Friday, October 16, 2009

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom



It's hard to be the one to bash a New York Times bestselling author. I mean, who am I, really? I've never written a book, been on a bestselling anything list...I'm just me. A reviewer of books.

And I'm grateful to Mitch Albom's publicist for the copy. His book is well written, and I can't say I didn't enjoy it. Quality writing, equal to his runaway hit "Tuesdays With Morrie".

"Have a Little Faith" shares Mitch's encounter with his rabbi from his youth--an eighty-two year old rabbi known as Reb. He asks Mitch to deliver his eulogy. Shocked, Mitch agrees, then sets out to know the man he will one day publicly remember.

In the course of this eight year getting to know one another (Mitch didn't realize at the time Rabbi Reb was so healthy for eight-two!), another story unravels. This one concerns a Detroit pastor with a past as a drug dealer, thief, convict and numerous other crimes to his account.

As Mitch writes about the two men, similarities emerge. A glaring one involves a roof with a gaping hole. The book packs a powerful message of faith and hope. It is easy to read and engaging.

My quibble is a simple one. In an age where most proclaim that 'all roads lead to God' and 'sincerity and living one's faith is what counts', I must disagree. That is the basic message of Mitch's book...

...and while it is well meaning and well presented, it's wrong. Don't blame me--if it were up to me, I'd rave about the book and let the dust settle where it settles. But Jesus Christ Himself declared that 'there is no other name under Heaven by which we can be saved."

He also stated that He was "THE way, THE truth and THE life". If this is not true, but that there are many ways, then Jesus was a liar...which then negates every faith system, as most if not all call Him a great and good teacher and/or prophet.

So, while I recommend Mr. Albom's book for revitalizing faith and hope and acceptance...I strongly take issue with the message of all being equal in some way. I must. And I know that won't make me popular...

...but I'm not in this for popularity. I'm in this for honesty and truth. Honestly? This is an enjoyable read. Truthfully? I hope and pray Rabbi Reb knew Jesus as Messiah.

As for "Have a Little Faith", I can only give the book two out of five bookmarks--not for quality of writing, but for truth in message. And that's harder for me than you can realize. I do give a charm...a blue tarp.

If you decide to read Mr. Albom's book, please feel free to email me your thoughts. I will not engage in a spiritual debate with you. I'd just like to know what you think.

Happy Reading!

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2 comments:

Jennifer Bogart said...

Amen sister! I had the same feeling about this title when I saw it come through the email 'buzz line'. Thanks for sharing your bang-on observations!

Shawntele said...

Thank you for your honest opinion. I quite enjoyed a few other of his books and will eagerly read this one now. I will let you know what I think when I am through. :)