Before the introduction of A.J. Jacobs? ?The Year of Living Biblically: One Man?s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible,?
there is a page spread of 42 pictures documenting the growth of the author?s facial hair. Yes, it is easy to get his latest work confused with a book about beards. Since there are a number of words on the 332 pages that follow this hirsute visual preamble, it is much harder to dispel that confusion and tackle what the book is actually about. Luckily, Jacobs? account of his attempt to live a year following every law of the Bible (there are more than 600) is well worth the effort.
Jacobs seems an unlikely candidate for a year of strict observance of biblical principles. He grew up in a nominally Jewish household, although he was never a practicing Jew until the beginning of the project. At the outset of the novel, Jacobs is a religious skeptic who often plays devil?s advocate to his more ecumenical wife in theological arguments.
All of that changes on day one of his narrative, when Jacobs dives into the world of all things Biblical and begins leading a self-described ?dual life.? The writer?s personality divides into A.J., his old secular self, and Jacob, his biblical alter ego.
Jacobs ? or Jacob, as it were ? devotes the first eight months of his adventure to the laws of the Old Testament and saves the remainder of the year for the much shorter New Testament. His goal is to be the perfect religious fundamentalist, choosing to rely on his gumption and a Bible he once stole from an ex-girlfriend (rather than deferring to any particular religious tradition).
Because there are so many laws in the Old Testament, he chooses to focus on a different one each day. However, he does make a point of observing some laws throughout the course of the year: Thirty minutes of prayer a day, rest on the Sabbath, an entirely white wardrobe and, of course, an untrimmed beard, are just a few of the laws that become a part of the author?s life.
Although his story is largely a personal quest, Jacobs is quick to acknowledge those who helped him along the way. Among them is a retired Lutheran pastor who lives next door and an orthodox Jew named Mr. Berkowitz. Jacobs hires the latter as a ?shatnez tester,? who puts his clothing under a microscope to ensure it does not violate the biblical injunction against mixed fibers.
Also helping him on his journey are the scores of people he visits and interviews. Jacobs? thirst for knowledge brings him to a group of gay evangelicals, Christian snake charmers, ultra-orthodox Jews and his former Uncle Gil, who also happens to be a former cult leader.
One of the remarkable features of the narrative is its even-handedness. Whether Christian or Jewish, gay or straight, fundamentalist or theologically liberal, everyone gets respectful treatment.
What makes Jacobs? fairness so impressive is the way he maintains respect for others without being meekly objective. He readily admits his politics lean left and his religious views are agnostic. Although he would probably prefer the company of a reform Jew or a liberal Christian to that of a conservative evangelical, the author respects people of all faiths, as well as those who choose not to believe.
This fairness comes through particularly well in the author?s visit to a creationism museum called Answers in Genesis. Although he has trouble believing in ?an earth that?s barely older than Gene Hackman,?
Jacobs is impressed by the intelligence and kindness of the people he meets at the museum.
In his quest to become the consummate fundamentalist, Jacobs learns a number of lessons about his life, his family, and people of all sorts of Judeo-Christian faiths. ?The Year of Living Biblically? is a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a funny, poignant and fair account of the Bible?s profundities and peculiarities.
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4 stars out of 5
