religion and spirituality

As someone who has grown up in very religious Christian circles, I have often been frustrated that we all speak the same way and think the same way. Our message is often contained in pat, easy answers, and we don't like to talk openly about our theological and moral struggles. Yet the beauty of the genuine Christ-life lived out is rare to find. I found Donald Miller to be a breath of fresh air. He expresses beautifully with words things I have often felt or been afraid to say out loud. He presents a Christian life that embraces humility, hope, compassion, vulnerability, and humor. He gives me hope to be able to live out a truer, more beautiful expression of my faith. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, and at times even embarrassed. A very enjoyable and inspiring read.

As one who is discovering what a postmodern expression of my faith would look like, I recommend Blue Like Jazz to anyone on the same journey. At the same time, I think Miller does a great job of presenting an honest search for Christian spirituality while still holding on to biblical truth and orthodox belief. For those who look for ways to criticize postmodern Christian spirituality, you'll probably find what you're looking for. For those who look for the marriage of truth, beauty, and simplicity, you'll certainly find what you're looking for.

I first disovered Don Miller through "Prayer and the Art of Volkswagon Maintenance" -- a very entertaining tale of a road trip in a VW bus where Don and his best friend learn to see the God of the Universe as a person who is intimately involved in their lives.

Don's writing was hilarious, thought provoking, honest, and witty.

Several years later, I was blown away by "Blue Like Jazz". While I thoroughly enjoyed Don's first book, I didn't expect that his second book would have such a deep impact on me.

First, Don's writing style, honesty, humor, and insight prove to be a vast improvement over an already solid base. But more than that, Don's writing spoke to my sinful heart. His honesty about his failings forced me to see my own "self-addiction."

He writes in a way that is convicting without being condemning. I left feeling challenged to think of myself less and others more. Don exposes the hidden shallowness of many Christian lives (mine included). We claim the name of Christ, but seldom love as he does, wholly, purely, and selflessly.

Don writes that Jesus not only loves us, he actually really LIKES us!

After reading this book, I am on the road to recovery from self-addiction. I have been motivated to see people through Christ's eyes and love others as he loved. I not only have a better understanding about God's deep love and enjoyment of ALL people, but his pleasure in ME as well.

If you're looking for a book that gets down to the nitty-gritty of the REALITY of loving Christ and his people (written in a very entertaining manner), this book is for you.

If you're looking for a book that will make you feel you are better than others, look elsewhere.

I'm going to keep my eye on this author. He is brilliant at 30-something. Can't imagine what he will have to say in the future.

this author is definitly one of my favorite authors of all time, along w/ mike yaconelli and phillip yancey. Donald Miller is honest and really makes you evaluate what it truely means to be into Christian spirituality. I love the fact that he tends to break all the rules, such as attending what is known to be the most secular college in the u.s. against the wishes of his christian friends, and how he impacted his friends there. the one story that stood out is that during one of the festivals during the school year when almost everyone on campus is drunk or high, and donald miller and his group of 6 or 7 christian friends set up a booth in the middle of the fair, "coming out of the closet", and declaring themselves as christians on campus...they wrote on the booth, "confess your sins"...but in actuality weren't telling people to come there to confess there sins, but so donald could confess his sins to the people for "being a bad christian" and apologizing for not living the way Christ wanted us all to. definitly for those who are sick of books that don't test you or teach you anything about Christ, but for people who live outside the lines of what is expected of you. i've bought several copies, and i've read it a few times now. give it a try.