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He really keeps your attention and makes some very thought provoking points.Thanks Don. I could not put it down. I was not sure what to expect. I was simply blown away.
This is one of my favorite books. Miller provides insight and perspective into what it truly means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Blue Like Jazz is one of those books that you want to buy a copy for all of your friends to have. That is how amazing it is.
It doesn't mean you're dirty or broken. It's not that I'm so fabulous, but I'm on my path and you are on your path. Here are some lowpoints:1) All about "being broken" and in a state of "sin" and needing to be made "new." If you are brought up with love and respect, and if your caregiver establishes a bond of trust, empathy, caring, you generally feel empathy for others, are capable of loving and bonding with others. Paranoia. And"cafeteria-style" is what religion has always been.
and it goes on and on. Televangelists.This book is just another attempt at leading without accountability - just big hair. knows better than you. When we're "on the mark" it's actually easier to do good things (Ancient Egyptians called it "doing green" ).3) "Satan". is a cultural/political message, and cultures evolve and "traditions" change with understanding over the years. We all have a place; I would feel completely confused in your head, and, believe me, you would feel really confused in mine. Do human beings just never grow up. Sometimes circumstances might make it easier to take a shortcut or think only of yourself, but sometimes circumstances make it easier to do the right thing.
Evil Force that's out to get you and make you "sin". In either case, if you do have concern for others, it generally is not easier to hurt others - it's harder because it hurts you too. I wouldn't wantto be anybody else. This is an author who likes to hear himself talk; his arguments are poorly-conceived and sound great if you're trying real hard to stoke an alreadyestablished belief system. Take marriage: used to be polygamy, not "one man and one woman"; used to be illegal to marry across socioeconomic classes (or even dress in a fabric not allowed to your class), to marry across race, to marry same sex. And just about the worst book I've ever read - and I have read an awful lot in my life. But, hey - anybody can write a book these days. We all have choices all along the way, but it is not necessarily easier to do evil.
But, if you are reading this book for any sort of enlightenment, it takes about 30 pages to assess his premise and to see great big holes in it. Tradition is nothing but currently (in recent memory) accepted convention. If you do feel a need for these messages, you probably have some attachment issues and you need therapy - not this book. "Sin" just means (in archery terms) "off the mark," i.e., you're not connected to Divine/Universe/Flow. Who is this guy.5) Author "wished [he] could subscribe to some aspects of Christianity but not the whole thing." Well, yeah. What is he talking about.
Plus, his prose is annoying because, although he is amusing at first, he can't sustain the "wit." Not the sharpest pencil in the box, and he hasn't really thought anything through. So, please. Isn't that a maturational phenomenon that manifests most clearly in adolescence. Head dresses and clothing that make an individual look larger are common practice to all human cultures; and other species make themselves look larger by building or fluffing or using big implements of some sort. Basic aspects of all faiths are pretty much the same: stay connected to the Divine and honor the Divine in each other. And that changes over time. Really.
Like it or not.6) ".for thousands of years big-haired preachers." What. Better go talk to your pastor because HE (and certainly not SHE.). Put this silly book down, be still and listen. And, unless you just don't haveany mirror genes at all, you have a conscience, which doesn't mean you have to watch yourself with some threat of punishment, or see yourself as"broken." You love yourself, you love others, you generally love God. But so much of "Christianity" (define THAT depending on the century.). With all due respect, this is twisted.4) "Nobody wants to be themselves." Author claims that everyone wants to be someone else. Author's arguments are very immature.2) Author claims it is always easier to do evil than good.
Could it be the "Church" coercing the ignorant masses to swallow their dogma or feel guilty and fearful if you have "doubts" about their philosophies because heaven forbid you should listen to God for yourself.omg, it could be "Satan" whispering evil things to you and we're all just too stupid to tell the difference.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone questioning what Christianity is really all about. He deals with the tuff topics that churches sometimes like to push aside and brings the bible to the real world. This book is excellent. I could relate with the stories the author told and he answered many of the questions I had about true Christianity.
It is a great story about a college student at Reed and his experience living and exploring his faith in a culture that doesn't always understand or accept Christianity. I recently purchased Blue Like Jazz on Amazon.com, and I am very happy with the book. I already think it's a great book, and I'm only a few chapters in. Whether you love Christianity or hate it, you will benefit from this book. It is a very thought provoking and well written story and it is well worth the read. If anyone is curious about Christianity or is a Christian themselves, they would benefit from reading this book.
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