
This book is hard to put down. For more information from the author himself, click on the link (the word "book" above).
My take: I laughed for many reasons. I'm definitely not laughing at A.J. - I don't even feel sorry for him, to tell the truth. I enjoyed his quest for God, because IMHO he dug deeper than most would/could to find meaning. He remains an agnostic, but one that found reverence and one who found that life is sacred. I think those two things are pretty nice outcomes from his search. He may not say it in so many words, but essentially he found what many of us find when we have our first child: fear they may be lost to us via the world - lost to God, eternally, should He exist. He does cover ground on "believing just to be on the safe side" and that being a weak link. True, but if you really live a Christian life - or Jewish life - or Muslim life - authentically, for real - not just trying it on for size (even if that is what you do initially and it leads you into communion- you're on the right track. He was only trying it all on for size - which lead to much of his confusion I think. Had he just delved into his own Jewish background, he might have found Faith. Still, the book is insightful and well done. I felt his pain, confusion, consternation, and moments of enlightened love for God's creation. He had epiphanies, for sure. In the end, he decides his son (and sons) should learn about their heritage and Jewish religion . . . so that he (the sons) can have a foundation on which to choose God or not, to navigate better through the murky waters of this world's message of relativism.
I recommend you get this book - or borrow some ones you know who has it. Not once was I offended by his research - he found a bunch of loonies, but even in that, he saw sacredness. How could you not at least respect others who profoundly believe what they believe? In this book, he takes a really long, good, honest look at himself. We all should do that.
Well done.
I hope to read his encyclopedia book soon!
3 comments:
I've seen clips of him on youtube or something. I imagine the book is pretty funny. Good to read your review. I've certainly wondered about it. I might read it, but it will go to the end of a veeerrrryyy looooooonnnngggg list of books I'd like to read!
Yep..we should take ongoing long looks at ourselves, me thinks!
Sarah, I read that book!!! You are right! It's hard to put it down. I laughed so hard at some parts of it. :-)
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