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812 reviews for:
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible
A.J. Jacobs
3.76 AVERAGE
812 reviews for:
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible
A.J. Jacobs
3.76 AVERAGE
Very cool. I thought it was neat how A.J. went out in search of something, and tried to find answers. Coming from a secular Jewish background, and yet himself being very agnostic, he brings interesting perspectives to biblical passages, that Christians don't always think about. I think what's neat was how he spent time in the Old Testament for 2/3 of the year, and the NT for 1/3 because that's the make up of the Bible. And there were so many neat points where A.J. was vulnerable about where he was in his struggles with understanding things, understanding God or faith, and those moments of sheer joy, ecstasy or hope that he found during this time. It was also great to hear him recognize that Evangelical Christianity cannot be defined with one fell swoop, but how varied the movement really is. In some ways, as he ended his journey, I wondered, what's next for him? And, for me too!
What I liked most about this was how much I learned I didn't know about the Bible. Also appreciated learning more about Judaism.
O.K., I admit, I skimmed this one. The author tries to live for a year, in Manhattan, by all 600-something commands in the Bible, many of them contradictory. It's funny, but after a few chapters pretty predictable.
Sometimes witty, sometimes poignant, sometimes tiresome . . .
An interesting look at how impossible it is to the live the Bible litertally and how there is always going to be interpretation. Jacobs brings a humorous touch to the serious issues surrounding Jewish and Christian fundamentalism but at times I found his writing to be a bit too self righteous. Biblical scholars have spent decades building on the previous generations work of what the Bible's intent is and Jacobs writes as if his one year journey can do a better job than those living within a spritual religious practice.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed most of the book. It is an interesting and honest read about one man's journey for sure but does not sufficiently capture spirituality and is at times self indulgent and judgemental.
Don't get me wrong I enjoyed most of the book. It is an interesting and honest read about one man's journey for sure but does not sufficiently capture spirituality and is at times self indulgent and judgemental.
A great journey into biblical literalism, complete with colorful cast of moderates, literalists, and everyone in between. Jacobs is a brave, brilliant writer with an amazing sense of humor.
This was a great book. I always enjoy reading these kinds of books written by people who didn't grow up in a Christian family. I thought it was funny that Kevin Roose who wrote The Unlikely Disciple was his intern. Loved that book too.
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
It's an interesting book with a more humanizing view into fundamentalists. I was entertained.
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced