The second book on my recommended list is My Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs. If you are the sort of person that takes yourself and your beliefs too seriously, then you will not like this book. That applies to people who are extremely fundamental in their Christianity as well as those who are extremely fundamental in their atheism.
This is a funny book with many moments of humor and clever bits of writing, but it is not just a funny book. There is a very serious side to many of the questions posed by the author. He asks some very basic (I almost said “fundamental”) questions that any person would if they have not been raised “in the faith”. If Jews and Christians can not also ask and answer some of these basic questions, then perhaps we do not fully understand the faith that we profess. If you are a person of faith and do not know how to ask yourself the tough questions, then this book might be a good place to start.
On the other hand, if you are a person without faith, then this book may introduce you to some of the mystery and value to be found in the sacred. It will not convert you to belief, but it may open your eyes somewhat. If nothing else, you will be less of a jerk when you are around your Christian and Jewish friends.
I read it a number of years ago and plan on rereading it as soon as I get it back from the person who borrowed my copy four years ago. You know who you are and if I don’t get my book back, I will tell the entire internet who you are.
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