Does it really make a difference? – 9 November 2009

Not long ago I read a fascinating book.  In ‘The Year of Living Biblically’, the author
A J Jacobs decides as a literary project to take the Bible literally for a year.  This involves all sorts of dramatic changes for this New York writer and journalist.  He goes to listen to all sorts of different people’s ideas on what it means to take the Bible literally.  One of the most obvious changes is his appearance – as his beard grows and his clothes make him look more and more like a younger Moses (interestingly he is mistaken for a member of ZZ Top at one point…)

The book provokes a lot of thought.  Is it enough to live by a set of rules?  Does living by a set of rules have an effect on your life …an effect that is more than external?  When does self-help take over and subsume relationship with God?  And prayer …does it just make us feel good …or does it make a difference?  Would it be any different to pray to Apollo for example?

Before you get worried I haven’t thrown in the Christian towel …but I do find that A J (his writing style makes me feel like we are almost on first name terms) is connecting with a lot of real questions.

And it has provoked me to reflect on 2 themes in the Bible – God’s presence, and the importance of the resurrection:

“If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Exodus 33:15-16 [NIV]

“..if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

1 Corinthians 15:14 [NIV]