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I think that what he is writing is what many of us are feeling and thinking, but what few of us have the talent to put in such poetically tender prose. Some may call him a post modern writer. Though some of his points are valid and no doubt heartfelt, Miller actually distances himself from Christianity as whole, and proposes embracing the mystery of "Christian spirituality". He tells of real life stories in where he has to answer the tough questions about God, the church, and his personal walk with Christ.
He is not afraid to tell the truth about where Christianity is going in American culture. I would recommend it to someone who is thinking about Christianity or has been wounded by the traditional church. I would recommend it with caution to conservative, evangelical Christians. If you can get past many of the legalistic,meaningless traditions that are presented to us in church as the way we should do Christianity, then the book will be a great read. Blue Like JazzBy Donald MillerThis book brings a fresh perspective on Christianity through the life of Donald Miller. He writes in a way that keeps the reader wanting to find out what is on the next page. He tells of his experience growing up with no father. Blue Like Jazz reminded me there is a reason Paul was stoned and beaten countless times and why Peter was crucified upside down.
It is a relief from preppy southern church goers who, deep down, think they are high above everyone else. Miller offers a critique of places the Church falls short and shows what he has done to make God relevant in his culture. It will make you think about your own walk with God, how you can love others as Christ does, and it will challenge you to rethink some things that you have learned. He uses beautiful images to illustrate aspects of the faith which shed new light and give the reader passion. He writes about his experience in church and how he never felt included. He is sound in his beliefs and convicting.
One of the reasons why I enjoyed this book was because the author is very honest about his walk with God. Some may find it offensive and, yes, some of the theology pulled from the text is questionable but I really believe Miller shares with us what it means to be a Christian in today's culture by authentically sharing what it was like for him to grow up as a Christian. Miller talks about real Christians who struggle with their sin and their need for self-justification. I do not believe he is a post modern writer, he just seems to think that Christians are asking the wrong types of questions about God and the universe. He starts off the book telling about how he viewed God and how he felt like he did not know him properly.
I found these anecdotes the most interesting parts of the book. Even though most of this book is self-possessed, conflicted personal introspection, most readers will find maybe one or two ideas to help them in Christian Living. The author spent on the campus of Reed College in Portland Oregon, which he characterizes as one of the most anti-Christian places in the country, even though he wasn't a student there.
This book brings you back to reality, makes you see that not everyone shares the exact same view, and that's okay. I love the introduction, it pulls you in.
If you go in with the right mindset, you'll love it. And no, it's not all about doctrine and scriptures, the subtitle accurately explains: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality.
Definitely not your typical Christian books, and for that reason, it's one of my favorites. Some need to be offended, get out of your comfort zone.
God is bigger than our small human minds, some day we need to realize it. I feel that the Christian culture has become so cut off from the world, not in a sense of bettering ourselves, but simply separation.
I think everyone should have to read it, particularly most closed-minded people, but those are who would be most offended.
He couldn't put the book down. I gave this book as a gift to my Dad. Thanks My Dad is a picky reader, so 5 Stars for anything the will keep him happy, I have sent him 2 more books from the same author. He has given this book great review. He said he laughed and cried through the reading of this book.
I would also purchase from this seller in the future. I highly recommend this book. This is one of my favorite books, so I bought a copy for my grandmother for Christmas. It's a great gift for the budding Christian or the person who just wants to explore Christianity without all the "religion".
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