REDWOOD REFLECTIONS
January 20, 2008
I first spied the book in an airport bookstore. It’s called The Year of Living Biblically and is sub-titled: “One man’s humble quest to follow the Bible as literally as possible.” After we read the book, Debby and I went to hear the author, A.J. Jacobs, speak at the Marin Jewish Community Center. A.J.’s ethnicity is Jewish, though, as he says, “I am officially Jewish, but I’m Jewish in the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant. Which is to say: not very.” (I mention this particular quote from the book in honor of my friend Letizia, whose authentic Italian cooking brings to mind the words of another author, George Miller, “The trouble with eating Italian food is that 5 or 6 days later you’re hungry again.”)
For several reasons, such as his desire to write a book, enter a spiritual world of study and application, and explore the topic of biblical literalism, Jacobs embarked on a year-long journey to attempt to obey the Bible as literally as possible. Wisely, he disregarded commands that might lead to legal trouble, such as destroying idols, killing magicians and sacrificing oxen. He looked forward to being fruitful and multiplying, resolved to follow the ten commandments, and even complied with lesser-known rules like avoiding wearing clothing made of mixed fibers (Leviticus 19:19). I particularly enjoyed the time in New York City where he found an adulterer and began to throw small stones at him.
Toward the end of the year, the author reflects on lessons he’s learned. He believes he is a better person for the experience and is more tolerant of other religious perspectives. He embraces the sacredness of life and was drawn to the power of prayer—particularly prayers of thanksgiving. But his observation of others, along with his personal confession, led him to conclude that we all practice a form of “cafeteria Christianity.” When we approach the Bible, we are all inconsistent. We all pick and choose. He contends, and I agree, that the key is to choose the best dishes, the most nourishing and healthy ones. As I’ve mentioned before, instead of attempting to keep biblical rules that number over 600, surely focusing on the two greatest commandments, to love God and love others, is a better choice.
The Year of Living Biblically had its moments of absurdity. But as one who longs to be continually converted, always growing toward God, I am compelled to consider ways that I might also be checking off a command but missing the point. It is not a new temptation to keep the details of the law while violating the spirit of the law.
God is love. Let us learn to live in God, sometimes literally, always lovingly.
Dennis Lynn
Redwood Church
