LifeWay Will Continue to Sell "The Message" After Eugene Peterson’s Retraction

Earlier this week, author and Bible translator Eugene Peterson shocked the evangelical world when he says that he supports homosexual marriage. This has caused a flurry of responses,including Lifeway Christian Bookstore's decision that it will no longer be selling Peterson's books, including The Message Bible. However, a day later, Peterson retracted saying that he doesn't support homosexual marriages anymore. Based on the retraction, Lifeway will continue to sell Peterson's catalogue.
"I affirm a biblical view of everything," Peterson said. "It's worth noting that in my 29-year career as a pastor, and in the years since then, I've never performed a same-sex wedding. I've never been asked and, frankly, I hope I never am asked."
"Based upon Eugene Peterson's retraction, we will continue to sell his resources," said Carol Pipes, LifeWay spokeswoman in a statement.
"LifeWay only carries resources in our stores by authors who hold to the biblical view of marriage," stated a spokesperson for the affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). "We are attempting to confirm with Eugene Peterson or his representatives that his recent interview on same-sex marriage accurately reflects his views. If he confirms he does not hold to a biblical view of marriage, LifeWay will no longer sell any resources by him, including The Message."
The LifeWay website currently lists 135 titles by Peterson, including dozens of versions of his Message Bible, his memoir The Pastor, and his popular book on discipleship and the Psalms, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.
LifeWay has dropped author's books before for this reason. Last year, it stopped carrying best-selling Christian author Jen Hatmaker's books after Religion News Service columnist Jonathan Merritt reported that Hatmaker supports same-sex marriage and believes that such relationships can be holy.
The nonprofit also opted not to sell Amy Grant's recent Christmas album. Her manager said the decision was made because the album was not Christian enough for the Southern Baptist retailer.
Tags : eugene peterson eugene peterson homosexuality the message bible eugene peterson new book lifeway Christian bookstore
Hot Trends
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault and Misconduct
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Squire Parsons, Southern Gospel Singer, Dies
-
Ben Fuller Invites Carrie Underwood to Join Him On Stage for Live Duet Debut at The Grand Ole Opry
-
David and Tamela Mann's "The Live Breathe Fight" Tour Cancelled
-
Three of the Best Stories from the Late Ravi Zacharias
-
Francis Chan Reveals His Reasons Why He Left His Megachurch
-
Worship Band Bread & Wine To Release Second Album TWO May 20
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Hannah Barr Greets the New Year with "Now"
Most Popular
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault and Misconduct
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Squire Parsons, Southern Gospel Singer, Dies
-
Ben Fuller Invites Carrie Underwood to Join Him On Stage for Live Duet Debut at The Grand Ole Opry
-
David and Tamela Mann's "The Live Breathe Fight" Tour Cancelled
-
Three of the Best Stories from the Late Ravi Zacharias
-
Francis Chan Reveals His Reasons Why He Left His Megachurch
-
Worship Band Bread & Wine To Release Second Album TWO May 20
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Hannah Barr Greets the New Year with "Now"