On The Other Hand

1 | Danielle

March 1st, 2006 at 12:49 pm

Wow, that’s a very powerful quote. This is the first time I’ve visited your site. I notice you’ve read one my favorite books, “Amusing Ourselves to Death.” Also, I’ve noticed “Blue Like Jazz” is on your list of favorite books. I’ve heard a lot of things about that book, either highly negative or very positive. I’d love to hear your take on the book and why you like it. I’ve been thinking about reading it.

2 | Travis

March 1st, 2006 at 5:25 pm

Ah, very perceptive! (I wondered whether anyone ever read that thing!)

I actually snagged that from my Blogger profile, where it had been entered…well, not as a favorite so much a book I liked, and wanted to be linked to other Bloggers by.

Having “grown up in the church,” the book was jarring — in a good way. I took issue with the last chapter or two, though: the emphasis in his presentation of the Gospel seemed to be man rather than God (which I’m used to, but have no desire to promote), and he used a few “God believes in you” lines promoting “a healthy self-image.” (Not necessarily direct quotes; it’s been a while since I read it!)

So if you read everything but the final chapter (or two?), I highly recommend it. He has some unorthodox views on the local church (being part of the “unreligious” postmodern crowd), but his challenges to “church boys” like me were heart-wrenching. I needed to read it, even if I walked away disagreeing with some of his theology. (Kinda like C.S. Lewis, now that I think of it…)

3 | Danielle

March 2nd, 2006 at 12:45 pm

Thanks for your thoughts. I have started to enjoy reading that sort of religious memoir/confessional writing that’s sort of the style right now. Anne Lamott and Lauren Winner have been favorites up to this point. I certianly don’t agree with all their theology, but find reading about how people from very different backgrounds come to Christ very interesting, as I am very much a “church girl.” I think I’ll have to pick up “Blue Like Jazz.”

4 | Shawn

March 7th, 2006 at 8:06 am

Travis, after I posted in the other topic about the two books I want to buy I changed my plan. It’s now the White book along with “Blue Like Jazz”. I saw it in the CBD catalog and it sounded fascinating. I then did some online recon of Don Miller because I’d never heard of him. He appears to be a gifted writer and I truly enjoyed and appreciated the sample pages I read. I realize just from that he is definately unorthodox and may have differing theology than me. But, someone on his fanpage asked about Jesus and his answer was dead solid perfect. He summed it up by saying he simply goes with what the Bible says is true, whether he likes it or not.

If I get “Blue Like Jazz” I’ll get one of Piper’s other books that is in the clearance section ($2.99). Unfortunately, my 15-year old truck just cost me $350 in repairs and my book budget won’t allow 3 full-priced books right now.