Reading like it's my job #8 - More Paul and a few random reads
Whew! This week I made some progress on the religious text about Paul and started some light (and not so light) reads. I've been reading a lot of non-fic lately so I tried to mix it up this week. I'm not sure I succeeded.
Paul - A Biography by N.T. Wright
This is a rich text. It is neither a challenging read nor an easy one, but it does take some time to process. The life of Paul was marked by zeal, loyalty, and inclusion. He was an imperfect person trying to accomplish great tasks the only way he knew how: By relying on a power bigger than himself and by taking one imperfect step at a time.
I am making slow and steady progress (currently halfway done). What stands out to me is how Paul references history to teach and persuade. He knows his audience and he knows their history. This method can be applied in any setting, not just a religious one. Knowing the stories/parables/legends/histories that inform a belief system, cultural structure, or political ideology is essential for effective persuading.
Mr. Wright is helping me see the genius and boldness of Paul in a new light. What makes Paul a genius in my eyes is that he not only knows things, but he effectively uses his knowledge to accomplish certain ends. One "end" he is striving for is to convince two groups of people, historically at odds, to metaphorically and literally eat at the same table. Today we would call this inclusion. Paul saw this union of Jew and Gentile as the fulfillment of the ancient promise that all people would belong to the family of God. He uses the ancient stories of Abraham, Moses, and David - stories well known to both groups - to teach that there's only one way to fulfill what was promised: Turn the old world order upside down. Come together under the banner of a new king, Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.
And he doesn't stop at teaching, he also makes it happen by boldly bringing both groups together. Paul even stands up to Peter for thwarting his efforts. It would not be an easy thing to stand up to the man who Jesus nicknamed "the rock." Mr. Wright has this to say about that incident (which can be found in Galatians 2:9-14):
"If you see a friend about to step out, unawares, into the path of oncoming traffic, leading a group with him, the most loving thing to do is to yell that they must stop at once. That is exactly what Paul did."
That's a good analogy. I love this quote from N.T. Wright about scripture in general:
"Perhaps that is what holy scripture really is - not a calm, serene list of truths to be learned or commands to be obeyed - but a jagged book that forces you to grow up in your thinking as you grapple with it."
In the same vein, James Mustich said this about reading the Bible:
But what's it like to read the Bible? Not puzzle over its provenance nor interpret its meaning, not make peace with its traditions nor argue with the inheritances they inform, not evangelize its teachings nor submit to its commandments, but simply read the narratives, poetry, historical chronicles, legends, observances, and revelations it encompasses?
He gives his answer here, but what is yours? What is mine?
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
This is a weird book. Once again I'm struggling with thoughts of "how did this become a beloved classic?" I'm reading this to my kids and having to censor it because limbs and heads are being severed off. My sons don't need to be exposed to the concept of decapitation this early.
Other things I'm excited about
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtrey - I'm listening to this one and loving the drawl of narrator Lee Horsley. It's bringing out my inner cowboy.
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - Whenever I visit my parents I pick up some light teen lit. So far this is doing the trick of making me chuckle and sparking my curiosity of what will happen next.
The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin - Book 2 in the Wizard of Earthsea series. We left Ged and are on another island with other characters. I'd rather be with Ged.
What are you reading? What's got you excited? Thanks for reading and I'd love to hear from you.
Kyle