More Theology, Fewer Stories?
As we talked about the book today, I think people were expressing frustration about the type of book Miller has written. How can he still be questioning? Why doesn't he point us to more scripture? When will he resolve his issues? And, I believe to some extent, why are we studying the book of a guy who can't get it all together? I appreciated hearing these concerns, because they were not ones I had really thought of. My reactions, as you can see below, have been a little different. And so in the interest of starting a conversation about the book I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts....
As I sat turning this over in my head, I realized how much I appreciate this type of book. In homeschooling circles, there is a large movement towards 'living books." These are books which (besides being well written) teach by telling stories that draw the reader in, rather than presenting information in textbook format. This allows people to interact with the ideas in a personal way, helping them to own the ideas, rather than just appealing to their intellect. I see Blue Like Jazz as a similar type of book. He lets us see into his life so we can learn from one another. I, for one, am glad to hear someone else express the questions and doubts which come back to me from time to time, especially as I have moved in the world of Academia and Science.
I also realized that I am reading the book with a definite attitude towards the author. I am assuming, whether or not correctly, that he loves God, is comfortable in his beliefs and is well versed in the Bible. He makes reference to Paul's frequent imprisonments. He talks about Jesus saying feed the poor. In fact, his stories about Andrew the Protester encouraged me to go back and reacquaint myself with the basic simple message of Jesus to see if I am applying it to myself. If he had quoted a lot of scripture, I probably, based on past experience, would have skimmed it to save time and thought yeah, yeah, I know that.
As for his focus on individual rather than communal Christianity, I appreciate the challenge it gives me. It is too easy for me to say that we as a church are doing great. But am I? Or, I can say that I wish we as a church would do XYZ, but no one else agrees, so I'll sit on my hands and do nothing. But if I allow the Word of God to change me, and my neighbor allows it to change him, then we are on the way to changing the church and the world! I need to be reminded that I am responsible for what I do with the gospel. Of course this all assumes that one of the things I am supposed to do is love the body of Christ and make disciples of all nations. I see it as a call to take my part in doing the work of the Body.
Of course, those are just my thoughts. I do see that the book has weaknesses, but I am hoping to learn from its strengths.
