The Year of Living like Jesus

1. Embracing Jewish traditions to understand Jesus

"Jesus was a Jew, not a Christian. His followers founded Christianity, but Jesus was authentically Jewish."

Rediscovering Jesus' roots. To truly understand Jesus, one must explore his Jewish heritage. This includes observing Jewish holidays like Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, as well as following dietary laws and Sabbath practices. By immersing himself in these traditions, the author gained a deeper appreciation for Jesus' cultural context and teachings.

Practical implications:

• Eating kosher foods
• Wearing tzitzit (tassels on garments)
• Attending synagogue services
• Studying Torah and Talmud

This approach challenges Christians to reconsider their understanding of Jesus and his message, emphasizing the importance of historical and cultural context in interpreting religious teachings.

2. Challenging conventional religious practices

"I've always believed that you pray only to God, in the name of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. You don't pray to the saints. And you certainly don't pray to Mary."

Breaking religious barriers. The author's journey led him to explore practices outside his evangelical Protestant background, including praying the Catholic rosary and using Orthodox prayer ropes. This willingness to engage with diverse spiritual traditions challenged his preconceptions and expanded his understanding of prayer and devotion.

Unexpected spiritual growth:

• Praying the rosary daily
• Using Orthodox prayer ropes
• Exploring Episcopal prayer beads
• Finding value in repetitive prayers

These experiences highlight the potential for spiritual growth through open-mindedness and willingness to engage with unfamiliar religious practices.

3. Exploring prayer through diverse spiritual traditions

"The more I pray the words of the Gospels, the more I feel that I'm really praying."

Deepening prayer life. By incorporating various prayer traditions, the author discovered new depths in his spiritual practice. This included praying the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") and exploring contemplative practices from different Christian traditions.

Prayer exploration:

• Praying the Orthodox prayer rope
• Meditating on Scripture passages
• Practicing silent contemplation
• Engaging in liturgical prayers

This diverse approach to prayer demonstrates the potential for enriching one's spiritual life by drawing from multiple traditions and practices.

4. Confronting personal biases and prejudices

"I immediately looked down to see if he had cut off one of his hands as well. To this day I can't believe I actually met this student. It's bizarre but true."

Challenging assumptions. The author's journey forced him to confront his own biases and preconceptions about faith, people, and societal issues. This included reconsidering his views on homosexuality, race relations, and interfaith dialogue.

Key realizations:

• The complexity of applying biblical teachings literally
• The importance of context in interpreting religious texts
• The need for empathy and understanding in addressing controversial issues

By confronting these biases, the author demonstrates the transformative power of self-reflection and openness to new perspectives.

5. Balancing religious observance with practical life challenges

"I've been working at Cornerstone University for almost six months, and during that time I've made major changes in the life on campus. Some of those changes have not been well received."

Navigating real-world tensions. The author's attempt to live like Jesus while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities highlighted the challenges of strict religious observance in modern society. This included struggles with dietary restrictions, Sabbath observance, and social expectations.

Practical challenges:

• Maintaining kosher diet in social situations
• Observing Sabbath restrictions while meeting work obligations
• Balancing religious convictions with professional responsibilities

These experiences underscore the complexity of applying religious principles in everyday life and the need for flexibility and discernment.

6. Redefining "pro-life" beyond abortion

"Being pro-life means being concerned about those who are dying of HIV/AIDS."

Expanding ethical considerations. The author's journey led him to broaden his understanding of what it means to be "pro-life," extending beyond the issue of abortion to encompass a wide range of social and humanitarian concerns.

A holistic pro-life stance includes:

• Addressing poverty and economic inequality
• Supporting healthcare access for all
• Opposing war and violence
• Advocating for environmental protection

This expanded definition challenges traditional conservative pro-life positions and emphasizes the interconnectedness of various life-affirming issues.

7. Unexpected political choices driven by religious reflection

"I voted for Senator Obama because I felt that he, more than any other candidate, best represented the teachings of Jesus."

Challenging political assumptions. The author's decision to vote for a Democratic candidate, despite his conservative background, demonstrates how deep religious reflection can lead to unexpected political choices. This decision was based on a careful consideration of Jesus' teachings about poverty, peace, and social justice.

Factors influencing the decision:

• Emphasis on caring for the poor and marginalized
• Commitment to peacemaking and diplomacy
• Focus on healthcare and social welfare
• Broader interpretation of "pro-life" values

This unexpected political shift highlights the potential for religious convictions to transcend traditional party lines and ideological boundaries.

8. The transformative power of empathy and human connection

"I've learned over the last few years that racism is alive and well in Michigan and around the country. It may be subtle, but it's real."

Building bridges. The author's experiences, particularly in African American churches and with people from diverse backgrounds, underscored the importance of empathy and human connection in addressing social issues and overcoming prejudice.

Transformative experiences:

• Attending and preaching in African American churches
• Engaging with people of different faiths and backgrounds
• Listening to stories of discrimination and hardship
• Recognizing shared humanity across racial and cultural lines

These experiences demonstrate the potential for personal growth and social change through genuine engagement with diverse communities.

9. Recognizing the complexity of faith and moral decisions

"Maybe the issue of abortion is not as black-and-white as some conservatives think. It's a complicated question."

Embracing nuance. The author's journey led him to recognize the complexity of many moral and religious issues, challenging simplistic or absolutist positions. This included grappling with difficult questions about abortion, warfare, and social justice.

Areas of complexity:

• Balancing personal faith with public policy
• Interpreting religious texts in modern contexts
• Navigating conflicting moral imperatives
• Recognizing the limitations of human understanding

This recognition of complexity encourages a more thoughtful and humble approach to faith and moral decision-making, emphasizing the importance of ongoing reflection and dialogue.

Last updated: July 31, 2024