1)Why does the author embark on this biblical journey? What does he expect to find at its end? How do the questions he seeks to answer already evolve in the first chapter from their origins in the introduction?
The author embarks on this journey because he hasn't really experienced religion. He grew up Jewish but the same way that "Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant." His uncle Gil really interested in him. He was a man who was very religious and tried many different religions. Also, he wanted to go on this journey to write a book about it. He also wanted to experience biblical literalism, since many Americans say they follow the Bible literally. He wanted to see if it was possible, or what it would be like. He expects to find that many people pick and choose what they want to follow from the Bible.
In the first chapter he talks about how it is going to be a lot more difficult than he thought, and how if he is going to follow the Bible exactly he must be constantly thinking about the rules. Sometimes, he breaks the rules on accident. He also must seek advice from spiritual advisors because the oral law is part of the religion as well as the written law.
2) Identify the formal and informal spiritual guides Jacobs consults initially. Why does he enlist the help of these advisors?
Jacob consults different spiritual leaders like rabis, priests and reverends. He knew these people as family friends, friends of friends etc.
He elists the help of advisors because they will make sure he is on the right path. Many religious people agree that the Bible is shorthand, and that to really understand it you need the verbal account too.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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