My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders The Bible Belt In Search Of His Own Faith (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Sort of a fun one, 3.5 stars. Cohen is a disaffected Jew, but seems like he grew up much more orthodox than most Americans. He doesn't say exactly what stream, but sounds like more than Modern Orthodox - something in there made me think Chassidish but not sure - sounds like maybe his background was a little too dry. He has an interesting perspective; a little too religious to be really snarky about either his own or other religions. He's not like most American Jews who can easily laugh at a lot of parts of the religion and tradition (Larry David and the edible underwear, anyone?), and therefore feel equally able to laugh at excesses of any other religion. He feels obligated to take religion seriously. His takes on Jewish dating are the closest he gets to the mockery most Jews feel very comfortable with.He lives in Atlanta and goes through various Christian denominations and phenomena (Christian wrestling, anyone?) to check out the party he isn't invited to. For me the most interesting thing is this whole world we are unaware of - famous evangelicals that a huge part of the country considers celebrities, but if you surveyed probably anyone I know, nobody would have any idea who they were. From the ridiculous to the WASPy, he goes respectfully through modern Christianity and it's an interesting view into a world people like me hardly know exists. The drawback to the book is his own personal faith struggle, which isn't that interesting. Being located where he is, I think it's very different than Midwestern Christianity and does lean toward the excesses of TV televangelism and I could see a more mainstream Christian thinking of this as not representative.For Jews, he gives voice to that temptation/curiosity/fascination we all have about what exactly is going on in there. It's also a study of America and Americana, the consumerism of religion, the money, this whole idea, Gospel of Wealth or something, it's called. A fun quick read, with probably a lot more depth under the surface. Might be a good discussion book. I am Catholic. Like really Catholic. Like go to church and confession and pray the rosary every week Catholic. My experience with Protestant churches are few and far between. As a child they held this kind of mystery because we were never, as Catholic school kids, allowed to even think about walking in one. Benyamin Cohen felt the same way about all Christian services. So he spent a year, a year studying and attending Christian services, after being raised Jewish. With an outsiders perspective, a keen eye, and a charming voice Cohen not only deepens his own faith but brings a little more understanding to us all.
What do You think about My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders The Bible Belt In Search Of His Own Faith (2008)?
I loved this book! It helped me see Christianity (for good and bad) from fresh eyes.
—rathna
It was definitely a strange premise, but well written.
—MicaelaBongard
