MysteriousFaith

May 2004 Bookshelf

May’s list of books read covers familiar material (the abuse of power by American political institutions, religious philosophy and foreign affairs) along with several books on higher criticism of the Bible, questions about the Canaanite genocide, and commentary on the role of fundamentalism in contemporary culture.

May 2004 Bookshelf

Profit over People by Noam Chomsky

Capitalism is many times assumed to be necessary and even advantageous to Christianity. I find it saddening that needed insight into capitalism’s shortcomings and over-sexed American consumerism comes from rationalist atheist thinkers such as Noam Chomsky and not from those who should have a stronger sense of justice and equality as a result of their faith. Dr. Chomsky’s work in this book deserves to be seriously studied, specifically his basic premise that democracy is no longer protecting the working class, but serves only to further enrich the multi-national companies who can allocate production globally wherever they so need based on economic and political needs. If he is right, it goes without saying that an over-correction against such abuses will be in the cards.

For those who consider Dr. Chomsky’s work strongly counter-cultural and bordering on political dissidence, they will be frustrated to see how often Dr. Chomsky is able to use quotes from America’s founding fathers and from Adam Smith relative to the dangers of capitalism gone unchecked. In a world of corporate scandals like Enron and MCI/WorldCom as well as the challenges posed by globalization, the questions and theories espoused in this book need to be seriously evaluated. The following passage articulates this point well:

“[James] Madison soon learned differently, as the ‘opulent minority’ proceeded to use their newfound power much as Adam Smith had predicted a few years earlier. They were intent on pursuing what Smith called the ‘vile maxim’ of the masters: ‘All for ourselves, and nothing for other people.’ By 1792 Madison warned that the rising developmental capitalist state was ‘substituting the motive of private interest in place of public duty,’ leading to a ‘real domination of the few under an apparent liberty of the many.’ He deplored ‘the daring depravity of the times,’ as private powers ‘become the praetorian band of the government - at once its tools and its tyrant; bribed by its largesses, and overawing it by clamors and combinations.’ They case over society the shadow that we call ‘politics,’ as John Dewey later commented … democracy has little content when big business rules the life of the country through its control of ‘the means of production, exchange, publicity, transportation and communication, reinforced by command of the press, press agents and other means of publicity and propaganda.’” (page 52)

A Terrible Love of War by James Hillman

This book is beautifully written but macabre in its topic: civilization’s love of war. This book burdened my soul as nothing I have ever read did. It is at one moment piercing in its insight and in another damning in its conclusion. During the current Bush administration’s invasion of Iraq, I heard a preacher from the pulpit accept and justify the war in a voice that betrayed a deeper love of war. While justified under Augustinian “just war” reasoning, the dancing and tremble of his oration suggested a bravado and machismo that men at war have been guilty of across time. Coming from the pulpit is for some, myself included, un-necessary; however, a study of war across time shows that religion is often times a primary reason for human conflict.

In Hillman’s chapter “War Is Sublime” he dissects the argument that America’s culture of violent entertainment has led to desensitization and increased violence. A lengthy quotation from Hillman makes his point:

“Although American violence may be a constant since our arrival on these shores, why do we now blame it on TV? By pointing the finger at TV and seeing the cause there, what other possible causes are we not seeing? Who and what else might be the culprit for contemporary aggressive behavior (besides the inherited ‘sin’ of our original colonialism)? Could poverty, insufficient housing, and over-crowding foster violence? Institutional injustice; inadequate communal child care; civic and corporate corruption; racial oppression; the worship of success and its correlative, failure; school uniformities; decline in arts programs; lack of prison reform and rehabilitation; low pay and rank of social workers; the prevalence of guns - in other words, societal faults? These are complex and hard to remedy compared with the simplicities of censoring what’s available on the screen. Censorship and prohibition appeal to the moralist, legalist penchant of Americans; subtle and enduring complexities much less so. Besides, curbing violence by remedying societal faults tends to redistribute wealth, offering more to the less advantaged, and could threaten the established plutocracy for whom TV is only a lesser opportunity among more opulent channels of recreation.” (page 136)

Hillman’s critique of the role religion has played in justifying war is devastating and worthy of deep reflection. What he, as with many others, see in religion is a deep insecurity over the threat that inclusivism and pluralism presents. As with many other thinkers, I would suggest that such insecurity is an insight into the deep uncertainty with which certain religious followers have relative to their claims of absolute truth. Religions that do not foster tolerance and love are unworthy of their claim to spiritual enlightenment.

Why I Am Not a Christian by Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell is used and abused by Christian apologists and philosophers around the world; such is not a surprise considering his strident resistance to the truth claims of Holy Scripture and faith in God. Much of what Russell was asking should be listened to. His questions about the deceit of religious institutions in history are necessary criticisms. In addition, his resistance to religious platitudes against Christians who claim to hear from God should point faithful Christians towards a deeper sense of mystery as to our faith. For a more complete review of this book, please read my complete essay here.

Israel/Palestine: How to End the War of 1948 by Tanya Reinhart

For anyone who desires to be educated on the conflict taking place in Israel at the moment, this book is required reading. The book is not a treatise on geo-political philosophy but is a detailed analysis of what has happened since 1948 in Israel, the responses of both the Israeli’s and Palestinian’s, as well as what has been behind the various peace proposals that have been signed, violated and never completed relative to this issue.

Dr. Reinhart’s book draws out several key points that need to be understood by those people who condemn all Palestinians for the actions of a few while accommodating the whole of the Israeli government’s policy of collective punishment. Her first point is that the Palestinian society’s effort to negotiate in good faith with Israel has not been like-wise emulated by Israel. In making this point, Dr. Reinhart is honest about the struggle that has taken place within Palestinian thinking as the culture attempts to come to grips with the role of Israel: “For many years, there were two lines of thought in Palestinian society. One called for the Palestinians to resist anything less than regaining the whole of Palestine, and even to ‘let the Jews be thrown into the sea’; the other called for a solution based on recognizing the rights of both nations, and emphasized the need to find a model for coexistence between the two peoples. From the Palestinian perspective, accepting the idea of two states has been an enormous concession, one that involves giving up almost 80 percent of the historical Palestinian homeland. (The West Bank and Gaza Strip only make up 22 percent of the historical Palestine, but that 22 percent is the only territory now under discussion as the future Palestinian state.)” (page 14)

In reading this book, along with a couple others on the current state of affairs in Israel, I have learned that the tension that exists in Israel is not purely the product of their conflict with the Palestinians. Dr. Reinhart illustrates how brittle the political and social environment is in Israel-proper relative to the policies that are being enacted to keep the occupied territories. “Anybody willing to give up anything [in Israel] is risking right-wing agitation, and the Palestinians should understand this fragile dynamic ruling all Israeli governments. What has gained far less attention and sympathy is the sacrifices of the Palestinian people. Their historical ties to the land are much more current than ancient biblical times.” (page 23) The “right-wing agitation” Dr. Reinhart references is a particularly seedy side of Israeli politics: “The fringe right wing always objects to plans that leave the Palestinians with any amount of land. In the eyes of the far right, ‘transfer’ of the Palestinians off the land is the only solution.” (page 51)

Dr. Reinhart offers some proposals for how to deal with the situation Israelis and Palestinians find themselves in, specifically establishing a set of policies similar to what was necessary to break apartheid apart. Along with this discussion, she advocates establishing a “truth and reconciliation” committee similar to what South Africa has done, while at the same time agreeing on school curriculum that will reinforce shared respect for both nationalities.

Who Wrote the Bible? by Richard Elliot Friedman

This book is a contemporary defense of the JEDP theory - that the Pentateuch should not be understood as being Mosaic in authorship. This is the first book I have read that approaches the Bible forensically, as any scholar would with an ancient manuscript, hence its uniqueness in my studies.

I saw nothing in Friedman’s book that challenges the divine source of the Bible (although I gathered from his closing paragraph that he does not view it as such). He does challenge Mosaic authorship of the Bible, although I think he minimizes the differences between dating a manuscript by sourcing the origin of the scribe who first committed it from oral tradition to paper versus questions over who authored the original claims. The textual criticism of Mosaic authorship make sense to me, specifically the very discrete change in words used for God and the re-statement of the events (what he claims as evidence of the act of splicing together of two perspectives - one of the priests of Israel and the other of Judah).

What I did not see in his books were arguments for doctrinal or canonical inconsistency above that which good cultural hermeneutics and a proper view of divine inspiration of Scripture should lead to. All his criticisms taken into account, he does not provide a compelling argument for the Bible’s validity being challenged, only the question of the Pentateuch’s Mosaic authorship. This book is not for everyone; specifically, I would caution those without a background in literature, literary criticism or strong exposure to cultural hermeneutics to not pick this book up. In addition, I think a mature reader should understand that real criticism of such a theory is within the realm of a very few individuals - specifically those who have a working knowledge of ancient Hebrew. Without this skill set, it is really not reasonable to question this theory in a meaningful way.

Friedman’s defense of the documentary theory, as the JEDP theory is called, is not new but it is something that can create a struggle for those who have a very wooden and literal perspective on the Bible. This is not a book for everyone.

Why Do People Hate America?by Ziauddin Sardar and Merryl Wyn Davies

This book is an excellent book for Americans who genuinely do not appreciate what about our culture is offensive to others. The book is non-academic, in fact, the authors repeatedly use Hollywood movies and television to clearly explain us to ourselves if you will! You may have to purchase the book from a used bookseller as my copy had to come from an overseas used bookstore (check Amazon.Com’s used book listings).

Sailing the Wine Dark Seas: Why the Greeks Matter by Thomas Cahill

This book, another book in Cahill’s The Hinges of History series, is a wonderful review of the ancient Greek culture. Cahill’s proficiency in ancient languages comes out in this book more than in the previous book of his I had read (How the Irish Saved Civilization); however, his proficiency of ancient Greek makes some of the sections a tad tiresome - specifically the first part of the book when much of the ancient literature from the Greeks is discussed. Three quarters of the book reads very smoothly and challenges readers to think about similarities between our culture and the ancient Greeks - a culture from whom much can and should be learned if we are to avoid mistakes within our government and culture.

The Battle For God: A History of Fundamentalism by Karen Armstrong

This is my first exposure to Karen Armstrong; an oversight I will be quick to remedy. Her writing is incredibly thorough, evidencing a manifest understanding of history and of organized religion across time. Armstrong is, by her own admission, an “ardent monotheist”; she would not accept the orthodox Christian view of divine inspiration of Scripture. I need to read more of her works to fully understand her doctrinal position; however, I did recently purchase and listen to her talk The Future of God and found much of this incredibly challenging.

As one struggles with multiple truth claims of the various world religions, the need to interpret the Bible within cultural confines as opposed to wooden literalism, and a challenge to evangelical Christianity’s traditional treatment of salvation of the un-reached in a system that is at best agnostic, the writings of people like Armstrong increasingly soothe my concerns and questions. This book challenged me to think about whether or not fundamentalism is the enemy of God. A more complete review of this question can be read here.

Why the Religious Right is Wrong about Separation of Church and State by Robert Boston

The title of this book pretty much says it all. The book analyzes the commonly held arguments for separation of church and state on the side of the religious right. Interestingly enough, the book is written by a Christian Reverend who feels quite strongly that American religious fundamentalists are attempting to gain a position for religion in the public forum that is outside of the original intent of the Constitution’s framers.

American Empire: The Realities & Consequences of U.S. Diplomacy by Andrew J. Bacevich

Dr. Bacevich’s central argument in this book is that the policy currently guiding American foreign policy is not without form as some have suggested but is, in fact, a policy that goes back to Teddy Roosevelt. What is this central policy? American dominance - global hegemony if you will. Dr. Bacevich shows symmetry to how America engages the world over the last century where others see a lack of direction.

I found his analysis particularly insightful relative to the upcoming Presidential election. In President Bush a clear foreign policy can be articulated from the neo-conservative perspective. The problem is that his opposition, Senator Kerry, can not propose a viable alternative to what has led us into Afghanistan and Iraq. Why not? Simply put, because the Democrats and Republicans share a central agreement in American foreign policy - the importance that should be placed on American full spectrum dominance and global hegemony. Senator Kerry can not be against that which he has stood for so long. Dr. Bacevich’s analysis of America’s “intervention” in Bosnia is particularly damning, but of particular importance to American’s proper understanding of the policies our government puts into place in the name of keeping us secure.

Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George M. Marsden

This book documents the life of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), the great American preacher and theologian. I find this period of time not particularly interesting in general and as such, this biography did not completely connect with me although Edwards as a person intrigued me.

One of the difficulties I have in connecting with this period of time, and Jonathan Edwards in particular, is their fixation on what strikes me as seemingly arcane doctrinal issues - specifically in this period of time, the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism.

Hegemony or Survival by Noam Chomsky

We are, at our most foundational level, a fundamentalist society. Our imperialism is less an actualized component of our foreign policy and more the implicit outworking of a society wedded to religious and secular fundamentalism: we are unable to accommodate any form of ideological pluralism in our pursuit of our role in history. Dr. Chomsky’s damning analysis of “America’s Quest for Global Dominance” distressed me deeply.

My one criticism of Dr. Chomsky (in this work only - he explores this in other books profoundly well) is that where he sees purpose (the articulation of American hegemony), I tend to see an underlying psychological pathology of power. Perhaps that is what his point is; however, it can be lost in his rebuttals of conventional political thought and social activism.

Chechnya Diary by Thomas Goltz

Thomas Goltz is a journalist who embedded himself into the conflict in Chechnya; this book is the result of his several trips into Chechnya over the last five years. The book is not a political commentary, it is more of a real-world journalistic thriller that at times reads more like a good piece of fiction than a journalistic endeavor.

I would be interested in an analysis contrasting the ideologies of America’s invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq compared to the conflict in Chechnya. What is going on in Chechnya is, I would suggest, an ominous warning as to where un-just wars take governments and populaces. The warning to Americans from Chechnya is there for anyone who is interested to hear.

Legends of Our Time by Elie Wiesel

This collection of stories from a survivor of Auschwitz ranges from dealing with Jews who have lost memory of their history, to man’s desire to know God, to loss of life’s most precious gift - reconciliation with God. I am stunned by Elie Wiesel’s writing and the story of his life.

Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward

I would not be much of a political hack if I did not pick this book up. Like most of Woodward’s other books, this book smacks of the inside political story from the current Bush administration. I enjoy Woodward’s writing because it reminds me of what I thought journalism was supposed to be about - getting a great story, giving the public the facts, and letting the reader determine his response to the information. Woodward does not come across as political, in fact, the White House has recommended this book as a meaningful insight into the Iraqi War and President Bush’s leadership style.

The book did little to change my concerns over the current administration and much to make me question how exactly the Iraqi War was sold to the President. Vice President Cheney appears in the book as a somewhat dark and obsessed back-door figure, someone holding profound ideological control over President Bush. I fear President Bush, being poorly educated and basically uninterested in the world, has fallen into the hands of an ideologue who is responding to 9/11 in ways that will only make the world more dangerous.

Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before and After Jesus by Thomas Cahill

Yet another beautiful story in the Hinges of History set of books by Thomas Cahill, Desire of the Everlasting Hills documents the time in history when Christ and the apostles walked the earth. I could not more strongly recommend this book to people struggling with reconciling the historical Jesus with questions relevant to Biblical higher criticism. While not touching on these topics indirectly, the book is written in a loving manner by a man who can be provocative without being mean.

The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth by Gerald G. May, M.D.

This book came to me at a time when I desperately needed it. It is a contemporary synthesis of Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross’ work on the dark night of the soul. Struggling with a frustration and disappointment, this book encouraged me to see my own “dark night of the soul” less as a time of distance from God, and more as a time when what God was doing in my life is not visible to me. I do not understand the situation I now find myself in and so must rest in the belief that what is taking place will help me rid myself of sin, unproductive attachments and unreasonable expectations and ambitions.

Show Them No Mercy: Four Views on Canaanite Genocide edited by Stanley Gundry

Have you found yourself reading about the Israelites slaughter of the Amalekites or of the plunder of Jericho and wondered what this says of God? Asking how such a command could come from the divine? Perhaps even questioning whether or not this is accepted behavior versus God being used as an excuse for the nationalism required to conquer a foreign land? I have. This point is something that Lee Strobel unsatisfactorily touches on in his A Case For Faith. I find it deeply distressing that many Christians simply do not question these passages (perhaps just another indicator of a culturally accepted version of Christianity versus that form of authentic spirituality that requires study and questioning).

This book, another part of the Moody Counterpoint Series is a wonderful example of study guides that walk people through differing positions on difficult issues within the Bible. I am so thankful for the editors and publishers behind this series: I find these books to be solace to my soul in the questions I ask.

The book has four positions presented, then debated, by the opposing schools of thought. The first position, that of “radical discontinuity” is what resonated with me most. This position requires a looser view of infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible than do the others. The position of radical discontinuity essentially argues that the passages where whole cultures / tribes / people were slaughtered is inconsistent with every teaching of Jesus and as such, must be tested against that which He taught us. Such a position interprets the entire Bible against the teachings of Christ; where inconsistencies develop the character of Christ is the final arbiter. Because of this belief, the genocidal passages in the Pentateuch are considered to be the products of nationalism - something that is easier to believe if you view the Bible as being subject to some of the logical vagaries common to pieces of literature from antiquity.

The other three positions are highly forensic - they are not easy to understand conceptually, relationally or emotionally. I found each of them, granted in their very own and very unique way, to be obtuse. I believe each of the three theologians who held these opposing views would have had to deny the “plain reading of Scripture” in order to understand their doctrine. They are forced to superimpose a set of theologies over a view of God that is fundamentally different than the historical position of Christ. Where these inconsistencies exist, they develop systems to explain them away rather than take a more liberal view on issues like inerrancy and infallibility. I fully understand why, but feel we must be honest about such questions rather than pretend we can explain them away. I do not believe God’s motives are hidden from us - only His plans. But man’s motives for other men are certainly hidden by pride and nationalism - nowhere is this impact seen more in a reasonable discussion over the Canaanite genocide.

The Hidden Face of God by Richard Elliott Friedman

This book frustrated me, confused me, and left me scratching my head. It begins by asking a profound question: why does God gradually withdraw Himself from mankind as Genesis and the remainder of the Pentateuch progresses? The question is incredibly profound and, I believe, could have been better answered by a historical analysis of how religion develops and changes as cultures go from wandering nomads (tribes) to established cultures, to struggling nations.

A point he does make well is that contemplations on the divine physically interacting with us is something we struggle to envision in our day and age. We can easily discuss God walking with those who lived long ago, but the idea of Him walking physically with us today is at one moment quaint and at another terrifying. A broader discussion of the development of religion within the clutches of mythology versus today’s culture of rationalism and science would have been a more meaningful discussion from my perspective; however, it would not have suited his ultimate conclusion.

Dr. Friedman touches on topics within the Kabalah and the Big Bang in making a broader point that mankind may be entering an epoch when God will again reveal Himself to us in new ways. I, for one, hope he is right. I just am not sure I understand how all the points Dr. Friedman touches on come into such a neat summation.

The Eagle’s Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World by Mark Hertsgaard

Mark Hertsgaard (www.markhertsgaard.com) spent several years traveling the world, gathering impressions foreign cultures have of Americans. The resulting book is yet another highly approachable, very readable insight into why America is at once enticing and yet also frustrating to the world. Mark does a superb job of showing what about our culture others appreciate and love while at the same time clearly articulating why our policies are perceived around the world as being for our good at the expense of others.

If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland

It should be my prayer more often that this book is true. A contemporary defense of the belief in universalism - the doctrine that all will ultimately be saved whether in this life or in the next - this book offers a fresh set of eyes on a teaching that American Christians would be the better for pondering. Right or wrong, these authors’ view of God’s love is the most profound grasp and dissertation on the topic I have ever read. They seem to fully grasp the complete transforming power of God’s love. I hope to write more on this topic on the near future. An excellent introduction into the topic - even if you disagree with their conclusions, I believe you will be genuinely touched by their view of God’s grace and His eternal love.

When Religion Becomes Evil by Charles Kimball

Charles Kimball argues that five warning signs must be noted as a leading indicator of when religion is becoming corrupt: absolute truth claims, blind obedience, establishing the “ideal” time, the end justifying the means and declaring Holy War. The book is a deeply troubling look into both what makes religion evil, but more deeply, what makes religion divine. Where man is encouraged to voice his questions, pursue spirituality individually and take responsibility for loving others, religion has a role. Where religion denies the opportunity to ask questions and seeks answers politically, the world has much to fear.

previous post: Stealing Jesus: How Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity
next post: An Atheist’s Life of Faith

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• June 23, 2004

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