My Year of Living Biblically

Focus: AJ Jacobs’ book The Year of Living Biblically was a bestseller when it was released in 2007. In this Ted Talk, Mr. Jacobs summarizes his project and its conclusions in an entertaining and thought-provoking talk. Watch and make a note of the stories and quotes that jump out to you.

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Watch the video clip My Year of Living Biblically Video Clip

Sentences on the Subject: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. “ Matthew 5

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The story is told of a poor man who came to the Brisker Rav on Erev Pesach (the day before Passover) with a question. Could he use milk instead of wine for the Four Cups at the Seder?

The Brisker Rav responded, “Give me time, I will have to think on that”. Then, he took five rubles from his pocket and gave them to the man, saying, “A wealthy man gave me this money to give to the person who asked the most insightful question of the day. Congratulations, for you are that person!”

The Rav’s wife knew that there had been no such prize, and wondered why he had given the man so much money. “Wouldn’t one ruble have been enough for wine?” she asked.

“True,” Rav answered, “but if he was planning on drinking milk throughout the seder, that means he had no money for meat either. I gave him enough for both wine and meat.” My Jewish Learning

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Their marriages, confessions, promises of salvation — all of these things ceased to exist for thousands of Catholics baptized by an Arizona priest who, it turns out, was saying the sacrament script wrong. The Rev. Andres Arango for decades said “We baptize you in the name of the …” instead of “I baptize you in the name of …” After diocesan officials found that out, they said last month that people who Arango baptized aren’t technically Catholic. That means they weren’t eligible, from a Catholic point of view, for other sacraments. Washington Post 2/22

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Jacobs says that one of the changes that he noticed was that as he changed his behavior, his mindset changed. Do you have practices (behaviors) that affect your spirit (state of mind)?

Probe 2. What about the stories of the rabbi and the priest? Would the Erev Pesach been violated in the eyes of God if the man had used milk rather than wine? Is baptism invalid if the wrong words are used? Are there customs, traditions, or faith practices that we hold to be inviolate? What insights can be learned from this rabbinic parable?

Probe 3 . At the end of the talk, Jacobs summarizes the lessons he learned from this project. Those lessons were:

• Thou shalt not take the Bible literally
• Thou shalt give thanks
• Thou shall have reverence
• Thou shall not stereotype,
• Thou shalt not disregard the irrational
• Thou shall pick and choose.

Which of these resonated with you? Are there any that you feel are incomplete or problematic conclusions?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be gentle, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.

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Get the book Year of Living Biblically by clicking here

Listen to a meditation on Living Biblically by clicking here.

Learn more about Red Letter Christians by clicking here