it sane, which you probably won't. Run With the Horses, that's a powerful manual for me, and it includes a lot of incendiary ideas. I hadn't really thought of Jeremiah as a performance artist. Why do we need art? Why do we need the lyric poetry of the Psalms? Why do we need them? Because the only way we can approach God is if we're honest through metaphor, through symbol. Art becomes essential, not decorative. I learned about art, I learned about the Prophets, I learned about Jeremiah with that book, and that really changed me.
Eugene Peterson:
Then several years later...This was about 4 years ago, 4 or 5 years ago...Bono would like Jan and me to come to Dallas for a concert. We went to the concert. He was very sensitive to us. We were really well cared for, had really good seats. I'd never seen a mash pit before. That was my introduction to the mash pit. Is it a pit?
(Voice off camera):
It's a mosh pit.
Eugene Peterson:
Mosh pit. Okay. You can see how uneducated I am in this world.
We had a 3-hour lunch. We just had a lovely conversation. It was very personal, relational. He didn't put me on any kind of a pedestal, and I didn't him, so we were very natural with each other. Through that 3-hour conversation, I was just really taken by the simplicity of his life, of who he was, who he is. There was no pretension to him. At that point I just felt like he was a companion in the faith.
[About U2’s song “40,” based on Psalm 40:]
I think it's one of his best ones. He sings it a lot. I mean, he does this a lot. It's one of the songs that reaches into the hurt and disappointment and difficulty of being a human being. It acknowledges that in language that is immediately recognizable. There's something that reaches into the heart of a person and the stuff we all feel but many of us don't talk about.
Bono:
[Quoting from The Message’s translation of Psalm 40:]
I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked. Finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch. He pulled me from deep mud, stood me up on a solid rock to make sure that I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song...
For more resources for a deeply formed spiritual life, visit: fullerstudio.fuller.edu now.

[@johnbrewer7629]

Beautiful. I have been sober for over a year and in AA. I took my wife to see our favorite band U2 at Sphere in Las Vegas in OCT 23 to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. As my faith grows stronger and as I question and quest it has led me to this video. Not that I idolize Bono, but I enjoy his lyrical poetry and was wanting to hear his take as I come to my own conclusions. I rather enjoyed Mr Peterson's energy and the tone and timber of the film you all produced. Thank you from the depths of my soul. Great work.

[@user-og2wt3le4j]

There is definitely a God thing going on with the Sphere show.

[@deborahsimmonds653]

Keep up the faith and the progression thru healing from addiction. I am 8 years clean because of God. Every year your brain gets clearer. Praise God you are here

[@Megalodon74]

Thank you for sharing. May the love of God brings you strength, peace and joy. :)

[@Joeypeeps69]

Good for you John, Truly.

[@jessicamaeromero1667]

Be blessed! Beautiful stuff.

[@juliesmith167]

Only just saw this discussion. I clearly stumbled upon it by Grace. I have loved U2 since I was 15 years old. I am now 53. I am heavily involved in my church community but I sometimes feel frustrated and isolated by the lack of honesty, and I was brought to tears hearing Bono talking about this. What I mean is, I have experienced severe mental illness in my immediate family, a marriage almost broken through alcoholism and a lack of honesty. Yet for many of my Christian friends, they do not want to talk about this stuff. They seem to want to keep things on a 'feel good' level. But I know that God can be found in the mess and the chaos. This is the reason that U2's music has always spoken deeply to me, and continues to. It takes faith, and then looks deeply into the eyes of real life with all of its struggles and contradictions and sufferings. It is honest. Thank you Bono and Eugene Peterson for this inspiring conversation. It has helped me greatly.

[@rosalbadelriogarcia9598]

#DrJordanBpeterson #peterson there are these beautiful people completely ordained by God that you will come to meet to complete the learning that brings you to God.

[@steveb6718]

God bless Julie.... Jesus knows and that is enough

[@johanhulleman3720]

Amen.What a great cofession. God bless you and knows by name

[@Jesus_Reigns383]

Very well spoken…

[@kristennoelle9447]

"God can be found in the mess & the chaos".... Amen sister!!!🙏💜

[@shawnallee739]

Beautiful... so much wisdom and love in this film... I love what Eugene Peterson said, "Praying is not being nice before God but being open before God."

[@colinluckens9591]

Yeah absolutely - open and above all HONEST....God really respects that....

[@jackgammon4084]

Also: the psalms are a way of cussing; being angry and frustrated with God without blasphemy or crude language. We are all angry with our human condition but God is with us and His psalms are one way to vent this.

[@wandaprescott6672]

i thought he said" Being honest before God?? Or Open & Honest !!?

[@FranzRobertWILD]

And he is so right by saying this. The bible is full of open feelings in the prayer of many prophets. The bible teaches truthfulness in our relationship with God. Not senseless and repetitive sentences. Truthfulness !!

[@ChildofTheLivingGod-vk8mm]

nice or angry, God knows exactly how your heart is in that moment.. be honest, seek Him... He can take it. He loves you.

[@davidloest3307]

Help me to be as humble as these men who are looking for the truth of what life is.

[@Leonidus808]

I had the great privilege of being Eugene’s student at Regent College 1996-98. His class, Biblical Spirituality, transformed my life and ministry in radical ways. My book, God Things, is based largely on his teachings.

[@kristineb.mcanelly3304]

A three hour lunch is the best. Deep, productive, nurturing when you're with the right people. Informative.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

It blows my mind how Holy Spirit takes what you do and use it for His Glory 👍❗ I love it - be honest with God and each other.

[@marcoalbanese9077]

I sing "40" to my kids every night since they were born. My 5 year old and 3 year old now try and sing along with me. I love this song..

[@wallyanddean]

It was ALL just wonderful but I was especially touched by "Don't run!" at the end...and Bono's response.

[@tracymcgrady4477]

Wally wells. The way he instantly heard her and acquiesced showing her respect of the chastisement done in love which was indeed her motherly concern and display of the love she had for him. Definitely filled full of the holy spirit. The love shines brightly the light of God.

[@neocollective]

I agree, like the mother in her couldn't help it !...and his response was ironic, cute and funny as that of a loving son :)

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

Probably late to his concert.

[@danielfranco7374]

i like that part too haha that was so cool

[@brody1able]

Yes , Lol , It made me smile :)

[@dougmesser1063]

Watched this again for the, probably, 25th time. Like an exhale. Grateful for both of them; both have been mentors for the journey. I miss Eugene's presence on the planet.

[@user-bm7ze1vn8f]

26 for me😂

[@videos4mydad]

"dont run" was an amazing moment...I had a very big smile after that.

[@bonniebell2050]

Me 2.Like Mama looking after her young son..What lovely ppl..

[@robinmartz9052]

I have sung that song for years. The Lord is my shepherd. And the Lords Prayer. The nuns version. I need to pick up my Bible and read it more than I do. I find myself looking things up. Then I’ll keep going cuz it’s so incredible. Then months will go by. I’m ashamed of myself . I pray constantly. Not like “Oh help me” but I’m constantly talking to God. Especially now. Crazy times.

[@tammyb1544]

RIP Eugene and thank you Bono for so many years of good music and for being a believer in Christ. May you continue to follow him all the days of your life. God bless

[@bob_17]

How classy is Bono? He never ceases to amaze me. Such a beautiful soul.

[@Delilah122]

Psalms was read at my brothers funeral mass. He lived nearly his whole life with mental illness. My priest helped me chose something especially for him. If anyone gets a pass in the next life it’s those who never had a life here. ❤️

[@stalker7892]

The last sentence is quotable and worthy of quoting. You're brothers life experienced has tempered you. beautiful sentiments. God bless.

[@nancydickowski7888]

Wow . . . I love the last sentence of your comment. I just "stumbled" on the Bono and Eugene Peterson's story! I am sorry for your loss . . . but surely his pass has set him free!

[@perle13930]

Yes honey, yes❤

[@msglimmertwin52]

This is a real treat for me. I read Eugene Peterson's The Message in 2009 while I was in drug rehab. I couldn't put the book down. I thought of the book, and still do, as a gift. And what I learned while watching this video - The Peterson's were at the U2 concert in Arlington, TX during my stay in rehab. I live in Arlington, TX! I want to read more of this man's books, and I've always been a U2 fan, I love Bono, and thank you Eugene Peterson for helping me get a better understanding of the Bible, it has helped me tremendously!

[@mikeday1562]

Absolutely loved this - two people who seem to be living vulnerably, committed to creativity and faithful to their respective vocations.

[@jairogiraldo6270]

Amen!! One of the most beautiful things is when you realize that God has given all of us different gifts for different functions within the Body of Christ. That’s when you stop comparing yourself and others.

[@gjeacocke]

"You must be the only one to turn down Bono." "Dean, it was Isaiah. " Haha

[@tracymcgrady4477]

Poetic and perfect!!!

[@businesslogistics6346]

I failed to get the joke. Help me please!

[@DavidFarlow]

And Eugene was very serious - The Word of God given the pre-eminence!

[@gamiensrule]

This was great.

[@MelanieAnneAhern]

Peterson's smile is so big and infectious. I can't help smiling whenever he does.

[@adamatincul2618]

Yes, and so sincere! His whole face is shining out, just beautiful.

[@mordaneknoff]

Yes, right! what a God gift to us. I always smile when see his smile

[@sherrismith281]

Very radient..shines forth with open honesty

[@smurfu2]

Loved the motherly bit at the end when she tells Bono off for running.

[@mrmohr2]

Yes, me too. Like she is saying, don't run, don't be in a hurry to leave. Enjoy the last moments of our visit. Enjoy walking up the path! Though I suspect that Bono had been energized by their time together, and his energy was an expression of his joy. Just my perspective.

[@msmara6450]

I have always known you (Bono & band) had good ❤ and this just proved it! God bless you onwards in your journey with Christ! With love, your sister in Christ.

[@Lagunaticmom]

Very sweet interview. I first learned that Psalms was Hebrew poetry in a high school class called The Bible as Poetry. (1974). My eyes were opened! I would also sit with my guitar & Bible opened to Psalms and make up songs. It was my first in-depth experience of worship just between me and God. And it is a great foundation I often return to when I’m down or in doubt. “Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, For I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Ps 42:11

[@maryelizabeth7528]

What a wonderful and unexpected surprise to find this video. Thank you!

[@blakehargrove941]

I could watch this everyday.

[@CheezNrice4u]

I’m so pleased that Bono will be singing in the Kingdom one day.

[@icetlorenzo9377]

Two remarkable people, so honest and profound. INCREIBLE video. As Roman Catholic we are very connected with all psalms since we sing them everyday in every mass. It is one if my favorite thing when I go to church, listening to all these beautiful voices sing the psalm. God bless these two human beings for wanting to make us live in a better world.

[@annaconway7009]

Such a wonderful friendship Eugene and Jan treat Bono like a son of sorts Beautiful❤

[@abundantlybroken]

Man I could have watch at least an hour more of them talking together.

[@MothersBrewTea]

You and me both!

[@sodiz16]

elliot chung Definitely!

[@OneDawn4All]

Amen to THAT!

[@TMPreRaff]

watched

[@Sara954]

Me, too!

[@ginnyjaques]

"Finding a way to cuss without cussing." Speaking the truth in love.

[@SissylovesBono]

Thank you Eugene Peterson for devoting your life to love, for all of us. How wonderful it must be in Heaven with you and Jesus together.

[@AchimDaffin]

Bono, thanks for taking the time to do this. I miss my almost every 3 or four year trips out to drop my bag of coffee beans off with Jan and Eugene. My last time out while they were both still alive (2018), he was not well enough to be seen, so Jan and I spoke briefly on phone, and I left the beans with her friend at the post office (personal delivery, no postage :). Again your interview captured perfectly the peace of this life and the rich beauty of the place. I still remember him paddling to meet our group of preachers in 2007 to the Presbyterian Camp there to visit with us for a week. I miss him terribly, but now that I am retired, I'm readig some of the other books. I miss the correspondence though... The sharing of ideas. He was so generous with his time. (please pass on to Bono if possible)

[@nmarleneflores4059]

😊🙏

[@NancyRodriguez-tx4er]

I loved this conversation. So honest and raw. RIP Eugene & Jan Peterson... God go before you Bono...

[@jacobrhodes7433]

Bono is a kind and brilliant man. The things he does for others and the way he talks about it, leaves you in no doubt that he really cares. I've never seen anyone look so pleased when they spoke of lives being saved. His song writing is brilliant, one of the best song writers of the 20 and 21st Century.

[@nmosinski]

Very inspiring and interesting look at their friendship and what the psalms mean to them...but one of my favorite parts is Jan telling Bono not to run up the steps at the end...(translation..."be careful, I care about you"...motherly love!) That is real.

[@wellingtondf]

+Nancy Comes Osinski Yes! I agree..!

[@dereksumey5196]

2 brave philosophers making sense of beautiful words.

[@OkOk-tu9qq]

Absolutely beautiful! I like the rawness of honest emotion exhibited in this conversation. Especially the "cuss without cussing". The Bible does teach us to be "angry and sin not" thus giving space to let out honest anger. It also teaches us to "let not the sun go down on your wrath" giving space to addressing the issues that triggered the wrath. This interview/conversation is calming, loving, respectful and honest. Thank you for sharing it with the world. The Lord is truly our Shepherd.

[@choonhwatan8877]

i agree with you as many times as believers ,we tend to shut out our emotions thinking its a bad thing rather than accepting and dealing with it.

[@user-nd9hq3tc7h]

"Cry without weeping, scream without raising your voice"

[@daviddavisproject]

Beautiful. In every way, beautiful. This conversation, this art, this honesty is needed. Thank you to the makers of this film.

[@lorrainemulholland9450]

Very sad to hear about Eugene's death. The Message is such a brilliant work. He was a great role model to people like myself who tried hard to learn Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. I was interested in Bible translation for the Berber people for many years but being female couldn't do it with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Nevertheless he remained a huge hero. His death is a very sad loss. R.I.P. Eugene.

[@alainstasse4602]

"We need to find the art of cussing without cussing". I love it.

[@jkfinley]

Thanks from a longtime fan of both Bono and Eugene Peterson!

[@MrKC23]

"Great words, shame about the tunes" Love his honesty

[@revsolution]

Could we all just go hang out at The Peterson's. Please?

[@colinluckens9591]

Yeah! Count ME in.....

[@sb4040]

Don't run! she yells at the most famous person in the world. Love that.

[@pattimoose1]

Isn't it gorgeous there?

[@brody1able]

Come on , Let's go :)

[@wandaprescott6672]

Yes Please ! Gods Handy work...What a Fabulous place... WoW !!!

[@rhymeocerous]

I'm a long time lapsed catholic, but occasionally something will awaken a flicker of faith within & this upload certainly did that for me. Christianity borne of decency, tolerance, thoughtfulness & compassion.

[@mrscaliforniagirlie]

stay close to the holy spirit, my friend in Christ: that is the flicker of faith within you, God is always calling you back to him.

[@josephdykes1820]

Norfolk Enchants Draw closer to God, and He will draw closer to you.

[@suzannemariesholer4876]

Norfolk Enchants softly and tenderly He is calling

[@zeebee9356]

Norfolk Enchants; Catholics are not considered to be Christians. I was once a Catholic, but was rescued by the power of God and the Holy Spirit awakening my spirit.

[@jimchumley6568]

Norfolk Enchants Seek Jesus, not religion! You must be born again!

[@IngeborgDijkstra]

Thank you for producing this short film. Touching, honest, true. Thanks to Bono and Eugene and obviously to God for His Word. #inspirational A very good film to watch with teenagers too (at home, at school, at youth groups etc.). The honesty and vulnerability of both men is not only heartwarming, it creates some great questions to discuss too!

[@maxboucher86]

I dont know this Pastor, but listening to him I can see he really has a heart for God, it is obvious.

[@Research0digo]

which Pastor? I didn't realize any of these men were Pastors. Thank you.

[@lindsaymorrison7519]

@@Research0digo Eugene Peterson

[@carmenpineda2197]

He's not a pastor, I would say he is a theologian

[@hughmarcus1]

@@carmenpineda2197 He was a pastor for many years too.

[@bonniebell2050]

Oh I sooo agree..

[@Ocelot1962]

I've watched this video numerous times now. As someone who wrestles with belief, this brings me peace and comfort.

[@JustaJuboi]

I was touched. Dec 6-1980 I saw U2 very first USA concert. The Ritz NYC. Notice the enlightened humility in Eugene's voice. I'm about to get the book😂😂

[@2ndbar]

I was reading Psalm 40 just before I stumbled upon this video.

[@josephdykes1820]

Michael Pietrs God prepared your heart to be extra receptive

[@2ndbar]

Thanks, Joseph. That is an encouraging word.

[@caraisabelladeborah]

LISTEN! 😄😄😄

[@heavnnnsent]

Synchronicity and Godwinks

[@hgostos]

Nothing heavier, more significant, more transforming or more empowering than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@michaelkrolewski7430]

A BIG AMEN to that!

[@jimchumley6568]

hgostos Amen! The living word itself. John 1:1-18

[@johnd942]

+hgostos: John 14:6 JESUS is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. NO ONE comes to the FATHER except through Him(JESUS). Translations: While secular translations may make for 'light' reading; the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only first and paramount; it's critical! Put it second at your peril.

[@dianer558]

hgostos well said. Amen! God bless you

[@rebeccastarr2851]

Truth, Amen!

[@ruthdesrosiers1896]

A perfect video to watch after a difficult day. So glad I found this! Brought so much peace and solace to my heart.

[@gertifity4868]

Amen Ruth! Amen!

[@kellyredmon7852]

What a wonderful short film! Beautifully shot, simply told. It captures everything fans of both the writer and the musician wanted to see.

[@kman8271]

I love reading the Bible through this translation. Best one by far!

[@johnsondangles1033]

I am not a U2 fan but I respect Bono. So respectful of this elderly gentleman and very humble. He’s well versed in culture and educates himself on many aspects of life outside of his fine art. He hasn’t got caught up in the lifestyle and has a very meaningful plot on this planet. Respect

[@liz51765]

So love that you are bravely sharing your faith Bono! You've always lived it and have found the ways to inspire others to consider God's message of serving the poor and the oppressed without sounding preachy or judgmental. You found the musical notes the Bible and found a way to turn them into song and light. Keep sharing the truth in love--and LIVING it. Loved seeing you at all the Chicago shows this summer and U2360 in 2010, 2011! Blessings always.

[@ellenwoertink842]

I'm blown away! So Beautiful! Thank you both Bono & Mr Eugene H.Peterson, this has definitely inspired me to study the book of Psalms again and look at it through different eyes. I too struggled with the book of Psalms. God Bless you both

[@bonniebell2050]

Don't struggle..It'll grip ur heart..luv psalms..Proverbs is soo great 2..

[@LTCFAR05]

It gave me a sense of God's reach, because I never would have thought Bono would have known God. It's wonderful to see the reach of God's love and how it can impact others.

[@squishywizard4163]

As a writer, I found this so inspiring to see two influential men of God, who are also writers, speak so profoundly and openly about the Word. This is exactly what this world needs more of. What an absolute joy to watch.

[@BradfordGuy]

Wow... I am so used to the "meh" experience when viewing most online videos, but this one really captivated me. I am a musician, so Bono needs no introduction to me and his take on the Psalms is very honest and beautiful. Mr. Peterson's views on cussing without really cussing, is huge! I bet there will be many people, whether they are musicians or not, that will be trying to break this barrier... to curse without cursing and also to those who write songs that are "biblical" but with a lot more truth to them - I think I will give that shot as well! Thank you for this video - it is now saved and will be one of my all time favorites!

[@jasonlefler3456]

Eugene is touchingly out of touch with the pop world. I mean that as a sincere compliment. It is very refreshing. "Mash pit" sounds better anyway.

[@jkirton1964]

I am sure that there are MANY things of which I, too, am "out of touch with" in the pop world! There are just SO many things out there in which I just have no interest, which do not get or catch my interests. I found Dr Peterson both warm and genuine in this discovery of Bono, U2 and the "mosh pit". :-)

[@BobbyCarby]

This was beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. I've been a U2 fan since 1983 and a Eugene Patterson fan (and his Message Bible) for the last 11 months.

[@babshuis]

As one who is a companion on the way I resonated with the deep honesty of this piece. I had the privilege of meeting Eugene and sharing my heartfelt appreciation for his translation The Message and his numerous writings. My life trajectory shifted and I will miss this saint. Farewell good and most faithful servant!

[@SheridanVoysey]

This is so good. Eugene has told me the story of him and Bono before in a radio interview, and of his approach to writing The Message. But I just love seeing the two of them together here discussing the interplay of scripture, art and faith. So good.

[@sytskepeterson7884]

I just watched this for the millionth time. I miss Eugene so much. The idea of not another writing more.....

[@prestonpouteaux]

This is gold. Well done.

[@matthewjoscott]

Wow. Thank you Bono, thank you Eugene Peterson, and thank you Fuller!

[@BrianODonohue]

That was wonderful. I long for fellowship like this. Real life application and appreciation of God's word and what it means to us today. How we strive to capture the heart of His message and find a way to continue expressing it through word and music. My gratitude to all. Thanks for letting us in on this conversation.

[@dgalansilk]

Beautiful...both Bono and Mr. Paterson are ROCK STARS!

[@louisdeangelis2535]

10 out of 10.. thank you all.

[@dooitzeyidejong]

"Write a song about their bad marriage. Write a song about how they're pissed off at the government. Because that's what God wants from you: the truth... The truth will set you free."

[@jademm]

+Dooitze de Jong This idea should also apply to CHRISTIAN FILMS. I'd rather them be honest and creative than "safe'.

[@anntree4428]

@@jademm where do we cross lines, where do we blur the truth?

[@johnworden7248]

Very deep and personal relationship shared here in film. I love the authenticity and challenges here. I plan on reading some more Eugene Peterson and listening to some more U2. Thanks for the strong nudge to be real and embrace the raw truth of the Bible. I hope this 20 minutes helps push more Christians to share their experiences in life authentically, thus drawing people to Jesus: The Way, The Truth, and The Life

[@rossyboycampbell]

This is really great. Everyone should sit still when Eugene Peterson says something. An amazing gift from God to our generation. So thankful for him.

[@janeblessing5043]

Any tv programme about any musical artist and they get bono to contribute due to his ability to speak the perfect words combined with his inclination to speak them

[@baybornbalkanbaby7277]

Psalm 118:14 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

[@murreyhall6704]

I always liked how David started out the Psalm in a troubled spirit or place in his heart. In most of his Psalms he ends up in a realization and clear answer to the trouble he started with. He ends up praising he Lord, which is a good lesson for us all, AMEN

[@photoshopskillz3041]

On cussing without really cussing, Bono and U2 has some lyrics that resonate to me thru their song "Running to stand still" -some lines go like this: "You got to cry without weeping Talk without speaking Scream without raising your voice" That last line, "Scream without raising your voice" Bono sings it beautifully and with him actually raising his voice. Just magnificent.

[@aceespenshied7267]

That's exactly right, and that is the song that I thought of (my favorite U2 song among many of theirs) although, Peterson is considering ultimately "sin without sinning", which is where I think he and Bono part ways just a tad....so this little part of the video was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to me....

[@belleseastonebassguard9425]

Running to Stand Still

[@kristineb.mcanelly3304]

Groanings. Our spirit groans.

[@bluenightgrinner8620]

One of my favourite songs. The lyrics are pure poetry, comparable to any of the greats, in my humble opinion. I play it all the time.

[@dustinmbox]

I don't think that is what Peterson is thinking "sin without sinning." I think it is quite the opposite. I believe he is saying finding a way to fully express yourself, your process, your feelings without singing. Thus "finding a way to cuss, without cussing." @@aceespenshied7267

[@freddieleal2773]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for such an incredible perspective of two peoples lives and the awesome perspective they shared with the world through the Psalms! Inspirational video! Thank you again! God bless and keep you!

[@newmembersministry9318]

I have always been a fan of Bono and as I am watching this. I looked up at my bookshelf and saw the Message by Eugene Peterson. I immediately got it down and started reading the Psalms. This is so inspiring.

[@tammydeleeuw8020]

Thanks Fuller! This was beautifully rendered and very touching. The Petersons are GEMS!

[@laika5757]

The best scriptures I have come across is in the heart of all living creatures..and is best expressed without words. ❤️

[@jbmanning]

David Taylor was a worship preceptor of mine in seminary. What a gift of a conversation! Thank you, David.

[@rockinrandyful]

Jesus did have an answer for the violence executed upon Him at Calvary. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" Violence begets more violence so as a Christian one must pick up their cross and follow Jesus as the world looks on. I perceive a lot of people only use the stuffiness of some Christians as an excuse to themselves for their reason not to examine themselves for the call that the Lord has on their own lives. I did. When I got honest with myself instead of judging others, whether right or wrong, immediately the fruits of the Spirit flowed replacing the judgmental and negative perceptions injected into every day of my life to that point. Just a result of walking in the world for 6 decades. Great interview.

[@paulineconnelly5852]

I love your comments.

[@luiscaro4891]

Honesty and Humility is to recognize our own worthless self ,without Jesus redemption by his blood.

[@Rextrent]

The "judgmental and negative perceptions injected into every day" can make life a grind. Is every Christian soft-spoken and non-violent? I'm sure that I haven't been the only young man to struggle through adolescence with a high ideal of living Jesus' teachings from the scriptures. I felt there was something wrong about certain children continually asking me for money. When I decided to stop playing that game, it was not because I couldn't find twenty or thirty cents worth of nickles for charity. Though I recognized we were very blessed, we have never been wealthy, but it was something about the situation that bothered me. "Turning the other cheek" had me confused, and though I've never wanted to be a street-fighting man, I was led by an inner suggestion to stand up for myself. Not a great story, but real. Another question, Is the head of the family, the father and husband, supposed to protect his family from wrongdoers? Fifty years ago, I think there would be less doubt about the answer. "The body has many parts and they do not all have the same function." So we aren't intended to function the same way. I know Christians who appear to be apolitical, and some profess that we are to be more heavenly-minded. Is it right then that we will wind up no earthly good?

[@AJ-yw7hf]

Rextrent - "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their soul?" (Mark 8:36.) You asked if the head of a family is supposed to protect his family from wrongdoing. It depends on what he would do. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil." (Romans 12:17.) Also, just a reminder - Jesus taught "And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9.) As far as there being different parts to the body of Christ, I think that's just a reference to the fact we don't all have the same functions & that we don't all have the same gifts, for example. What we DO need to all do is follow Jesus's example & actually strive our true best to Learn his teachings and to *Live* his teachings. None of us is perfect in doing that, which is why we all need Jesus, & it's why we all need to go to God & Jesus with sincere, True repentance of our sins as we go through life & ask the Lord's forgiveness. He knows our thoughts, heart, feelings, attitudes, etc., so it has to be sincere & true. As far as being apolitical, I'm strongly convinced that a person has to either choose to follow Jesus or not. Doing that involves letting the chips fall where they may. That certainly doesn't mean we have to be no earthly good. Politics oversimplifies things, though, & gives people blind spots. When someone supports or promotes a political party or candidate, s/he is supporting some bad along with the good. I'm not saying politicians and political parties are equivalents of each other or that they're all equally as bad as any other politician or political party. There are differences that matter, but supporting a political party means either supporting, going along with, or being blind to the bad from that party in order to try to get the good from that party that one wants. That's not following Jesus. It's also detrimental. What I recommend, rather than supporting a party or candidate, is to support what you see as the best stance on Issues on an issue-by-issue basis. For ex, you can call congressmembers who you're a constituent of & let them know you hope they'll vote a certain way on a certain issue. People *truly* living as Jesus taught, people truly following him as Lord, is exactly what this world needs. This world is under the power of the dark side. This is a fallen world. People either let it drag them down with it or at least strive to rise above and help show others the way. There is nothing more worldly than politics. Politics is not about truth and is not about ethics. It drives people to extremes & it makes hypocrites of people. It is also war rather than peace. Etc etc. Politics is pretty much the opposite of Jesus & his teachings. For ex, Jesus hated hypocrisy & called it out. Also, if we *Live* by Jesus's teachings, our prayers are more likely to be answered, which is a great way to do some earthly good, too, while letting Jesus save our Soul.

[@twneubauer]

Watched this after reading the biography of Eugene Peterson called "A Burning in my Bones." So fitting as an epilogue to the book and to a life well lived!

[@cassiedeer9885]

I stumbled over this by mistake, I love Bono's music. I saw a vulnerable side of him in a different deeper way, like never before, but it was so intriguing to see..................And I just adored Eugene Peterson, and his wife...................Made me hungry to read his works.

[@petebowman22]

Good man Paul Hewson. I appreciate that he is continuing to make time to learn and soak in life. One day we will break bread.

[@GraemeBlore]

Loving the rawness and reality expressed here SO well. Also the human emotion and the outpouring of love and respect.

[@McMc25c]

I'm hoping this is the first of many installments by these two - two excellent artists. Thank you.

[@MickSilva]

Something in me unclenched and released when Jan said at the end, "Don't run," and the younger man, the aging rock icon, was slowed and chastened. Bono's response was perfect, letting the slowness in, letting it change him. In some way, this film about an amazing friendship has reminded me to slow down and come back to myself. Thank you, David, Forth Line, Fuller, Bono, Eugene and Jan. This is no small accomplishment.

[@Homeinmygardenwithmydog]

I was looking up some interviews with Bono and found God. A new exposure to God. A new interpretation. Thank you. I needed that.

[@willhoyle752]

This was one of the best morning devotionals I've ever watched. I always loved U2 and knew they were Christians, but never understood how deep their faith was! As a pastor and 16 year prison chaplain I've always loved Eugene Peterson but never knew how approachable he was. He makes coffee just like I do. He loves a lake house like I do. I will never read the Psalms the same way. Thank you for posting this. I am carrying lots of crosses in my life right now. This helped me.

[@cathrynclinton2806]

Thank-you all for sharing your experience and knowledge of God

[@ginacloe486]

I love Bono's heart and spirit. I couldn't say enough kind things about him! Very interesting reflections and personal translations of the Psalms. I think its time for me to dig out my copy of The Message again. That last bit where Bono (forever 5) goes running up the steps after JUST coming back on tour from his bike accident had me in stitches. Jan Peterson went full Mom on him. "Don't run!" The way he stopped and slowed down was so funny!

[@jessicamaeromero1667]

That was especially funny! It must have really taken him back to when he was five! She didn't even have to finish her sentence.

[@colinluckens9591]

haha yes))

[@joanvandermerwe]

Thank God there are people who are willing to document their experiences like this, however imperfect, so the rest of us can gain wisdom from that. I am such an introvert. How bold it is to get on a plane and talk to the man behind the words, behind the Message. There are things in these kind of conversations that should be heard by others.

[@mitcharett2586]

Their faith and their love help me to understand why U2 has been so popular. They are a force for good on this planet. Rock on, believers!

[@michaelstrickand3858]

It makes one's heart sing to hear honest conversation among folks you respect. Thank you for this film. It could have gone on much longer!

[@CarmenShenk]

Love his so much! May have to listen to it again. Gorgeous! And don’t run on the stairs! LOL!

[@kathrynherriotthunt9604]

This is 17 minutes longer than my attention span usually "takes-me"...However this is near the 1/2 dozen times mark that I have watched this...It is well worth it if you be a fan of U2 or the for that matter a devote of the Bible...Eugene H. Peterson's "The Message" Bible has been my favourite version OF the Bible...It makes me see "things" in a new...in an exciting way...As a Preacher's Kid these "things" are important to me to keep my Faith vital...I recommend that you take the time...I guarantee that it is time well spent...

[@abigailtoney1614]

"Don't run!" (Bono slowly moves up the steps). Love this! Very enlightening!

[@mlady204103]

I love the honesty of the Psalms, too. David laid out his thoughts and feelings before the LORD and fully expected Him to act on David's behalf. In Christian circles, there's a phrase, Dance like David danced. Yes, and pray like David prayed! Asking for the Holy Spirit's help, read and study the Psalms - and the entire Bible. It is a life-changing experience!

[@nusion3695]

Beautiful. Simply pure. And that I was given this gift 3 days after Eugene Hoiland Peterson (November 6, 1932 - October 22, 2018) passed on. ♥️

[@sharisimonehampton5434]

It is hard to be human. So beautiful to watch this gathering together of men singing and speaking truths of Psalms. Thank you guys!