Discover the Transformative Journey of Living by Biblical Principles for a Year

This is a detailed review of A.J. Jacobs' book, where he embarks on a fascinating year-long experiment of living according to biblical teachings. Like any work addressing religion, the book invites diverse interpretations, and readers are likely to find something uniquely resonant within its pages.

Following his previous adventures in "The Know-It-All" (his quest to become the smartest person) and "Drop Dead Healthy" (his pursuit of ultimate health), A.J. Jacobs, a witty and adventurous journalist, undertook what he describes as his most meaningful experiment yet.

For 380 days, Jacobs adhered to over 700 biblical commandments. Below, I share my reflections on this extraordinary journey and the book inspired by it.

About A.J. Jacobs

A New York-based journalist and editor at Esquire magazine, Jacobs has contributed to The New York Times and The Washington Post. He is the author of several bestsellers, including "The Know-It-All," "The Year of Living Biblically," "Drop Dead Healthy," and "My Life as an Experiment." Known for immersing himself fully in his subjects, each of his books reflects a personal experiment, making his life a series of unique explorations.

My Personal Perspective on Religion

Before diving deeper, I’d like to share my own views on faith, which may help contextualize my impressions of the book.

To me, faith and religion are distinct: faith represents deep personal beliefs and spiritual foundations, while religion is an organized system of practices and norms.

People may believe in God, evolution, themselves, universal energy, or even a chair leg—anything that fosters creativity and positivity. Raised in the Orthodox Christian tradition, I don’t wear a cross but instead cherish a medallion gifted by my mother, who, like my family, embraces Orthodox customs without strict adherence to rituals. Our values are rooted in the Ten Commandments, and I respect others’ beliefs as much as I expect mine to be respected. I firmly believe that religious ethics should not be forcibly integrated into legal systems, as this blurs important boundaries and threatens social harmony.

I view theism and atheism as the two pillars supporting our world, and I value tolerance above all, disliking any mockery or disdain between these perspectives.

Critiques of the Book

Literalism

I do not see the Bible as a sacred scripture but rather as a historical and cultural anthology—a non-systematic collection of social, moral, and everyday norms accumulated over centuries. As Jacobs himself notes, the Bible resembles a "Wikipedia" edited by many hands.

The literal approach Jacobs takes, while intended as satire, sometimes felt irritating to me, especially given his claim that this project would be a gateway into spirituality, not just an academic exercise.

“...this project will be my passport into the world of spirituality. I will not just study religion; I will live it.”

Western Cultural References

The book is heavily peppered with references to Western pop culture, from American actors to religious figures, which can disrupt the reader's immersion. For instance, describing someone as "the Chekhov of the 21st century, just without pince-nez" evokes a clear image, whereas comparing them to Jackie Mason may fall flat for those unfamiliar with the comedian.

Though explanatory footnotes are provided, the sense remains that the book primarily targets a Western audience, limiting its universal appeal. The absence of exploration into Orthodox Christianity further accentuates this feeling.

Highlights of the Book

Writing Style

Jacobs' prose is light, coherent, and witty. For anyone who appreciates language, this book is a treasure trove of expressive phrases and metaphors. (Credit is also due to the translator, Taira Mamedova, for her excellent work.)

Humor

Despite my reservations about the literalist satire, Jacobs' humor is sharp yet never cruel. He skillfully depicts people and events with irony and is not afraid to poke fun at himself—a rare and endearing quality.

Educational Value

The book offers fascinating insights into various religious practices, some of which I had never encountered before. While certain sects like creationists or snake handlers didn't spark my curiosity enough to research further, the book undeniably broadens readers' horizons.

Personal Narrative

Jacobs didn’t just follow biblical rules; he lived through a year filled with work and family milestones, including the birth of twins. By weaving his personal life into the narrative, he creates a compelling storyline that invites empathy and connection.

Philosophical Reflections

Though primarily entertaining, the book occasionally delves into profound topics such as honesty, gratitude, parenting by example, fanaticism (including religious), and ethical dilemmas like stem cell research. These moments offer thoughtful material for reflection.

Ultimately, I appreciate Jacobs’ concept of a "cafeteria religion," which aptly captures the Bible's role in contemporary society—selective, personal, and evolving.

The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs

Available for purchase on Amazon.

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