Every so often I find it refreshing to read something written by someone who comes entirely from a non-Christian perspective in their writing. The Year of Living Biblically was just that book for me. An editor at Esquire magazine and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Know-It-All, A.J. Jacobs has taken a stab at trying to live by the all-time best-selling book, the Bible. Frankly, he does a pretty good job at it.
You'll find it fascinating how the secular Jewish author communicates his understanding of the Bible. This is one man's humble quest to follow the Bible as literally as possible. Great read for pastors, humor and all!
Jacobs was an agnostic from an early age and admits the same because of the existence of evil in the world. He had trouble with the idea of a loving God allowing evil. So from the start of the book he approaches everything with that bent. I found it intriguing, however, that during the year he learned to pray. So here was a non-believer praying to a god that he was not sure existed. It truly was real for him. Interesting!
The author did all he could to not pick and choose with rules from the Bible. You will laugh at his effort, among others, to not wear clothes of mixed fiber and his attempt to stone adulterers.
Most importantly, pastors should read this book with the understanding of what we must do to communicate to people like Jacobs. It’s amazing how God loves those outside His family. For having read The Year of Living Biblically, I understand them just a little bit better now.
Every so often I find it refreshing to read something written by someone who comes entirely from a non-Christian perspective in their writing. The Year of Living Biblically was just that book for me. An editor at Esquire magazine and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Know-It-All, A.J. Jacobs has taken a stab at trying to live by the all-time best-selling book, the Bible. Frankly, he does a pretty good job at it.