I loved The Year of Living Biblically, by A. J. Jacobs.  I think that this is a book that all pastor’s ought to consider reading.  I say this because I found it to be funny, thoughtful, and insightful into the thinking of an open minded non-Christian.

The book is a memoir about a year in the life of author A. J. Jacobs.  Jacobs, a Jewish man by birth, decides to try to follow the Bible literally for one year.  This includes not shaving, living out the 10 commandments, dietary laws, and even stoning an adulterer.

There are a couple of reasons this book stand out to me.  First, this book is loaded with outstanding stories.  This is especially true in A. J. attempting to live out many of the Old Testament laws.

Secondly, A. J. did his research.  He visited with people who practice polygamy in the name of God as well as visiting churches that handle snakes.  His experience and insight were fascinating.

Third, it is quite entertaining.  A. J. is very funny.  It is the rare book that makes me laugh out loud…this one did.

Fourthly, A. J. nails something that very few of us Evangelicals are willing to admit…that the Bible is a difficult, complicated, and confusing book.  He would write about the challenges the come with obeying the commands that seem to contradict each other.

Finally, I liked this book because I think he nails hermeneutics on the head when it comes to those who try to apply the Bible literally.  This is what he says on page 328 of the hardback edition…

The year showed me beyond a doubt that everyone practices cafeteria religion.  It is not just moderates.  Fundamentalists do it too.  They can’t heap everything on one plate.  Otherwise they’d kick women out of church for saying hello (1 Corinthians 14:34) and boot men out for talking about the ‘Tennessee Titans’ (Exodus 23:13)

He recognized that we as believers pick and choose what we take literally and what we take figuratively.

At the end of the book, A. J. does not end up on his knees reciting the sinners prayer.  So to many, it is not the ending one would like.  But, he does talk about how his year of following the Bible as literally as possible has changed him…for the better.

I know pastors are on a budget, so you may want to look at used copies or check out your local library.  It is a worth while read.