Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

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Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

by Donald Miller

3.99 · rating details · 19,323 ratings · 2,084 reviews

"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. . . . I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened." In Donald Miller's early years, he was vaguely familiar with a distant God. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he pursued the Christian life with great zeal. Within a few years he had a successful mi

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Paperback, 256 pages

Published July 17th 2003 by Nelson Books (first published January 1st 2003)

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Feb 05, 2011

Seth Hahne rated it

Recommends it for: no one in particular

I thought of several different ways in which to begin this review - several witty comparisons that would surely catch the reader's attention. But that was a month and a half ago. See, I started reading Blue Like Jazz on the 20th of July and it is now the 4th of October. I have four pages left and I'm not sure I have the strength to continue.

For you see: Donald Miller is wearying. Endlessly self-amused and self-absorbed, he seems to want nothing so much as to be hip, cool, edgy (despi...moreI thought of several different ways in which to begin this review - several witty comparisons that would surely catch the reader's attention. But that was a month and a half ago. See, I started reading Blue Like Jazz on the 20th of July and it is now the 4th of October. I have four pages left and I'm not sure I have the strength to continue.

For you see: Donald Miller is wearying. Endlessly self-amused and self-absorbed, he seems to want nothing so much as to be hip, cool, edgy (despite his own protests that hip, edgy, and cool are vanities and wastes of time and energy). And if four years of highschool taught me anything, it is that everyone with a heart is thoroughly and deeply embarrassed when the Very Not Cool Guy walks in and tries to be cool. Think: The Offspring's "Pretty Fly for a White Guy."

The thing is: Christianity cannot be cool. There is no reason non-believers should see Christianity as anything even on the same plane as Cool. Christianity says and believes terrifying things about the non-believer. Forget the homosexuals a minute - Christianity says that the friendly, tax-paying, socially-active, community-leading paragon of virtue who doesn't bow the knee to Christ is horribly sinful and an actual enemy of God. No matter how kind and cool they are. For Christianity to become cool, it has to stop having anything to do with Christ and his message. Maybe Donald Miller wants that. It kinda seems like it, but who can say - since he's not that great at expressing anything beyond his own meandering and fleeting feelings on matters.

About two-thirds into the book, a friend (who won't receive and identity via nickname, such as Tony the Beat Poet or Andrew the Protester) ask me what kind of a book it was. I had a hard time describing it at first. Then I realized: OMG!! I'm reading a blog on paper! LOLZ!! KBAI! Really, Miller's book is nothing more than a glorified blog in its meandering promise to get to a point that never comes. In reality, Miller would make a much better blogger than he does a writer. Unfortunately, even as a blogger, he would only be so good - because despite moments of value and bits that come close to insight, his style is heavy-handed and obvious for too much of the book's 240 pages (I know, only 240 pages and it's taken me almost two-and-a-half months!). I think his would probably sit in the Occasional Reads section of my blogroll, checked only so often for fodder for my own blog postings—and only out of some sense of duty because he linked to me first.

One good-but-obvious point Miller makes throughout the book is that the human expression of Christianity in the contemporary American church is lacking at best, gravely flawed at worst, but most likely, somewhere in between. This is clearly true. But also clearly known to probably most of us. And the real problems are not often the ones that Miller is pointing out - he seems frequently upset at how little the church fits in with a world filled with lovely sinners. Yet still, there is value in his critique.

But not much. Again Miller shows himself to be like too many bloggers; and like too many bloggers, he has much criticism and too few answers. If he were a blogger, this might be acceptable; after all, the only cost associated with reading a blog is time (and perhaps mental health). A book, however, is paid in currency. There is real loss if a book does not measure up to its published value - and Blue Like Jazz does not. I hate to say that because there are a few amusing stories and I get the feeling the book wants to be useful - but it just isn't.(less)

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Oct 17, 2009

Ben rated it

Recommended to Ben by: MyFleshSingsOut

Shelves: read-in-2009, religion-spirituality

This book was recommended to me by MyFleshSingsOut, who is a very religious goodreads friend. He is a Jerry Falwell loving, hardcore, right wing conservative. He believes the entire old testament word for word: none of it is allegorical to MyFleshSingsOut. He doesn't even believe in evolution. You've probably run into him before. He goes around this site trying to save souls.

Knowing that I struggle with my belief and that I'm not nearly as religious as him, but more spiritual,...moreThis book was recommended to me by MyFleshSingsOut, who is a very religious goodreads friend. He is a Jerry Falwell loving, hardcore, right wing conservative. He believes the entire old testament word for word: none of it is allegorical to MyFleshSingsOut. He doesn't even believe in evolution. You've probably run into him before. He goes around this site trying to save souls.

Knowing that I struggle with my belief and that I'm not nearly as religious as him, but more spiritual, than say, the average goodreader, he advised I give this book a shot.

And I'm pretty glad I did.

It's not a very deep or penetrating book. If you're looking for the deeper questions of science and the existence of God, or musings on morality, this is not the place to turn. Donald Miller was no Dostoevsky, nor was he as analytical as I would've liked. I do not recommend this book for non Christians.

The tone is very informal. He's just one of the guys talking to you. He's young too, like just-turned thirty or something. And it shows, not only in his lack of probing depth, but in his annoying need to be cool all the time. He constantly goes out of his way to show that he's not like other Christians, because, you see, he's been there and done that. He drives a motorcycle and has hung with hippies, and he hates Pat Buchanan. He even drinks and goes to parties. You see, he's cool. And if you forget how cool he is, don't worry, because he'll remind you time and again.

Yet, there are some advantages to Miller's frank, informal narration. He's brutally honest about his shortcomings, he's entertaining, his prose makes for easy reading, and he does have heart. His message is a positive one: focus on love and Jesus, not doctrine and religiosity. And really, his childlike look at things is refreshing at times: he comes up with some touching insights; the kind that seem simple and obvious, but tend to get lost or go unnoticed in everyday life.

So, while I rolled my eyes a number of times, I did appreciate this quick and easy read, for both its entertainment value, and its ability to remind me why I'm a person of faith.

Thanks for the recommendation, MyFleshSingsOut! I liked this book.
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Oct 26, 2009

Greg rated it

Shelves: biography, religion

Originally this got three stars, now it has one. The more I think about this book the more I realize that it is nearly as noxious as most evangelical attempts at converting someone. What makes Miller really any different from the whorish looking teenage girls mentioned further down? Whorish teenage girls probably wouldn't do much to convince me I should be a Christian, but in the right frame of mind (where I excise parts of my brain and forget to be critical) his descriptions of loneliness, f...more

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Dec 23, 2007

Aerin rated it

Shelves: philosophy

This is a book I would never, never, in a million years, have picked up of my own volition. This is a book by and for Christians. I'm an atheist who was born and raised Catholic, and I've had more than enough of Christianity being shoved down my throat for a lifetime, thanks.

But I was hanging out with some old friends from high school, and they were going on, and on, about this book, and how great it was, and they finally asked me if I wanted to borrow it. How could I say no after...moreThis is a book I would never, never, in a million years, have picked up of my own volition. This is a book by and for Christians. I'm an atheist who was born and raised Catholic, and I've had more than enough of Christianity being shoved down my throat for a lifetime, thanks.

But I was hanging out with some old friends from high school, and they were going on, and on, about this book, and how great it was, and they finally asked me if I wanted to borrow it. How could I say no after half an hour of nodding politely and saying, "Oh, that sounds interesting"? So I let it sit on my shelf, gathering dust, for a healthy number of months, until I figured I might as well just read it, get it over with, and give it back.

The book's subtitle is "Nonreligious Thoughts On Christian Spirituality", and it seemed as good as any a place to start reading about Christian philosophy. I've been wanting to read some C.S. Lewis, or some St Augustine, to get a better idea of Christianity as a philosophy instead of the hypocritical dogma I was fed as a child and teenager. I know I'll never convert, because I know that there's no such thing as a god, but at the same time I think religious philosophies have a lot to offer. I'd like to be able to appreciate the good aspects of Christianity, instead of being constantly reminded of why I hated it so much as a kid.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I was looking for. Miller's got some good ideas, but he isn't a very good writer. He jumps from anecdote to anecdote, most of them following this formula: "I have this friend named _____. This friend taught me something about Jesus by ______ing _____. From this, I learned that loving others is important." His style is annoyingly conversational - the book reads like a series of half-thought-out LiveJournal entries, not like anything remotely approximating literature. And the substance? There isn't much. Basically: Love is good. God is good. Humans are fucked up. But God loves us and if we love each other, everything is better.

Okay, that's nice I guess. I heard it a thousand times over in Kindergarten Sunday school, but thanks for the refresher course.

I guess I'll have to look elsewhere if I want to delve more into Jesus as a philosopher, and Christianity as a philosophy. I'm still not sure whether I care that much, but who knows, there might be another group of friends in the future who force me to read up on the subject again.

In the meantime, at least I can finally return this book.(less)

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Jun 07, 2007

Mme. Bookling ~ rated it

Recommends it for: the non-academic

Call me a snob, but I don't understand why everyone thinks Miller is such an amazing writer. Despite his ability to say what Christians around the world have been thinking for the last 8 years--and to say it in an interesting way--I don't think his thoughts or writing compares to so many other philosophy-type books.

I think what drives me crazy is that everyone in my "Christian" generation leans towards these trendy, faddish books that finally tell them how they feel about g...more

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Jun 02, 2008

Krista rated it

(Note: I skipped around and read several sections, not the whole book, so I'm probably not giving a completely fair portrayal of the book.) A guy's charmingly awkward memoir of his faith and spiritual growth. It has its interesting moments, like a chapter titled "Church: How I Go Without Getting Angry." There were also places where I got bored or mildly annoyed. The writing is OK but not poetry. It seems to be purposely written in a kind of rough-edged guy style. Random incomplete sent...more(Note: I skipped around and read several sections, not the whole book, so I'm probably not giving a completely fair portrayal of the book.) A guy's charmingly awkward memoir of his faith and spiritual growth. It has its interesting moments, like a chapter titled "Church: How I Go Without Getting Angry." There were also places where I got bored or mildly annoyed. The writing is OK but not poetry. It seems to be purposely written in a kind of rough-edged guy style. Random incomplete sentences and all that. Often stops short before going too deep.

Here are some things I got thinking on from the book:
"Every year or so I start pondering at how silly the whole God thing is. Every Christian knows they will deal with doubt. And they will. But when it comes it seems so very real and frightening, as if your entire universe is going to fall apart. I remember a specific time when I was laying there in bed thinking about the absurdity of my belief....I felt as if believing in God was no more rational than having an imaginary friend. They have names for people who have imaginary friends, you know. They keep them in special hospitals...." This is cute and funny and real--it's one of those moments where he says out loud what a lot of people think but are afraid to say, and that's definitely worth something. But then he diverges in his topic, wanders; I wanted more on this topic (I don't know what exactly...).

Later on, interesting discussion about the power of metaphor in everyday language (referencing a speaker he heard)...he talks specifically about metaphors we use for relationships--we "value" people, we "invest" time in relationships--and the suggestion that such metaphors may subconsciously lead us to commodify people and relationships. (page 218)

OK, here's another quote; he is actually quoting a friend of his in conversation:
"'I mean that to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with God because he can't accept who God is, a Being that is love. We learn that we are loveable or unlovable from other people. That is why God tells us so many times to love each other.'"

At first glance, I thought, yeah, yeah, interesting, I agree. But then it started to bother me, I started to feel a little depressed by it. OK, so it's definitely true that human love is significant, meaningful, that it can express for us a part of God's love. It's an important reminder that our choice to love others and express our love to others is meaningful, is powerful, is spiritual.

But you have to be careful looking at it from the other direction...the logical implications are troubling. Does this mean that people who aren't loved enough, or who are "unloved" more than they are "loved," are doomed to not be capable of experiencing, receiving God's love? That other human beings control our access to God's love?

I think the idea, taken as is (granted, it's just a rooftop conversation between two guys) misses two important things:

One, if we believe in a loving all-powerful God, we have to believe that God's love is deeper and wider and larger and more powerful by far than human love. Even our deepest love of another falls short. Human love at its best is one part feeble and two parts self-serving. Christian faith requires a leap of imagination to believe that there is a love greater than we are capable of, greater than anyone else is capable of, greater than we have experienced in any human relationship. And further, I've been under the impression that Jesus reached (reaches) out to the outcast and lonely, the unloved and forgotten. Anyway, it's a horrible thought that someone could be rendered incapable of receiving God's love because human beings had failed to love them adequately. Or that their understanding of God's love would be limited by the limitations of human love. (Although I feel like I could debate this question endlessly within myself--the one part hopeful, wanting to believe that the human soul can survive even in drought conditions, that it can stretch its roots deep down into memories of love, that it can derive nourishment even from small, infrequent waterings; and that God is there, is present in the darkest places in people's lives, suffering with us. The other part of me wonders whether God's ways are fair, why circumstances seem random, why some people seem doomed to tragic fates, suspects his love is capricious (a la Orual in C.S. Lewis's Till We Have Faces).)

Two (returning from tangent), the quote doesn't acknowledge the flip side, which I think is also significant, probably more significant, and more within the realm of our control and choice: We can also learn about God's love by loving others--both the spontaneous kind of love, in which we so easily see and delight in the stamp of God's marvelous creation in another; and the more difficult kind of love that involves making a choice to be kind and respectful to someone we may not easily cotton to, the choice to be kind to strangers (e.g., other drivers on the road, often the most difficult people for me to love...), the choice to see another human being as created and loved by God--to imagine God's deep, deep love based on deep, deep knowledge of that person's deepest needs, gifts, weaknesses, and strengths.(less)

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Aug 14, 2007

Jason Savage rated it

Recommends it for: Those searching for a starting place with God.

The problem with Miller, Bell, and this whole Gen X/emerging church/postmodern church movement is that they want to be so much smarter than they are. Truthfully this book is spiritually shallow and leaves me thinking, "yeah, but so what?" I have already wrestled with a lot of the issues raised by Donald Miller and found myself wanting him to say more. I believe I finally put my finger on the issue. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that one day we would worship in Spirit and in Truth....more

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Jul 05, 2007

Carrie Anne rated it

Recommends it for: people looking for ideas and not preaching, on Christianity.

This is my favorite book in the world, my own personal bible. It's not very long, and offers a lot of insight onto many different topics in life- college, relationships,etc. My whole book is highlighted in amazing quotes and I try to get all my friends to write in my copy as well. It's so great because Donald Miller explores the idea of fiding Christianity and himself in a crazy world of skeptics and hypocrits. But most importantly, he isn't trying to sell anything. His style of writing is easy...more

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Sep 30, 2011

Mitch Nichols rated it

If you pick up Miller's book looking for writing that is chock-filled with passages of Scripture or full of deep and nuanced passages of doctrine and theology then you will be disappointed. But if you approach the book as one man's journey to faith told in a friendly and humorous manner then you will enjoy Blue Like Jazz. Admittedly I approached the book from my very Conservative Evangelical subculture with a little trepidation. Miller uses ideas, terms and political viewpoints that will make...more

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Jul 17, 2008

Cyndia rated it

Recommends it for: no one

I was excited about reading this book originally, then I saw what some people had to say and thought it might not be as good as it was hyped up to be. I still expected it to be an enjoyable read. However, I was completely disappointed.

First, you can tell a lot about a book by the first chapter. This books first chapter was terrible. It was like a bad movie that jumped all over the place so much and so often that you come away seasick. There are times where you want to scream out...moreI was excited about reading this book originally, then I saw what some people had to say and thought it might not be as good as it was hyped up to be. I still expected it to be an enjoyable read. However, I was completely disappointed.

First, you can tell a lot about a book by the first chapter. This books first chapter was terrible. It was like a bad movie that jumped all over the place so much and so often that you come away seasick. There are times where you want to scream out "too much information" but that does not make the author stop. By the end of the first chapter, I knew I was not going to enjoy the book and it would take effort just to make it through the book.

Second, the author is not that gifted an author. There is something special about the use of language to convey ideas. You can have simple, flowing language to express deep truths, such as what you see used by Alan Paton in Cry, the Beloved Country. You can use everyday language to convey conversations without dumbing down the subject, as Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, demonstrates in his literature. You can even jump all over the place from one thought to another like William Faulkner. You can tell that Don Miller, the author, is well read and intelligent, but his attempts at the use of language leave something to be desired. He tries to be too relevant to today's audience, and ends up dumbing down his thoughts. Books should make you think and be a challenge. His book purports to make you think, but it only made me think about how I did not want to be like this guy. I hope this book does not become a classic because it will portray our time period in history as one where we thought we were smart, but we were dumb.

Third, the author seems to be ashamed of the gospel. If a non-Christian reads this book seeking an understanding of Christianity and Christ, the non-Christian is going to see Christians as a bunch of self-loving whiners who do not know who God is. I was hopeful when I reached the last chapter that purports to be about Jesus because I thought maybe the author was building up to a presentation of the gospel. However, he did not communicate who Jesus was in the chapter. He just communicated that Jesus was someone to find. It left me thinking about Romans where it is made clear that no one seeks after God. No one can come to a saving knowledge of God without being told the gospel. Miller almost seems to be ashamed of this. The gospel would have been a wonderful climax to the book, but it was missing. The lack of gospel left a feeling of emptiness at the end of the book. If what Don Miller portrayed is the gospel, I want no part of it. Give me the cross of Christ where He took on my sin and imparted His righteousness to me instead. Once I have accepted the real gospel, then maybe I will not whine and complain about the church not doing this and not doing that, but be a part of the change motivated by my desire to live for God's glory.

Overall, I thought this book was based too much on feelings. Feelings change too much, as evidenced by the author being all over the place throughout the book. The Christian life has to be grounded on something bigger than feelings and emotions. It must be grounded on God's Word. I felt that the author lacked being grounded in something. Even chapters that purported to be about God (such as the chapters on love, worship and Jesus) ended up being about the author. Christianity is not to be self-centered but Christ-centered. This book lacked conveying that idea.

I seriously do not recommend that people read this book. Even more, I am disturbed that non-Christians are reading this book and thinking that this must be what Christianity is about. I know this review is a bit on the harsh side, but I think that the church needs to be more discerning about what it promotes to the world. A watered down gospel is no gospel at all. It is time to stop being ashamed and start living for God's glory.(less)

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Mar 23, 2008

Samantha rated it

Shelves: christian

Instead of critiquing, perhaps let me just share a few of what I found to be some of the most powerful -- powerful because they are written so simply, and so simple in their truth -- lines that provide a glimpse of Miller's style, the beauty of this book, and the beauty of Christian spirituality:

"It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so...more

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Nov 29, 2007

Alex rated it

I was really, really impressed with Blue Like Jazz. I had, just previously, tried to get into Mere Christianity, which attempts to show Christian belief to be the only natural conclusion to a philosophically rational evaluation of the universe. In other words, it was trying to tell thinking people how they can believe wholeheartedly and not abandon their intellect, too. IMHO it utterly failed, right from the start. After that attempt I felt strangely burned on Christian apologist writing in gene...more

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Mar 24, 2008

Taylor rated it

Recommends it for: Stephanie, Emily, Kathleen

Not a bad read. It took me a while to really get into the book. The first few chapters were laying a foundation, I guess, and didn't really draw me into the book. But, as I kept reading, I enjoyed the book, the characters, and the stories more. All in all - 3.5 stars.

It wasn't as earth-shattering as I expected/hoped it would be. Miller didn't really say anything new or revolutionary to me, but maybe it is to many other people. From my perspective, it is nice to know that there'...more

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Aug 31, 2010

Danielle rated it

Recommends it for: everyone!

Recommended to Danielle by: Mihai Banulescu

This book is truly captivating to me.

So many friends had recommended it to me and when I started reading it, it was okay, but it didn't really grip my attention until the 3rd chapter.

The author tells a story about how Navy Seals go to rescue some prisoners of war. The hostages are so frightened that they don't believe the Seals are American and refuse to come with them. In order to help the hostages trust them, one of the Seals sets down his weapons, removes his helmet,...moreThis book is truly captivating to me.

So many friends had recommended it to me and when I started reading it, it was okay, but it didn't really grip my attention until the 3rd chapter.

The author tells a story about how Navy Seals go to rescue some prisoners of war. The hostages are so frightened that they don't believe the Seals are American and refuse to come with them. In order to help the hostages trust them, one of the Seals sets down his weapons, removes his helmet, softens his face, and curls up next to the hostages. He was showing them that he was one of them, so that the hostages could trust the Seals to rescue them.

Donald Miller makes the analogy that that's why Jesus became man, so that we could trust him to save us. He also makes the analogy that we are being held captive in a world run by Satan, and we have to trust in Jesus so we can be rescued by Him. That story and analogy really speaks volumes to me..

Another reason that that little story really struck me is that just the day before, I had an interesting conversation about how people can sometimes psychologically manipulate others by taking on similar positions or attitudes in order to get people to trust them and feel more open around them... it's a very interesting concept.

I'm only halfway through it and already there has been mention of Steinbeck and Chico State.. odd! The author is from Portland and that is where the story is based.. but it always intrigues me when there things or places so close to me are mentioned simply by chance. It seems as though the author is speaking directly to me!

It's the same thing as when some arbitrary concept is presented to you -- and then you read about the exact same thing in a different context the very next day, or someone else mentioned the same thing. Or you open the bible and the first verse you read is exactly what you needed to hear at that particular moment.. Or the verse printed on the page of the notebook I'm writing in pertains exactly to the message/sermon I'm taking notes on!! I love it.

It's a wonderful book about the author's journey through Christianity and life.. I can't wait to finish reading it! (less)

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Nov 16, 2007

Vinnie rated it

Recommends it for: the spiritually unsettled

Shelves: faith-and-religion, nonfiction

After the fifth or sixth person asked me what I thought of this book, I decided to read it. Content wise, it wasn’t bad. It felt to me like Christianity 101 for twentysomethings in college. There wasn’t much there that a person couldn’t find in any other book about the basics of the Christian faith (i.e. C.S. Lewis books). What was unique about the book, and what I liked about the book, was the way in which the author wrote it. I related to the author’s journey. I grew up in the church, had my s...more

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Jun 07, 2007

Benjamin rated it

Recommends it for: the masses

This book was not what I expected it to be. I had the impression that the book was a theological discussion, rather than a memoir. I guess the word Nonreligious in the subtitle should have given me a clue. Despite my surprise, I still enjoyed the book. Miller is a capable and engaging writer, though I don't agree with all of his thoughts. I thought that Miller tried too hard to dissociate himself from the Christian culture. Granted, there are problems within the 'subculture' that need to b...more

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Mar 19, 2007

Claire rated it

Recommends it for: Intelligent, Witty, Sassy Christians; Northeast Portlanders

Shelves: poetry-essays-nonfiction, my-happy-books, top-25-of-all-time, this-is-my-catholicism, five-stars

I adore this book. There is a very good reason why this is the best-selling book in the Religion and Philosophy room of Powells Books in Portland (the world's largest independent bookstore); it is the most accessible, human, funny, and compelling "religious book" I've ever read (and I've read many). It is much less like a personal spirituality manual than it is a book of quirky essays by someone who happens to be deeply spiritual and learned, through the ups and downs of his life, ho...more

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Jun 15, 2007

Malbadeen rated it

Shelves: religionish

Reading this book felt like watching a teenager take psychology for the first time. They are excited and you can see their synapses firing away, you gotta love that enthusiasm! I felt a little bogged down at times by his whole "I'm a christian and I smoke cigars and ride a motorcycle" thing but mostly I appreciated his honesty about his stages of personal growth and I liked his overall perspective. I did have a hard time with what seemed to be incredibly overused and artificial dialog....more

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Nov 26, 2008

Paul rated it

Recommended to Paul by: Dollie

Donald Miller's story of his spiritual development is a very introspective look at Protestant Christianity. His journey starts with a "born again" conversion, and it continues through doubts and exploration, as he deepens his understanding of the exacting and liberating mission of following Jesus as Lord. Some of the stories are of his close friends who he admires for their faith and works. He hints that his present church is less dogmatic, more service oriented, but I was curious to...more

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Apr 19, 2011

Seph rated it

Don and I are friends. At least... that is the way I felt after reading this book.

Blue Like Jazz is an honest, humorous, poetic, train-of-thought perspective of God's work in Donald Miller's life. Don has a way of making me want to be different without telling me that I need to change. I not only appreciated his perspective, but have found that his method of writing is so disarming that it is helpful as a method of connecting with people.

God used this book to show me Christ...more

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Mar 31, 2009

Brian rated it

Recommends it for: people who know what they believe, and why

Shelves: 2009

Miller's book is less a treatise of emergent thinking as a conversational and diary-like experience. He values transparency and authenticity and is transparent himself as he talks about his own failings with honesty and humor. This thing he calls Christian spirituality (because Christianity has bad PR) is personal and introspective. One thing I like about Don Miller and the emergents in general is how they want to get rid of the cliché in the church and that is often needed.

But th...moreMiller's book is less a treatise of emergent thinking as a conversational and diary-like experience. He values transparency and authenticity and is transparent himself as he talks about his own failings with honesty and humor. This thing he calls Christian spirituality (because Christianity has bad PR) is personal and introspective. One thing I like about Don Miller and the emergents in general is how they want to get rid of the cliché in the church and that is often needed.

But this introspection has them turning to narrative truth instead of propositional truth and you find sensitive passages like this one: "...for so long religion was my false gospel. But there was no magic in it, no wonder, no awe, no kingdom life burning in my chest." In other words, no feeling there. The postmoderns that we call emergent, love to talk about their feelings and experiences and here is another exchange where he's talking about a friend who is thinking about God and Christ: "She wanted God to make sense. He doesn't. He will make no more sense to me than I will make sense to an ant." "I love this about Christian spirituality. It cannot be explained, and yet it is beautiful and true. It is something you feel, and it comes from the soul."

There is a lot of heart talk and not much head talk. Truth be told they mistrust the head and intellect. At one point he writes "My most recent faith struggle is not one of intellect" and it make me chuckle because not once in this entire book does he discuss his intellect in relation to this Christian spirituality. Where the head can't understand the heart feels wonder. And if those are reversed he will simply label it "religion" and try to get the heart (feelings) back.

He doesn't touch on the cross much and what the atonement is for (this is a contested area in emergent circles) but he does touch on the Bible and doesn't seem to think much of its answers. In a period of doubt he writes "I suppose what I wanted...is what every Christian wants...I wanted tangible interaction. I believed if I could contact God, He would be able to explain who and why I was." And approaches God in prayer to say "I'm sorry God...I don't really know who I am, who You are, or what faith looks like. But if You want to talk, I'm here now."

As for the missional aspects of his existence it is strained through this paradigm: "For me, the beginning of sharing my faith with people began by throwing out Christianity and embracing Christian spirituality, a nonpolitical system that can be experienced but not explained. And I could not in good conscious [sic:] tell a friend about a faith that didn't excite me. I couldn't share something I wasn't experiencing. And I wasn't experiencing Christianity." And speaking of apologetics he says "Ravi Zacharias says that what the heart is really longing to do is worship, to stand in awe of a God we don't understand and can't explain." Would Ravi say that we don't understand and can't explain God? I doubt that, because if he did what would that mean for his apologetics enterprise?

And for all this probably the worst thing about this book is the amount of silly, immature thinking enclosed. I don't know how wide Miller is in his thinking but this book is about an inch deep and you will come across passages like "It never occurred to me that if Christianity was not rational, neither were other religions" and "America is one of the most immoral countries in the world" and in a surprised way that "we have a sin nature, like the fundamentalist Christians say." By my reckoning Don Miller was in his early thirties when he published this book and I would be ashamed to say things like I'm afraid to read the Bible because I don't want to become like Pat Buchanan. Though he talks about truth, for Miller, and the emergent Christians he's aligned with, it is really about the experience. And what happens when those experiences cease and the feelings subside?(less)

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Aug 24, 2008

Bryan rated it

Recommends it for: people who feel alone, and people who are curious about Jesus

I was really anxious to read this book because I'd heard so many great reviews. Plus, as a believer and follower of Jesus myself, I've felt really challenged when people ask me about my faith but discount my comments when I reference the Bible, since they may not believe in the Book. I hoped Blue Like Jazz would help with that, given it's subtitle about non-religious thoughts, and for the most part it did.

I believe there is a big disconnect between the central message of Christ and...moreI was really anxious to read this book because I'd heard so many great reviews. Plus, as a believer and follower of Jesus myself, I've felt really challenged when people ask me about my faith but discount my comments when I reference the Bible, since they may not believe in the Book. I hoped Blue Like Jazz would help with that, given it's subtitle about non-religious thoughts, and for the most part it did.

I believe there is a big disconnect between the central message of Christ and the socially perceived message from Christianity. Too many believers segregate themselves from the non-believers and come off as very judgmental...which, ironically, is very non-christian. I don't pretend to be completely immune from that, and the strength of this book is that it brings that central message from Jesus into today's culture and removes the feeling of hostility and judgment that many people feel whenever they hear the word "Jesus".

There are many really great ideas in this book. I actually feel like I need to go back to the end of each chapter, write down the main idea, and think about them. However, I must say I felt the author came across as very egotistical. He kept saying how the most important element in setting one's self "free" by following Jesus was to move as far away from "self-absorption" as possible. Ironically, however, he came across as a very self-absorbed individual throughout the book...you'll understand what I mean if you read it.

One specific thing I did not like at all was that the author often mixed politics into the book. In a way, this was an autobiographical book of sorts, but the author leans WAY to the left and though politically I'm on the same side of the fence as he is I felt that moderates or conservatives would be turned off and angry with some of his comments in the book. Jesus was not a politician, and I think mixing politics into this book was a mistake because it really detracted from the message.

Last thing...the style of writing is very unusual. It reminded me an awful lot of the fictional story A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, in that the author just rambles a lot and jumps around from idea to idea. It's not as extreme in that regard as Pieces, but it does feel like you are reading someone's journal at times which, to me, feels a little uncomfortable. I would have preferred the same ideas and non-threatening discussion about Jesus in a different format...one that didn't make me think that this author is a little bit of a nutcase...then again, maybe that was part of the author's plan all along since the main message in this book and in THE Book is to love anyone and everyone unconditionally.(less)

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Jun 10, 2008

Randall Yelverton rated it

Contrary to Miller's introduction, jazz music does resolve. A theme is introduced, the theme is played around with, unpacked, reimagined, and then resolved. (There are open-ended compositions, but jazz pieces often do resolve.) And the title and its repetition throughout the work bugged me to no end. Miller really latches on to this image and runs with it, but since the book is not about being sad or even about the color blue, it seems that he just fell in love with the simile and ran with it wi...more

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Jan 14, 2008

Sandy rated it

I've sort of been rolling this book around in my head for a couple of days to decide what I was going to say about it. I told myself that I had to justify with words why I did or didn't like something, and I kind of feel, in finishing this one--I don't KNOW. I do know I find Donald Miller obnoxious. But, his writing was entertaining and accessible (and he would probably argue--relatable, but I don't think I'd agree with that). He had some good ideas. He made me think about what he was sayin...more

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Dec 15, 2007

Shelby rated it

Recommends it for: Christians who need to not be...you know, all of them!

I was raised in the church, but with my forward-thinking and open and loving ways, I never quite fit 'in'. The very morals and lifestyle we were taught always seemed to me as though it was meant for how we deal with the outside world and how we (Christians) are better off because of it. But, on the inside, once you believe these rules do not apply in relation to one another. Brother to brother. Yeah, and I challenged that kicking and fighting every step of the way.

So, this book w...moreI was raised in the church, but with my forward-thinking and open and loving ways, I never quite fit 'in'. The very morals and lifestyle we were taught always seemed to me as though it was meant for how we deal with the outside world and how we (Christians) are better off because of it. But, on the inside, once you believe these rules do not apply in relation to one another. Brother to brother. Yeah, and I challenged that kicking and fighting every step of the way.

So, this book was introduced to me by a young adult and youth pastor who was very like-minded. In fact, we sort of found a group of us who was like-minded. I, guess we were 'True Radicals'. The open faithed missionary rasied and brainwashed in that very church with me, the homosexual son of our minister, the artist, the hairstylist, the new pastor and his wife, the "rejects". We met every week and this book came into our group. It was amazing to hear what the still brainwashed members thought of this book.

I thought it was a great inside view of the very things wrong with the church. Apparently our church leaders saw it's threat as well because shortly after it's introduction our group was dismembered. Starting with the leader and on down to those who would not willingly shut up, like myself.

This book has been the catylst to my decision to leave the church. The thoughts were there - I was just trying to change the church. I believed it could be done. But, who am I to stop something they don't even see through their ignorance. I will no longer subscribe to the church as an orginization or to the current Christian belief system.

I am not a Christian anymore. Maybe I never was. I am a believer in the fundamental, most raw beginnings of what the church believes and pulls others in through, but I am not the 'follower of Christ' they wanted me to be. And I've never been happier!

***I guess this may not have been that much of a review, but it does show how radically this book has changed my life!(less)

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Jun 22, 2007

Mimo rated it

Shelves: memoir, own-it

I thought a better subtitle for this book would have been "religious thoughts on nonreligious thoughts on Christian spirituality", but that would probably be a bit wordy. Overall, Blue Like Jazz is an enjoyable memoir of one man's faith journey in Portland. Like others have said, if you're looking for a theological breakthrough, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for a genuine account of personal faith, then Blue Like Jazz might be your cup of tea.

...more

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Jun 14, 2007

Kenneth rated it

Recommends it for: people interested in modern Christian culture

First of all, let me say I'm not so hot on the "you're okay, we're okay" movement that I've run into from time to time that sites Miller as somewhat of a folk hero. Nor am I one of those who's going to praise him as being a brilliant writer or a visionary or anything of the like.

That being said, I very much appreciated this book. Fortunately, I read this book away from all the elitist hype that I later found surrounding it and Miller's other writings, so I was able to enj...more

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Aug 01, 2010

Drew Cauthorn rated it

Picked it up as a lark. The cover says he writes somewhat like Anne Lamott--that is, he can be very funny--and I'm finding that to be true.

I don't agree totally with all of his theology (but then again, whose theology do I agree totally with) but I liked the book. Miller is humble, very humorous, vulnerable and deeply committed to being a follower of Jesus, which is different that being a subscriber to Christianity, which Miller is not. He shares personal experiences on subjects m...more

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Jun 27, 2007

Gail rated it

Shelves: favorite-authors, faith-spirituality

I picked up this book based on the recommendations of some friends and I wasn't disappointed. Miller's thoughts on Christian spirituality are so refreshing, they reminded me of why it feels good to feel more than OK about my faith -- and I'd been needing a nudge like that for a long while. This book will remind you that being a Christian isn't about being a die-hard Republican or a die-hard evangelical or even feeling the need to label yourself a Christian (as Miller says in the book, he gets hu...more

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Dec 02, 2008

Erin rated it

I've never heard someone talk about their faith without the churchy words cluttering every sentiment. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness and honesty of a Christian who is striving to be sincere in the face of his own humanity.

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About Donald Miller

Donald Miller grew up in Houston, Texas. Leaving home at the age of twenty-one, he traveled across the country until he ran out of money in Portland, Oregon, where he lives today.

Harvest House Publishers released his first book, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance, in 2000. Two years later, after having audited classes at Portland’s Reed College, Don wrote Blue Like Jazz, whi...moreDonald Miller grew up in Houston, Texas. Leaving home at the age of twenty-one, he traveled across the country until he ran out of money in Portland, Oregon, where he lives today.

Harvest House Publishers released his first book, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance, in 2000. Two years later, after having audited classes at Portland’s Reed College, Don wrote Blue Like Jazz, which would slowly become a New York Times Bestseller.

In 2004 Don released Searching for God Knows What a book about how the Gospel of Jesus explains the human personality. Searching has become required reading at numerous colleges across the country. In 2005 he released Through Painted Deserts the story of he and a friends road trip across the country. In 2006, he added another book, To Own A Dragon, which offered Miller's reflections on growing up without a father. This book reflected an interest already present in Donald's life, as he founded the The Mentoring Project (formerly the Belmont Foundation)–a non-profit that partners with local churches to mentor fatherless young men.

Don has teamed up with Steve Taylor and Ben Pearson to write the screenplay for Blue Like Jazz which will be filmed in Portland in the spring of 2008 and released thereafter.

Don is the founder of The Belmont Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation which partners with working to recruit ten-thousand mentors through one-thousand churches as an answer to the crisis of fatherlessness in America.

A sought-after speaker, Don has delivered lectures to a wide-range of audiences including the Women of Faith Conference, the Veritas Forum at Harvard University and the Veritas Forum at Cal Poly. In 2008, Don was asked to deliver the closing prayer on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Don’s next book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years humorously and tenderly chronicles Don’s experience with filmmakers as they edit his life for the screen, hoping to make it less boring. When they start fictionalizing Don’s life for film–changing a meandering memoir into a structured narrative–the real-life Don starts a journey to edit his actual life into a better story. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years details that journey and challenges readers to reconsider what they strive for in life. It shows how to get a second chance at life the first time around.(less)

More about Donald Miller...

Books by Donald Miller

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life

Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road

To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing Up Without a Father

Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance: Finding God on the Open Road

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Quotes from Blue Like Jazz: Nonrel...

“Believing in God is as much like falling in love as it is making a decision. Love is both something that happens to you and something you decide upon.” — 137 people liked it

“I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes.

After that I liked jazz music.

Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way.

I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened.” — 137 people liked it

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