Praying For More

From the start of this reading assignment, I made it my mission to read The Year of Living Biblically, as the premise of the book intrigued me. As a Roman Catholic, I knew that I was supposed to follow the Bible as strictly as possible, which I have always found to be nearly impossible in these modern times. How could I not covet my friend's shiny new iPhone, or say that tiny white lie to my parents about not having a lot of homework? I figured this book would ease my guilt and help me to realize that most of these biblical rules are outdated, and that hardly anyone adheres to them anymore (such as not wearing mixed fibers or sewing tassels to the end of clothes).

                The book begins with the Jewish-born but agnostic author, A.J. Jacobs, deciding to go throughout several versions of the Jewish Torah and Christian Bible and writing down every single rule that he comes across. It will be his mission to follow the Bible as accurately as possible. While it proves to be a challenge, he is determined to adhere strictly to it in order to get down to the roots of his abandoned religion. He stones adulterers (with pebbles, of course), grows out his beard, stops lying, doesn't touch women for fear that they may be "impure," doesn't wear clothes made of mixed fibers, and so on. He even goes to visit several religious groups that attempt to follow the Bible to the letter, to find out how they cope with modern times (such as the Amish and Jehovah's Witnesses).

                Overall, I really enjoy this book so far. The author writes with a humorous tone, and his journey throughout the Bible pulls me in. It also made me think: Why do some people choose the Bible to justify their causes (gay marriage, anti- abortion, etc.), but don't follow even half the rules laid out for them? What gives them the right to tell people whether or not they are sinning, while they actively break multiple rules? What gives people the right to pick and choose?