A few things happen as AJ Jacobs continues his journey into month 2 of a "living Biblically" year. He begins to learn to blow a shofar (funny to me for two reasons, my dad owns his own shofar and the popularity of a fairly awful series of Christian romance fiction which features "And The Shofar Blew" as one of its titles). He deals with the rather awkward (but exceedingly humorous) experience of avoiding his "unclean" wife during her period. He begins a Most-Violated list of laws he has broken (lying, vanity, gossip, coveting, anger...) that makes me, once again, keenly aware of how little attention I oay to my own sin. He visits a creationist museum and treats it with a respect that I found disarming (I was with his Christian friend who told him, "those people give Christianity a bad name.")
But the most memorable and moving part of the second chapter are AJ's initial attempts at prayer. Once again, for someone who doesn't come at this from a background of faith, Jacobs approaches the act of prayer with respect and even reverence. Hesitant to go out on his own, he borrows prayers from the Biblical text (not a bad practice for those of us who have been at this for awhile). By strange happenstance, AJ grabs ahold of one of my favorite prayers in the Bible:
O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you,
my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land which has no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
Where Jacobs struggles is with sensing the presence of God. He struggles with distractions. He struggles with frustration and boredom. He wonders why the God who wrestles with Jacob doesn't make Himself a bit more obvious.
And, once again, he speaks to struggles and frustrations that I have as a person of faith. I often wonder why God doesn't seem to answer my prayers in clear and dramatic ways. I often feel like I am just talking to myself when I pray. I have had times when my prayers for guidance were answered in immediate and life changing ways, but this just causes me to wonder why they aren't always answered that way.
On a personal note, unrelated to the book, I have found it helpful to discover, just this past year, how important it is to remember that prayer is less about trying to get God to pay attention to us, and more about us paying attention to Him.
Still, I am curious about the experiences of people of various faiths and of no faith and what your experience with prayer has been. Which brings us to discussion part two.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Reading More Than Listening To
Reading...
The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch. Hirsch seeks to remind us of some vital, ancient truths about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Greatness.
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie. I've never read Alexie before, but I will be reading more. He is excellent. A less stream of consciousness but equally funny and winsome Tom Robbins.
Vows by Peter Manseau. The true story of a priest, a nun, and their son as told by their son, Peter. Heartbreaking and moving.
History of Love by Nicole Krauss. This is a haunting, mysterious, and enchanting book that spans over 60 years and three different narrarative voices. Excellent.
By the way, if you are looking for more about what I am currently reading and have enjoyed reading in the past, check out the Kester's GoodReads link on the left side of this page.
Listening to...
nothing new. I've been listening to a lot of Elliott Smith lately, and remembering what a genius that guy was.
Oh, and I'm really digging the new White Stripes. Greatness.
The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch. Hirsch seeks to remind us of some vital, ancient truths about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Greatness.
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie. I've never read Alexie before, but I will be reading more. He is excellent. A less stream of consciousness but equally funny and winsome Tom Robbins.
Vows by Peter Manseau. The true story of a priest, a nun, and their son as told by their son, Peter. Heartbreaking and moving.
History of Love by Nicole Krauss. This is a haunting, mysterious, and enchanting book that spans over 60 years and three different narrarative voices. Excellent.
By the way, if you are looking for more about what I am currently reading and have enjoyed reading in the past, check out the Kester's GoodReads link on the left side of this page.
Listening to...
nothing new. I've been listening to a lot of Elliott Smith lately, and remembering what a genius that guy was.
Oh, and I'm really digging the new White Stripes. Greatness.
Friday, June 8, 2007
The Year of Living Biblically
A quick note, before we get started. Happytheman suggested, in response to an earlier blog, that I present a book to be used in a sort of online book club format. AJ Jacobs' book The Year of Living Biblically is that book.
The Year of Living Biblically is just what it sounds like, a memoir recounting Jacobs’s effort to “live the bible” for 12 months. After establishing certain ground rules concerning legality and literalism (when is a tower just a tower and when is it a metaphor for big breasts?), Jacobs sets out to adhere to everything from the Big 10 (Do not lie, kill, etc.) to the more obscure (Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together).
A premise like that is a perfect setup for irreverant mockery, especially when you consider that Jacobs doesn't begin the project with any personal history of reverance for the Bible.
But it doesn't go that way. That isn't to say that the book isn't funny (it absolutely is) or that Jacobs takes his project too seriously (he doesn't), but he does take it seriously. He wrestles with it in a way that I, as a pastor, often forget to. He tries it on and walks around in it, and he realizes that, in doing so, he risks being changed by it.
As one of his friends suggests early in the project "You're dealing with explosive stuff. People a lot smarter than you have devoted their lives to this."
Jacobs writes in response:
He's right. And it scares me. I hate losing control. I like to be in command of everything.
It is Jacobs' transparency that makes this project so fascinating. He isn't trying to hide from his readers, even in his more uncomfortable moments.
He also isn't willing to let us true believers off the hook, us or our book. In perhaps one of my favorite sections of the entire book, Jacobs writes:
How can these ethically advanced rules and these bizarre decrees be found in the same
book? And not just the same book. Sometimes the same page. The prohibition against
mixing wool and linen comes right after the command to love your neighbor. It's not like
the Bible has a section called "And now for some Crazy Laws." They're all jumbled up like a
chopped salad.
So, here is what I have for Part One of my soon to be continuing series on The Year of Living Biblically. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, Agnosticism, or Atheism. Whatever your background or history with faith, here is my first book club question:
What is one of the teachings of the Bible that you find the most confounding?
The Year of Living Biblically is just what it sounds like, a memoir recounting Jacobs’s effort to “live the bible” for 12 months. After establishing certain ground rules concerning legality and literalism (when is a tower just a tower and when is it a metaphor for big breasts?), Jacobs sets out to adhere to everything from the Big 10 (Do not lie, kill, etc.) to the more obscure (Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together).
A premise like that is a perfect setup for irreverant mockery, especially when you consider that Jacobs doesn't begin the project with any personal history of reverance for the Bible.
But it doesn't go that way. That isn't to say that the book isn't funny (it absolutely is) or that Jacobs takes his project too seriously (he doesn't), but he does take it seriously. He wrestles with it in a way that I, as a pastor, often forget to. He tries it on and walks around in it, and he realizes that, in doing so, he risks being changed by it.
As one of his friends suggests early in the project "You're dealing with explosive stuff. People a lot smarter than you have devoted their lives to this."
Jacobs writes in response:
He's right. And it scares me. I hate losing control. I like to be in command of everything.
It is Jacobs' transparency that makes this project so fascinating. He isn't trying to hide from his readers, even in his more uncomfortable moments.
He also isn't willing to let us true believers off the hook, us or our book. In perhaps one of my favorite sections of the entire book, Jacobs writes:
How can these ethically advanced rules and these bizarre decrees be found in the same
book? And not just the same book. Sometimes the same page. The prohibition against
mixing wool and linen comes right after the command to love your neighbor. It's not like
the Bible has a section called "And now for some Crazy Laws." They're all jumbled up like a
chopped salad.
So, here is what I have for Part One of my soon to be continuing series on The Year of Living Biblically. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, Agnosticism, or Atheism. Whatever your background or history with faith, here is my first book club question:
What is one of the teachings of the Bible that you find the most confounding?
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
My Beginning, The Beginning, and New Beginnings
Today is my 31st birthday. I approach it with a whole lot of hope and excitement. A lot of that has to do with the fact that 30 was one of the best years of my life. Much of what made it so fantastic are things that will continue to be true for 31.
I work part time in an amazing bookstore. My co-workers are some of my best friends, and everyday is one more opportunity to get to know them a little better. That, and I get a 35% discount on books. Greatness.
I work full time as a pastor for the Immanuel Austin Community. This church has been such a blessing to me life. Never has a group of people been such a consistent example to me of what it means to belong to a community of faith. I am more grateful for them than I can possibly say.
I continue to grow closer to my parents and siblings. The fact that most of us call Austin home has been a blessing. For many people, being this close to family would feel confining, but I find that we see each other just enough to continue to become better and better friends.
I am Harry's dad. Every day this kid gets funnier, more interesting, and all around more enjoyable. You never imagine, on the day your kid is born, that you could ever love them more and then, every day that passes, you do. I look forward to watching Harry turn 3 and maybe even bringing him a baby brother or sister.
I am Rachel's husband. Today we hung out together around Austin, held hands, shared memories, shared food, shared silence. All of it was a reminder of how great Rachel is. She's sexy and funny and smart and fiesty and gentle and kind. She defines the word partner. Years ago, a mentor of mine described marriage as a conversation, and I have found that to be an apt description. Rachel has certainly kept up her end of the conversation. Every day is one more opportunity to get to know her better.
I am a follower of Jesus and a child of God. As I reflect on my own beginning, I reflect on THE beginning. I recall the words of God who looked on His created humanity and called it "very good". I'm reminded of how quickly we fell short of "very good" and of how often I fall short of it.
And I am reminded that every day that we walk in the Way of Jesus is an opportunity to begin again, from the day we are born again and every day following. I am reminded that every day Jesus offers the invitation to take up a cross and follow him. And I am grateful for the opportunity to follow him, to serve him, and to become more like him.
I am thankful for beginnings and for the God who created them.
I work part time in an amazing bookstore. My co-workers are some of my best friends, and everyday is one more opportunity to get to know them a little better. That, and I get a 35% discount on books. Greatness.
I work full time as a pastor for the Immanuel Austin Community. This church has been such a blessing to me life. Never has a group of people been such a consistent example to me of what it means to belong to a community of faith. I am more grateful for them than I can possibly say.
I continue to grow closer to my parents and siblings. The fact that most of us call Austin home has been a blessing. For many people, being this close to family would feel confining, but I find that we see each other just enough to continue to become better and better friends.
I am Harry's dad. Every day this kid gets funnier, more interesting, and all around more enjoyable. You never imagine, on the day your kid is born, that you could ever love them more and then, every day that passes, you do. I look forward to watching Harry turn 3 and maybe even bringing him a baby brother or sister.
I am Rachel's husband. Today we hung out together around Austin, held hands, shared memories, shared food, shared silence. All of it was a reminder of how great Rachel is. She's sexy and funny and smart and fiesty and gentle and kind. She defines the word partner. Years ago, a mentor of mine described marriage as a conversation, and I have found that to be an apt description. Rachel has certainly kept up her end of the conversation. Every day is one more opportunity to get to know her better.
I am a follower of Jesus and a child of God. As I reflect on my own beginning, I reflect on THE beginning. I recall the words of God who looked on His created humanity and called it "very good". I'm reminded of how quickly we fell short of "very good" and of how often I fall short of it.
And I am reminded that every day that we walk in the Way of Jesus is an opportunity to begin again, from the day we are born again and every day following. I am reminded that every day Jesus offers the invitation to take up a cross and follow him. And I am grateful for the opportunity to follow him, to serve him, and to become more like him.
I am thankful for beginnings and for the God who created them.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Reading and Listening
Reading...
The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta. The author of Election and Little Children returns with a book just as rich, funny, and poignant as those two. The story of a sex ed teacher forced to teach an abstinence only curriculum and the Christian soccer coach whom she forms an initially wary friendship with. Excellent stuff. None of these characters are caricatures, even those that lend themselves to it.
Evangelism Without Additives by Jim Henderson. The co-author of last week's Jim & Casper Go To Church writes a book about how sharing the gospel is about sharing the good news of Jesus within your own story and less about a sales pitch you force down someone's throat. It's about friendship without agenda, except that of mutual respect and caring. Good stuff.
The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs. His last book, The Know-It-All, tracked his trek through the encyclopedia, and served up stories both humorous and heartfelt. He counts Jon Stewart among his fans and is an editor for Esquire. In this most recent book Jacobs, never having associated with a specific faith or belief system, attempts (with the guidance of a few theologians) to follow the Bible as literally as possible for a year. Excellent stuff.
Listening to...
I'm mostly allowing stuff from previous weeks to sink in a bit deeper. Wilco, Danielson, Half-Handed Cloud, Rock Plaza Central, The Singing Mechanic, Andrew Bird, Ola Pordida, and so on.
Also rediscovered an amazing 60's psychedelic pop/rock band from Denton, TX called Green. If you're a fan of late Beatles or, even more so, The Zombies, be sure to pick this up...if you can find it.
The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta. The author of Election and Little Children returns with a book just as rich, funny, and poignant as those two. The story of a sex ed teacher forced to teach an abstinence only curriculum and the Christian soccer coach whom she forms an initially wary friendship with. Excellent stuff. None of these characters are caricatures, even those that lend themselves to it.
Evangelism Without Additives by Jim Henderson. The co-author of last week's Jim & Casper Go To Church writes a book about how sharing the gospel is about sharing the good news of Jesus within your own story and less about a sales pitch you force down someone's throat. It's about friendship without agenda, except that of mutual respect and caring. Good stuff.
The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs. His last book, The Know-It-All, tracked his trek through the encyclopedia, and served up stories both humorous and heartfelt. He counts Jon Stewart among his fans and is an editor for Esquire. In this most recent book Jacobs, never having associated with a specific faith or belief system, attempts (with the guidance of a few theologians) to follow the Bible as literally as possible for a year. Excellent stuff.
Listening to...
I'm mostly allowing stuff from previous weeks to sink in a bit deeper. Wilco, Danielson, Half-Handed Cloud, Rock Plaza Central, The Singing Mechanic, Andrew Bird, Ola Pordida, and so on.
Also rediscovered an amazing 60's psychedelic pop/rock band from Denton, TX called Green. If you're a fan of late Beatles or, even more so, The Zombies, be sure to pick this up...if you can find it.
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