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Neighbors and Wise Men: Sacred Encounters in a Portland Pub and Other Unexpected Places
Hearing from God is extraordinary. But the circumstances He uses to reveal Himself may be more ordinary than we think.Neighbors and Wise Men introduces captivating dialogues and unexpected moments with God that go beyond the confines of a conventional religious system and offer the chance for powerful life transformation.Get to know Tony Kriz (known by many as "Tony the Beat Poet" in Donald Miller's best-selling book Blue Like Jazz) through his real-life conversations and experiences that prove that God can and will use anyone and anything— from Muslim lands to antireligious academics to post-Christian cultures—to make Himself known.Through his own prodigal-son backstory and return to faith, Tony presents biblical truth in a conversational, but bold light that offers readers the courage to open their eyes to the unlikely encounters that are all around us every day; chance run-ins that turn out to be anything but chance.Have we limited God's ability to speak in our world today? Have we relegated God's creative voice to the select persons who share our particular religious system? Kriz himself felt like he was falling out of faith until non-Christians encouraged him to "fall toward Christ."
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2012
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December 31, 2013
MY 2013 YEAREND REVIEW
This book, Neighbors and Wise Men: Sacred Encounters in a Portland Pub and Other Unexpected Places is the last book that I finished reading this year, 2013. This is my 231st. I surpassed my 2013 Reading Challenge of 230 books. This number of books read is my lowest in 3 years. In 2011, I had 277 books and in 2012, 302. Still, I feel accomplished because there is a good reason for this low number:
I had the chance to strengthen my faith and relationship with God.
Since I joined Goodreads in March 2009 until the middle of this year, all I read were mostly fiction belonging to Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, Bloomsbury's 501 Must Read Books, Pulitzer's, Booker's, etc. Then since the later part of last year, 2012, I also increased my target for reading local books because I founded my own book club, Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books to help push books written by Filipino authors. Then this year, 2013, I started reading literature about religion and this book was one of them.
Tony Kriz was fresh from college when he volunteered to go to a Muslim village in Albania as a Christian missionary. Having been raised by a religious parents, he was a young boy and he thought that there were only two kinds of people: believers (like him and his family) and non-believers. So, armed with that thought he was excited to go to Albania to spread the Word of God not expecting what he was up to: a lot of life-changing or view-changing experiences. This was during his 20's.
Then on his 30's, he taught at Reed College in Portland, raised a family and lived his life based on his religious beliefs and convictions. Here are those stories when he met people in a Portland pub. People who he did not think to have strong spiritual lives since they were there in bars enjoying booze. Unexpected, right? Because we all think that booze and religion do not mix. Booze and bars are not really evil but discussing religion in this right context would probably be best done inside the premises of a house of worship like a church, a conference room or even at home with religious congregation, groups, laymen or your bible-study group in them. Right? Not, always. Here is my case:
A 26-y/o friend whose name is Robertson Poblete was instrumental to my being "closer" to God again.
I used to be a prayerful person when I was still single. In fact, when I was in my first year in college (in 1985), I contemplated on entering a Catholic seminary so I asked my father's permission but he objected saying that priests when they become old and senile in seminaries are sorry sights. Despite not being able to fulfill my desire to be a priest, I maintained my religiosity. I used to pray the rosary everyday, went to confession at least once a year and rarely missed my Sunday obligations (going to Mass, resting, etc). Then when I got married two decades ago (yes, my wife and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this Saturday, January 4, 2014), since my wife rarely prays the rosary and she does not believe in the importance of going to confession if she misses attending a mass or committing any grave sin, I became like her. I stopped praying the rosary because I would not want her to see me as the more religious parent to our daughter. You see, I had (and sometimes still have) this stupid belief that religion is only for "weak" people. Then I also stopped going to confession, reads the Bible only occasionally and, to be honest, Sunday Mass just became an obligation for me. At times, I was there inside the church but my mind was elsewhere. In short, for almost 20 years, I had a shallow relationship with God.
Then I founded Pinoy Reads Books on September 24, 2012 and after a couple of weeks, Robertson or to us his close friends, Berto, joined. What made him interested was his Tagalog religious blog that you can access by clicking his name above. I thought that it was unique as most of religious blogs I'd seen were written in English. When we finally met for the first time 3 months after, December 1, 2012, he neither strike me as a religious nor a spiritual person. He was too young and his easygoing stance made me not to take him seriously. During that day and on the succeeding times I saw him, he did not say anything religious nor did I remember him saying anything serious except when he warned me to stop texting while walking because my phone might be snatched away by thief. Worst of all, he even suggested to us guys in the group if we could have a drinking session: "inum naman tayo minsan." You see, I had been attending book club meetups and discussions for two years prior to that day but I'd never met someone who proposed to have a drinking session on the first meeting day. "This guy is an alcoholic," I said to myself but I was surprised and did not totally shun the idea. After all, I just formed a book club and I was determined to be open for diversity in our membership.
Berto was active in the group especially on its initial months. It was not hard to trust him. Once I asked him to be the van marshall for our field trip and he happily agreed to lead that group. I even trusted him the cash to pay for the van and I thought he could have run off with it and not show up again but he did not and that sealed my trust on him.
He became my constant companion in the group for two reasons: (1) he lives near, just a 10-minute drive, from home; and (2) he is still single so he could accompany me most of the time I needed somebody to be with. He is really fond of drinking alcoholic drinks, smoking tobacco (he prefers pipe and shisha over cigarettes), he sometimes swears, but he abhors sex outside of marriage and he consistently refuses to come with me to girly bars. The first time I asked why, he reasoned out that he was a religious person and I automatically thought it was a joke. So I kept on repeating my invitation which was more of a test to his seriousness rather than me wanting to go actually. Each time he refused until he introduced me to his girlfriend (who is also a devout practicing Catholic) who attested to the fact that Berto was really a religious person and like Tony Kriz has strong religious conviction to live his life according the God's plan on him.
Our friendship has been tested by intrigues mainly due to the stark difference on age: 23. He is like a son, a nephew and not just a friend. There were many times when I also doubted if it was worth spending time with him so I devised all possible ways to find out his true identity: met his parents and relatives, went to his home on his birthday, met his girlfriend's family, met his friends and tried to talk anything under the sun with him. Each time, each test, he passed.
I became a regular beer drinker this year, 2013 but lately I have been trying to also slow down. I tried smoking tobacco and shisha but lately I also began to stop. I think those vices will not help to further our friendship and I would rather stick to healthy habits like going to the gym with him rather than staying late at night at the bars. However, those times spent in bars drinking beer were mostly the times when I knew the true Berto. When tipsy or drunk, he has the tendency to speak his mind freely rather than when he is sober and guarded.
Some of our friends very easily and loosely say that Berto is a negative influence to me since I started regularly drinking beer and they sometimes see me smoking tobacco with him. However, as I said, I have began to stop those and Berto does not object. I'd rather focus on the positive influences that he had on me since we became friends: (1) after 19 years since I got married, he made me go to a priest and confess all my sins; (2) he made me go back to the habit of praying rosary everyday and so my wife now hears me murmuring my prayers on the early mornings before I get up from our bed; (3) I began to appreciate hearing the traditional Latin mass; (4) I finished a 13-Saturday Basic Apologetics class early this month. In it, we were taught how to defend the Catholic faith and came with that teaching were the basic facts about our Church history, beliefs, traditions, sacraments, dogmas, etc. Now I appreciate attending the Sunday mass like no other stage in my life; and (5) began buying and reading religious books to further my understanding of my faith and our religion.
They say that God works on mysterious ways and like the experience of Tony Kriz in the book, you don't know if the person next to you would change your heart and strengthen your faith towards God. Like Berto, the guy next to you in a bar could be a positive influence that would make you closer to God. You just have to look passed his weaknesses like those vices and chances are, you will find a ray of light that can illuminate your path back to God's fold.
Tony Kriz was 41 when he wrote this book and its last pages brilliantly summarize the story of his relationship with his creator. In his 20's he found that it was not about being a believer (Christian) and non-believer (non-Christian) and he learned to respect other religions. In his 30's his faith was tested and so he became doubtful of his life's direction until he found the "wise men" in a Portland pub and other unexpected places. At 41, as he fondly recalled those days, he decided to share his experiences to us through this book.
So at 49, I now fondly recall the days of 2013 when I discovered a true friend in Berto and so I decided to grant his request of sharing the story of our friendship through this yearend review.
This book, Neighbors and Wise Men: Sacred Encounters in a Portland Pub and Other Unexpected Places is the last book that I finished reading this year, 2013. This is my 231st. I surpassed my 2013 Reading Challenge of 230 books. This number of books read is my lowest in 3 years. In 2011, I had 277 books and in 2012, 302. Still, I feel accomplished because there is a good reason for this low number:
I had the chance to strengthen my faith and relationship with God.
Since I joined Goodreads in March 2009 until the middle of this year, all I read were mostly fiction belonging to Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, Bloomsbury's 501 Must Read Books, Pulitzer's, Booker's, etc. Then since the later part of last year, 2012, I also increased my target for reading local books because I founded my own book club, Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books to help push books written by Filipino authors. Then this year, 2013, I started reading literature about religion and this book was one of them.
Tony Kriz was fresh from college when he volunteered to go to a Muslim village in Albania as a Christian missionary. Having been raised by a religious parents, he was a young boy and he thought that there were only two kinds of people: believers (like him and his family) and non-believers. So, armed with that thought he was excited to go to Albania to spread the Word of God not expecting what he was up to: a lot of life-changing or view-changing experiences. This was during his 20's.
Then on his 30's, he taught at Reed College in Portland, raised a family and lived his life based on his religious beliefs and convictions. Here are those stories when he met people in a Portland pub. People who he did not think to have strong spiritual lives since they were there in bars enjoying booze. Unexpected, right? Because we all think that booze and religion do not mix. Booze and bars are not really evil but discussing religion in this right context would probably be best done inside the premises of a house of worship like a church, a conference room or even at home with religious congregation, groups, laymen or your bible-study group in them. Right? Not, always. Here is my case:
A 26-y/o friend whose name is Robertson Poblete was instrumental to my being "closer" to God again.
I used to be a prayerful person when I was still single. In fact, when I was in my first year in college (in 1985), I contemplated on entering a Catholic seminary so I asked my father's permission but he objected saying that priests when they become old and senile in seminaries are sorry sights. Despite not being able to fulfill my desire to be a priest, I maintained my religiosity. I used to pray the rosary everyday, went to confession at least once a year and rarely missed my Sunday obligations (going to Mass, resting, etc). Then when I got married two decades ago (yes, my wife and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this Saturday, January 4, 2014), since my wife rarely prays the rosary and she does not believe in the importance of going to confession if she misses attending a mass or committing any grave sin, I became like her. I stopped praying the rosary because I would not want her to see me as the more religious parent to our daughter. You see, I had (and sometimes still have) this stupid belief that religion is only for "weak" people. Then I also stopped going to confession, reads the Bible only occasionally and, to be honest, Sunday Mass just became an obligation for me. At times, I was there inside the church but my mind was elsewhere. In short, for almost 20 years, I had a shallow relationship with God.
Then I founded Pinoy Reads Books on September 24, 2012 and after a couple of weeks, Robertson or to us his close friends, Berto, joined. What made him interested was his Tagalog religious blog that you can access by clicking his name above. I thought that it was unique as most of religious blogs I'd seen were written in English. When we finally met for the first time 3 months after, December 1, 2012, he neither strike me as a religious nor a spiritual person. He was too young and his easygoing stance made me not to take him seriously. During that day and on the succeeding times I saw him, he did not say anything religious nor did I remember him saying anything serious except when he warned me to stop texting while walking because my phone might be snatched away by thief. Worst of all, he even suggested to us guys in the group if we could have a drinking session: "inum naman tayo minsan." You see, I had been attending book club meetups and discussions for two years prior to that day but I'd never met someone who proposed to have a drinking session on the first meeting day. "This guy is an alcoholic," I said to myself but I was surprised and did not totally shun the idea. After all, I just formed a book club and I was determined to be open for diversity in our membership.
Berto was active in the group especially on its initial months. It was not hard to trust him. Once I asked him to be the van marshall for our field trip and he happily agreed to lead that group. I even trusted him the cash to pay for the van and I thought he could have run off with it and not show up again but he did not and that sealed my trust on him.
He became my constant companion in the group for two reasons: (1) he lives near, just a 10-minute drive, from home; and (2) he is still single so he could accompany me most of the time I needed somebody to be with. He is really fond of drinking alcoholic drinks, smoking tobacco (he prefers pipe and shisha over cigarettes), he sometimes swears, but he abhors sex outside of marriage and he consistently refuses to come with me to girly bars. The first time I asked why, he reasoned out that he was a religious person and I automatically thought it was a joke. So I kept on repeating my invitation which was more of a test to his seriousness rather than me wanting to go actually. Each time he refused until he introduced me to his girlfriend (who is also a devout practicing Catholic) who attested to the fact that Berto was really a religious person and like Tony Kriz has strong religious conviction to live his life according the God's plan on him.
Our friendship has been tested by intrigues mainly due to the stark difference on age: 23. He is like a son, a nephew and not just a friend. There were many times when I also doubted if it was worth spending time with him so I devised all possible ways to find out his true identity: met his parents and relatives, went to his home on his birthday, met his girlfriend's family, met his friends and tried to talk anything under the sun with him. Each time, each test, he passed.
I became a regular beer drinker this year, 2013 but lately I have been trying to also slow down. I tried smoking tobacco and shisha but lately I also began to stop. I think those vices will not help to further our friendship and I would rather stick to healthy habits like going to the gym with him rather than staying late at night at the bars. However, those times spent in bars drinking beer were mostly the times when I knew the true Berto. When tipsy or drunk, he has the tendency to speak his mind freely rather than when he is sober and guarded.
Some of our friends very easily and loosely say that Berto is a negative influence to me since I started regularly drinking beer and they sometimes see me smoking tobacco with him. However, as I said, I have began to stop those and Berto does not object. I'd rather focus on the positive influences that he had on me since we became friends: (1) after 19 years since I got married, he made me go to a priest and confess all my sins; (2) he made me go back to the habit of praying rosary everyday and so my wife now hears me murmuring my prayers on the early mornings before I get up from our bed; (3) I began to appreciate hearing the traditional Latin mass; (4) I finished a 13-Saturday Basic Apologetics class early this month. In it, we were taught how to defend the Catholic faith and came with that teaching were the basic facts about our Church history, beliefs, traditions, sacraments, dogmas, etc. Now I appreciate attending the Sunday mass like no other stage in my life; and (5) began buying and reading religious books to further my understanding of my faith and our religion.
They say that God works on mysterious ways and like the experience of Tony Kriz in the book, you don't know if the person next to you would change your heart and strengthen your faith towards God. Like Berto, the guy next to you in a bar could be a positive influence that would make you closer to God. You just have to look passed his weaknesses like those vices and chances are, you will find a ray of light that can illuminate your path back to God's fold.
Tony Kriz was 41 when he wrote this book and its last pages brilliantly summarize the story of his relationship with his creator. In his 20's he found that it was not about being a believer (Christian) and non-believer (non-Christian) and he learned to respect other religions. In his 30's his faith was tested and so he became doubtful of his life's direction until he found the "wise men" in a Portland pub and other unexpected places. At 41, as he fondly recalled those days, he decided to share his experiences to us through this book.
So at 49, I now fondly recall the days of 2013 when I discovered a true friend in Berto and so I decided to grant his request of sharing the story of our friendship through this yearend review.
Berto, thanks for the friendship. You have my permission to re-post this on your blog. Hehe.Taken by Berto's girlfriend during one of those 13 Saturdays when we attended our Basic Apologetics Class. I am the one at the left and Berto at the right side. Last night, when I told him that I would tell the story of our friendship in this yearend review, I would call him "young man with an old soul." He asked why? I said because you are fond of befriending men a lot older than you (like me). He said that was right; he prefers older friends as he thought he would learn a lot from them. I am not sure if he already learned anything from me. I think it was the other way around.
August 21, 2015
This book was exactly what I needed to read. God's remarkable that way, of course. I love Tony's view of allowing God to speak through any and everyone he comes into contact with. So many times, we try to put God in a box and refuse to entertain the idea that he might move in ways we can't understand, ways that are outside of our little box. "God works in mysterious ways" is a well-known saying but how many people really believe that, really live out an acceptance of the mystery of God?
I'll bet that the Pharisees thought they had it sown up. They had a box, too, and Jesus did not fit in it. Modern-day Christians are often threatened by other religions or non-believers because of this very same thing. I wonder if Jesus came back today, if he wouldn't have to break us out of our religious mold, our assumptions that have become FACT in our minds over the centuries, and show us what God really meant. Probably.
Rather than sharing the gospel like cake that I have and that you don't, we should share the gospel like one shares a sunset, Kriz argues. I could not agree more. God is the painter and we can only marvel at his glory!
I'll bet that the Pharisees thought they had it sown up. They had a box, too, and Jesus did not fit in it. Modern-day Christians are often threatened by other religions or non-believers because of this very same thing. I wonder if Jesus came back today, if he wouldn't have to break us out of our religious mold, our assumptions that have become FACT in our minds over the centuries, and show us what God really meant. Probably.
Rather than sharing the gospel like cake that I have and that you don't, we should share the gospel like one shares a sunset, Kriz argues. I could not agree more. God is the painter and we can only marvel at his glory!
October 19, 2012
http://jonathanstephens.wordpress.com...
Neighbors and Wise Men is not the kind of book I typically read. This book is a collection of life experiences from the author Tony Kriz, from all over the world and with all kinds of people, but all tied together as being sacred encounters that led to personal transformation.
I never suggest someone read the end of a book before starting at the beginning, but I actually found when reading the closing that I wished I would have read that first. The style of the book, snap shots of periods of his life and some of his theological ideas, made the book less appealing for me to read at times, but while reading the closing of the book, you really get a powerful glimpse of the humility the author has and a transparency that he still hasn’t figured it out yet (who has?) and that he’s still very much on the journey of discovering a greater understanding of himself, the world, and God (as we all should be).
So this isn’t a “heavy” book and is one that could be picked up and put down numerous times, but nonetheless I think that it has some rich stories in it and with those stories, some great questions to wrestle with. For example probably the standout chapter for me was chapter 3, called; “Holy Kiss”. This chapter has a great cross cultural story and some challenging thoughts on the idea of ‘The Gospel’ and physical touch.
Overall I think this is a pretty good book. A light read with some great nuggets of wisdom.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Neighbors and Wise Men is not the kind of book I typically read. This book is a collection of life experiences from the author Tony Kriz, from all over the world and with all kinds of people, but all tied together as being sacred encounters that led to personal transformation.
I never suggest someone read the end of a book before starting at the beginning, but I actually found when reading the closing that I wished I would have read that first. The style of the book, snap shots of periods of his life and some of his theological ideas, made the book less appealing for me to read at times, but while reading the closing of the book, you really get a powerful glimpse of the humility the author has and a transparency that he still hasn’t figured it out yet (who has?) and that he’s still very much on the journey of discovering a greater understanding of himself, the world, and God (as we all should be).
So this isn’t a “heavy” book and is one that could be picked up and put down numerous times, but nonetheless I think that it has some rich stories in it and with those stories, some great questions to wrestle with. For example probably the standout chapter for me was chapter 3, called; “Holy Kiss”. This chapter has a great cross cultural story and some challenging thoughts on the idea of ‘The Gospel’ and physical touch.
Overall I think this is a pretty good book. A light read with some great nuggets of wisdom.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 11, 2013
Epiphany
At the recommendation of a close friend, I initially borrowed his copy of this compelling and inspirational work. Instead of devouring it like I tend to do with fiction, I savored it and ended up buying a copy of my own because I knew I’d want to go back and read some of it again. I also wanted to be able to loan it to others who I know would enjoy it. Perhaps that is something I took away from reading this book, which I dare to say was the most inspirational piece I’ve read this year.
I am a Portlander and live just 122 steps from the front doors of the pub where Mr. Kriz, through the help of local neighbors, resurrected his faith. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the places I’ve come to know, but what gripped me the most was how Kriz drew me into an understanding of the value of community. While reading, I was transported on a journey along with the author in his early years as a missionary in a muslim village in Albania. I felt akin with him in the struggles he so transparently shared.
Kriz has a talent for description and clearly has a gift for observation and listening to the people he engaged. His neighbors, both near and far, provided him with the substance for this work in the form of personal stories. Kriz’s writing is a baring of soul, rich with descriptions of people and places. Central to his theme is the sharing of God's word and though he is a Christian man, Kriz obviously respects those who live as God intends regardless of religious affiliation or lack there of. I found his transparency refreshing and not the least bit intimidating or preachy.
I give this book my highest recommendation to anyone, but for persons who call themselves Portlanders, this one needs to be at the top of their “must read” list.
At the recommendation of a close friend, I initially borrowed his copy of this compelling and inspirational work. Instead of devouring it like I tend to do with fiction, I savored it and ended up buying a copy of my own because I knew I’d want to go back and read some of it again. I also wanted to be able to loan it to others who I know would enjoy it. Perhaps that is something I took away from reading this book, which I dare to say was the most inspirational piece I’ve read this year.
I am a Portlander and live just 122 steps from the front doors of the pub where Mr. Kriz, through the help of local neighbors, resurrected his faith. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the places I’ve come to know, but what gripped me the most was how Kriz drew me into an understanding of the value of community. While reading, I was transported on a journey along with the author in his early years as a missionary in a muslim village in Albania. I felt akin with him in the struggles he so transparently shared.
Kriz has a talent for description and clearly has a gift for observation and listening to the people he engaged. His neighbors, both near and far, provided him with the substance for this work in the form of personal stories. Kriz’s writing is a baring of soul, rich with descriptions of people and places. Central to his theme is the sharing of God's word and though he is a Christian man, Kriz obviously respects those who live as God intends regardless of religious affiliation or lack there of. I found his transparency refreshing and not the least bit intimidating or preachy.
I give this book my highest recommendation to anyone, but for persons who call themselves Portlanders, this one needs to be at the top of their “must read” list.
May 29, 2015
Neighbors and Wise Men is a fiercely honest and sincere evaluation of spiritually formative processes from the perspective of Portland native, Tony Kriz. Kriz writes about his journey from a type of Christian fundamentalism to a robust life of faith, restoring his neighborhood and community, inspired and impacted by unorthodox characters encountered in unlikely places.
September 30, 2012
Refreshing. Challenging. Transforming.
December 15, 2018
This is one of the best books I have ever read on Christian missions. Tony sets out to tell Muslims about Jesus and they teach him about compassion, sharing and bearing one another’s burdens. He comes out of that college experience a bit more than shaken and goes to a local pub to re-member himself. There, he meets wise people, neighbors who help him heal. Tony takes a bit here and tweaks a bit there reconstructing his faith. Every person, every situation shapes his faith, transforming him even though his primary goal was to influence others. It is just so like God to meet us in this way! Tony is fabulously transparent and let’s us witness his pain and confusion. 5 stars all the way!
November 15, 2018
"To love is to listen. If we love someone, we want to learn the best of who that individual is. To love is to be fascinated by someone's memories, his or her opinions and hopes."
That pretty much sums up this book! Tony takes us on a journey in what raw faith looks like; the messiness, the complications and the questions. He helps us remember the simplicity of being human and how our God isn't as complicated as we make Him. This book is bonafide love and I definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars for me! 👌🏽
That pretty much sums up this book! Tony takes us on a journey in what raw faith looks like; the messiness, the complications and the questions. He helps us remember the simplicity of being human and how our God isn't as complicated as we make Him. This book is bonafide love and I definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars for me! 👌🏽
March 28, 2021
An excellent and brave account of modern faith, Kriz faces many of the personal demons that accompany the institutional failures of faith. In doing so, Kriz suggests and illustrates a more inclusive and enlightened relationship with God where we can engage with and learn from those of many labels who walk the path with God. The underlying philosophy is well illuminated with an effective and personal narrative style that makes the book a joy to read.
November 28, 2017
The young missionary's trek through Muslim Albania and Yugoslavia is an interesting adventure. The second half . . . Proselytizing at devil-may-care Reed College and anecdotes about buddies: not.
The discussion about not combining faiths provides food for thought--a fresh topic.
This might be best for young Christians and fellow missionary types.
Easy reading level.
The discussion about not combining faiths provides food for thought--a fresh topic.
This might be best for young Christians and fellow missionary types.
Easy reading level.
May 5, 2017
A great read of a Christian who struggles with his faith, and yet finds help in some strange places. I don't know many Christians who haven't had their ups and downs with their faith at times. It was interesting and funny to read about this author's experiences.
December 31, 2017
Life changing.
April 1, 2019
Read on deployment. Refreshing take on finding God outside the church.
August 26, 2019
Tony has many great stories of encountering faith in practice outside of the church walls.
July 7, 2020
It was interesting to hear from Tony the Beat Poet!
December 15, 2012
Tony Kriz with youthful vigor and passion became a missionary in eastern Europe. His ministry was with the Muslims that lived in Albania. His determination bordering on obsession was to prove himself as a Christian missionary. His gusto was short lived. It had been all about what he wanted to accomplish. He burned out. He was sent back home to attend seminary in Oregon. As a missionary he’d expected to bring the Gospel message to people who needed the hope of Christ Jesus. Back at home in Oregon he began to frequent a pub, who’s regulars ministered to him in unexpected encounters.
Tony’s story is candid. He speaks from his heart about a period in his life when he had doubts about his belief in Jesus and Christianity. He felt plagued by guilt. And he had no idea where to go next in his life. He was tired, worn-out, life for him was flat and gray. Little by little during these “sacred encounters” in the pub, he began to get his bearings again. During this slow process he felt a kinship with those that were considered outsiders by the Church. He learned to listen to their stories. He saw past their outward appearance. He was touched by their heart. These lessons would translate into the next chapter of a plan God had for him.
Above all else Tony’s story is one of heart-felt honesty. He expresses thoughts and fears that many of us have had, but feel uncomfortable saying aloud.
He uncovers himself, and at times I wondered if he felt a bit too revealing, being so naked and transparent before his reading audience.
This is a book that will give pause to the reader. To question their own priority for a given mission, or goal, or life testimony. A further question would be who’s servant are we really? Our self? Or the Lord?
His story is not dramatic in emotion. It is a slow pacing of his testimony about his naiveté, doubts, fears, and the slow return carrying with him knowledge and wisdom from his journey.
My over-all feelings on this book is positive. I found it to be refreshing and approachable. I enjoyed reading a story that was not par for the course as many Christian books are. The author wrote about people that are not in the comfort zone for Christians, and yet these people ministered to him and he learned from them.
The only negative point I have is the author seems to me to be a reserved kind of guy, some readers may not be as pleased with a personality that is subdued. I’m hoping readers will look past this and see the hidden gems inside.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tony’s story is candid. He speaks from his heart about a period in his life when he had doubts about his belief in Jesus and Christianity. He felt plagued by guilt. And he had no idea where to go next in his life. He was tired, worn-out, life for him was flat and gray. Little by little during these “sacred encounters” in the pub, he began to get his bearings again. During this slow process he felt a kinship with those that were considered outsiders by the Church. He learned to listen to their stories. He saw past their outward appearance. He was touched by their heart. These lessons would translate into the next chapter of a plan God had for him.
Above all else Tony’s story is one of heart-felt honesty. He expresses thoughts and fears that many of us have had, but feel uncomfortable saying aloud.
He uncovers himself, and at times I wondered if he felt a bit too revealing, being so naked and transparent before his reading audience.
This is a book that will give pause to the reader. To question their own priority for a given mission, or goal, or life testimony. A further question would be who’s servant are we really? Our self? Or the Lord?
His story is not dramatic in emotion. It is a slow pacing of his testimony about his naiveté, doubts, fears, and the slow return carrying with him knowledge and wisdom from his journey.
My over-all feelings on this book is positive. I found it to be refreshing and approachable. I enjoyed reading a story that was not par for the course as many Christian books are. The author wrote about people that are not in the comfort zone for Christians, and yet these people ministered to him and he learned from them.
The only negative point I have is the author seems to me to be a reserved kind of guy, some readers may not be as pleased with a personality that is subdued. I’m hoping readers will look past this and see the hidden gems inside.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2012
I don't typically read many Christian non-fiction books. Or fiction, for that matter (Redeeming Love is my go-to gag reflex). I wanted to start off my book reviewing with something that wouldn't repel me with tales of ruler-slapping teenagers who have sexual desires or telling mothers to burn all traces of Harry Potter. I wanted to read something with spiritual depth and reality. So what better book to start with than one entitled Neighbors and Wise Men: Sacred Encounters in a Portland Pub and Other Unexpected Places ?
On the surface level, Tony Kriz's tale may sound very prodigal-son-esque. He was a Bible-thumping, banner-waving, all-American white guy Christian who knew every Sunday school answer and would pray with you if you looked at him cross-eyed. Over time, however, he slowly came to the terrifying realization that he could not believe anymore. He had lost his faith. He was sent home mid-mission trip, sent to study theology in an attempt to find himself again. The answers that were most useful, though, were far outside the pages of his textbooks.
The pages that fill Kriz's novel are full of raw honesty, real conversations, and fascinating encounters with Atheists, Muslims, bar tenders, intellectuals...pretty much every people category that would make the typical conservative Christian shift in their seat. This is not a comfortable read for the spiritually close-minded. For those who are willing to learn, like I was, the story will open you up to recognizing God in the unlikeliest of places.
What I particularly enjoyed about this story was that some of the latter lessons Kriz learns are barely ever touched in a church. They are the hard truths, like the over 27 million slaves in the world, or the consumerist tendencies of our culture, or the disconnected nature of humans from the earth. These are the issues that most of us ignore--for what can we do?--but many non-Christians don't.
Kriz does find his way back to the faith (spoiler alert!) but it is through experiences like an old Muslim woman telling him that "With God you are not alone." Tony Kriz's tale is by far the most realistic and compelling spiritual journey I've read in some time.
[My copy of this book was received compliments of Booksneeze.com]
On the surface level, Tony Kriz's tale may sound very prodigal-son-esque. He was a Bible-thumping, banner-waving, all-American white guy Christian who knew every Sunday school answer and would pray with you if you looked at him cross-eyed. Over time, however, he slowly came to the terrifying realization that he could not believe anymore. He had lost his faith. He was sent home mid-mission trip, sent to study theology in an attempt to find himself again. The answers that were most useful, though, were far outside the pages of his textbooks.
The pages that fill Kriz's novel are full of raw honesty, real conversations, and fascinating encounters with Atheists, Muslims, bar tenders, intellectuals...pretty much every people category that would make the typical conservative Christian shift in their seat. This is not a comfortable read for the spiritually close-minded. For those who are willing to learn, like I was, the story will open you up to recognizing God in the unlikeliest of places.
What I particularly enjoyed about this story was that some of the latter lessons Kriz learns are barely ever touched in a church. They are the hard truths, like the over 27 million slaves in the world, or the consumerist tendencies of our culture, or the disconnected nature of humans from the earth. These are the issues that most of us ignore--for what can we do?--but many non-Christians don't.
Kriz does find his way back to the faith (spoiler alert!) but it is through experiences like an old Muslim woman telling him that "With God you are not alone." Tony Kriz's tale is by far the most realistic and compelling spiritual journey I've read in some time.
[My copy of this book was received compliments of Booksneeze.com]
November 15, 2014
Oh, that God's people would all be as willing as Tony Kriz to listen to the stories of those human beings who cross our paths, regardless of our differences. Oh, that we would embrace the humility to learn from such people. Oh, that we would open our hearts to love and BE LOVED BY them.
I found portions of this book to be deeply moving, particularly chapter 7, "Sanctuary," in which Kriz describes how a Muslim family gave shelter to Christian missionaries during a village uprising in Albania; chapter 15, "Saints," in which he tells of a great crowd of students from the notably liberal Reed College giving a warm reception & a standing ovation to a civil rights activist who plainly pointed to the gospel of Jesus as humanity's only hope; and chapter 22, "The Good Samaritan," in which he tells of Robbie, a man who wrestled with but simply could not embrace Christianity yet gave up much to help Kriz's family in a time of need. I've grown up in a culture that is largely driven by fear, that warns against what (or WHO) it perceives as "dangerous" -- people like those in these stories. I believe my God is bigger than that, and this book offers story after story that backs that belief.
This book so inspired & challenged me. As an Jesus-following INFJ, I hold particularly tightly to the belief that amazing, beautiful things are possible even in a broken, hurting world. I am so thankful for people like Tony who regularly find God in places we've been told He can't be found. May we all see Him every day even -- and perhaps especially -- in the places we least expect.
I found portions of this book to be deeply moving, particularly chapter 7, "Sanctuary," in which Kriz describes how a Muslim family gave shelter to Christian missionaries during a village uprising in Albania; chapter 15, "Saints," in which he tells of a great crowd of students from the notably liberal Reed College giving a warm reception & a standing ovation to a civil rights activist who plainly pointed to the gospel of Jesus as humanity's only hope; and chapter 22, "The Good Samaritan," in which he tells of Robbie, a man who wrestled with but simply could not embrace Christianity yet gave up much to help Kriz's family in a time of need. I've grown up in a culture that is largely driven by fear, that warns against what (or WHO) it perceives as "dangerous" -- people like those in these stories. I believe my God is bigger than that, and this book offers story after story that backs that belief.
This book so inspired & challenged me. As an Jesus-following INFJ, I hold particularly tightly to the belief that amazing, beautiful things are possible even in a broken, hurting world. I am so thankful for people like Tony who regularly find God in places we've been told He can't be found. May we all see Him every day even -- and perhaps especially -- in the places we least expect.
November 14, 2015
A friend bought me this book simply because he thought I'd be intrigued by the title and the cover. It sat in my backpack for about 6 months, and when I finally opened it, I couldn't put it down. It would not have sat idle in my bag for 6 months had I known that it was written by Tony the Beat Poet (from the writings of Donald Miller). This book takes place both overseas in a Muslim context, as well as in Portland, Oregon (which is very close to where I live). I found myself reading about an encounter in a certain spot, and then driving there the next day to read the next chapter. That was very enjoyable. Much of the book takes place on the campus of Reed College (also in many Donald Miller books), and that place fascinates me to no end. In fact, while I was reading this book, I spent an evening walking around the campus, just taking in the scenery and the people. I know that might not be possible for many reading this book (because of distance), but it gave the book a very real element to me, and I loved it.
Easy to read with great stories and an engaging voice, I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
Easy to read with great stories and an engaging voice, I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
November 18, 2016
“Most of the people I know, even the very religiously oriented people, don’t really talk like they encounter God in direct and tangible ways. For the most part, we talk about God. Our conversations are full of the ideas of God. When I listen to people talk, including myself, I often find myself wondering if we even believe that God is a person. You know, a person: a dynamic and living being with thoughts, emotions, intents, and actions. Most people speak as if God is just an ideology: a set of concepts, arguments, guidelines, and categories.”
–Tony Kriz
'AKA Tony the Beat Poet from the book Blue Like Jazz'– that was enough to pique my interest. I liked the snippets I heard of Tony the Beat Poet in that book and thought his own thoughts would make for a good read.
I was taken in by his honesty and authenticity while talking about talking about God in places as far apart as Portland and Albania. It was a reflection that resonated with a lot of my own experiences and a good read.
–Tony Kriz
'AKA Tony the Beat Poet from the book Blue Like Jazz'– that was enough to pique my interest. I liked the snippets I heard of Tony the Beat Poet in that book and thought his own thoughts would make for a good read.
I was taken in by his honesty and authenticity while talking about talking about God in places as far apart as Portland and Albania. It was a reflection that resonated with a lot of my own experiences and a good read.
July 25, 2014
I bought this book after hearing Tony speak at a writers conference. When I met him afterwards he struck me as one of the most down to earth people I've known. He's likewise in the book too, I was not disappointed.
One of my favorite things about the book is that it feels like he's telling you stories while sitting in his living-room. He doesn't sugar-coat the difficult seasons in his life or his failures, but lives up to his actions and takes responsibility. At the same time, it opened up my mind to the different ways that God speaks and sometimes uses the most unexpected people and circumstances. It's safe to say this is a good read that will remain on my bookshelf for a while longer.
One of my favorite things about the book is that it feels like he's telling you stories while sitting in his living-room. He doesn't sugar-coat the difficult seasons in his life or his failures, but lives up to his actions and takes responsibility. At the same time, it opened up my mind to the different ways that God speaks and sometimes uses the most unexpected people and circumstances. It's safe to say this is a good read that will remain on my bookshelf for a while longer.
March 14, 2015
I loved this book by Tony Kriz and cannot wait to get my hands on his new release Aloof!
This book was filled with honesty, with lots of questions and some answers, too! I love Tony's conversational style of writing - it felt like I was sitting across a table from him, hearing him share stories from his journey... a journey that was/is full of questions and a few answers along the way as well! My copy is highlighted and dog-eared and loaned out already! I highly recommend this read. It stirs your faith, gives you freedom to not know all the answers, and helps you to search and wrestle and to live more fully right where you are!
Speak Life. Be Love. Shine On.
~Karrilee~
This book was filled with honesty, with lots of questions and some answers, too! I love Tony's conversational style of writing - it felt like I was sitting across a table from him, hearing him share stories from his journey... a journey that was/is full of questions and a few answers along the way as well! My copy is highlighted and dog-eared and loaned out already! I highly recommend this read. It stirs your faith, gives you freedom to not know all the answers, and helps you to search and wrestle and to live more fully right where you are!
Speak Life. Be Love. Shine On.
~Karrilee~
November 18, 2012
This is now one of those books that I will promote and encourage others to read. The only 2 other books I ever bought multiple copies of, and actually gave out as gifts to multiple people, were Don Miller's "Blue LIke Jazz" and Victor Frankyl's "Man's Search for Meaning". This, Tony Kriz's "Neighbors and Wise Men" is now the 3rd. Tony gets it, really gets it... why people are repeatedly repulsed by Christianity , and ultimately drawn toward the REAL Christ-gospel. At least that's how I see it, it's what I believe is salt and light for myself and my neighbors.
November 13, 2012
Written in the style of Blue Like Jazz (by an actual character from Blue Like Jazz), Kriz carries both the pathos and ethos of Donald Miller, albeit with a different perspective and with different stories to tell. Kriz also offers some intriguing explorations of the relationship between the Christian, revelation, and people of other faiths, stories which provide the backbone and highlights of the book.
February 27, 2013
An amazingly honest exploration of the meaning of integrity, wholeness, and humility. I was amazingly blessed and convicted by Tony's account of the powerful work of God in his life through unexpected people. Indeed, the fact that those people were "unexpected" mentors and teachers is part of the journey toward the humility the Church needs in order to really fulfill our calling to love.
May 23, 2016
This book was so good for my soul. I loved hearing his story unfold as he shared his victories and struggles as a missionary at home and on the other side of the world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in living an incarnational life amongst a people group.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in living an incarnational life amongst a people group.
June 22, 2013
Good story telling that makes you think. Friend of Donald Miller so it has the same feel and insight. Many stories are still stuck inside me for pondering.
September 5, 2013
Good stuff! This will take me a loooong time to fully digest it all.
Open and honest.
Solid read!
Open and honest.
Solid read!
December 13, 2013
Honest. Humble. Raw in places. A gentle challenge to some conventional Christian thinking. Great writing style. Quick read.
January 14, 2014
I liked this book even better than Blue Like Jazz, whether because I identified with the voice of the author more or the topics, this book is truly inspiring, challenging, wonderful. <3
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