A series of essays, this book needn't be read in order. In fact, I began with the last chapter; purely because of it's title: The Gospel of Jesus - WhA series of essays, this book needn't be read in order. In fact, I began with the last chapter; purely because of it's title: The Gospel of Jesus - Why William Shakespeare Was A Prophet. That particular chapter was a lovely and fascinating take on Romeo and Juliet, the likes of which I'd never heard before. It hooked me, and so I went back and read the rest.
I find it a little difficult to explain the book, as it encompasses such a range of thoughts on beauty -- spending a good deal of time examining poetry and the arts as the author shares his perspective on human nature. The most stunning and valuable insights I gleaned from the book, overall, would have to be his observations on personal Identity.
While I didn't mind Blue Like Jazz at all, this book really felt like a step up for Donald Miller. More balanced and less political, it maintains his charming and whimsical conversational style while showing more maturity in his development as a writer. I'd recommend this book for anyone striving to understand Jesus as a person rather than a a religious idea....more
Before he moved to Portland and wrote his breakout book, Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller's writing career got its start in the form of a cross2.5 Stars
Before he moved to Portland and wrote his breakout book, Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller's writing career got its start in the form of a cross-country road trip. In the company of his relatively new vagabond friend Paul, the duo set out traveling from Texas to California to Oregon--seeing the sights and meeting interesting people, whilst kicking around religious and existential questions. Not unpredictably, they break down several times and get snappish with each other. It's basically a travel journal crossed with a buddy quest. We readers are just along for the ride.
Note: I made the rating distinction to make it clear I found this the weakest of Miller's works. But to be fair, this one technically predates Blue Like Jazz (and all his other books, for that matter.) As a first book, it's okay. Just not particularly compelling.
It's still Miller's voice. Regular readers of his will recognize his familiar meandering prose, amiable tone, and indulgent descriptions. It just... doesn't entirely feel like his story. Paul ended up more sympathetic and interesting than Don himself, despite not having a POV in this narrative. (It was a relief to hear Don's update on his road-tripping friend tacked onto the end of this book. So I have to give it points for satisfying closure.)
I vastly prefer Searching for God Knows What. There's just no contest in terms of contemplative beauty, clarity, and profundity. ...more
Spoiler Alert...(Well, not really) >.> The two 'spirits' the author claims to be the lifeline to all other demonic-influenced issues are: Insecurity aSpoiler Alert...(Well, not really) >.> The two 'spirits' the author claims to be the lifeline to all other demonic-influenced issues are: Insecurity and Inferiority. From that he attempts to stretch out this information for 118 pages, seeming to use an excess of sensational language to punch up a mundane writing style.
It's not that I think the author is necessarily wrong about the revelation he's attempting to share. I actually found some value in his particular perspective regarding inferiority/superiority issues and how humans shoot themselves in the foot by constantly comparing themselves to others and assuming they are going to be graded on some sort of cosmic curve. However, the manner of the author's delivery was pretty off-putting, in this reader's opinion. The tone in the first third of the book had me envisioning a pompous televangelist, preoccupied with smoke and mirrors.
If you're truly wanting to explore the nature of spiritual warfare and it's practical applications to your life, I would strongly recommend 'The Bondage Breaker' by Neil T. Anderson. His work is extensive, comprehensive, and I've known many who've found it an instructive catalyst for healing. ...more
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