I'm God; You're Not: Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego

by Lawrence Kushner

Flashes of insight―surprising, entertaining, inspiring―from one of the most creative spiritual thinkers in America. "The goal of all spiritual life is to get your ego out of the way―outwit the sucker; dissolve it; shoot it; kill it. Silence the incessant planning, organizing, running, manipulating, possessing, and processing that are the ineluctable redoubts of the ego. Not because these activities are bad or wrong or even narcissistic … but because they preclude awareness of the Divine. To paraphrase the Talmud, God says, 'There ain't room enough in this here world for your ego and Me. You pick.'"
―from the Introduction Tapping the experiences and wisdom of his career as a spiritual leader, Lawrence Kushner delights, surprises, challenges and inspires us. With his signature candor, wit and compassion, he helps us reconnect with the why and how of our spiritual lives. He encourages us to find new perspectives on the "life-stuff" that shapes them, and gently reminds us of the Source of it All. These inspiring―often startling―insights will warm you during the dark times of your own doubts even as they brighten your quest for meaning, faith, identity, community―and holiness.

Genres: Judaism, Theology, Jewish

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2010

Reviews

[Tucker]

The stories Larry Kushner tells about his congregation that he served for nearly three decades are stories about my congregation when I was growing up. It was a special spiritual home, and it was interesting to see my rabbi's analysis of some of the principles I took for granted as a kid. Such as: no cupcake, car wash, bingo or advertisement book fundraisers, and no matter how much you donate, there won't be a plaque or a gala dinner in your honor. The temple should run on anonymous donations so that our main activities can be devoted to Jewish learning and prayer. Adults are encouraged to learn Hebrew rather than rely on transliterations, kids have to give interpretations of Torah for their bar/bat mitzvahs, and the temple kitchen is kosher. The congregation wrote the first Jewish prayerbook that used gender-neutral language for G-d (just because it was what the congregation wanted, without even realizing it was revolutionary, until it was picked up by international Jewish news!) and Rabbi Kushner performed a wedding ceremony for two women in 1992. I didn't know any other prayerbook, and of course there was a married lesbian couple who prayed with us...so, for me, this book was a neat way for me to look back and think about the positive memories of my congregation as a place of learning and inclusivity. Kushner also includes interesting thoughts on Jewish mysticism and anecdotes from his family and professional life.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time that I thought that I was finished, I found another essay/commentary to read. Perhaps, Rabbi Kushner is still writing this book? Loved this, even the chapters which are practical advice for fellow rabbis.

[Michael Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of Kushner's books and he is consistently inspiring and insightful. Kushner is something of a mystic in his views of the world - he sees wonder and meaning in all things in this life. He is also very funny. This combination of wit and wonder is unlike most other writers on religion. This book is like many of his others although it does seem to be more a compilation of thoughts than a carefully structured read (and he acknowledges as much in the introduction). His comments about organized religion and the role of human ego in governance struck me as astute and accurate, but not overly harsh.



The book doesn't flow as well as some of this others and doesn't have the same powerful themes, but if you're interested in religion (particularly Judaism) his humor and mystical world view make it an interesting and easy read..

[Joshua Scroggins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt a little like an outsider looking in for parts of this book. I was lost when it came to some of Kushner's allusions, descriptions, and humor. (This is, of course, explained by the fact that I'm not Jewish.) However, there were a few moments of inspiration for me. There was some repetition from other books of his that I have read but a handful of new insights.

[Ethan Cornett · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does a mystic rabbi's essays and ramblings have to do with me? Apparently, a lot. Kushner keeps it real, funny, and meaningful. Ultimately I walked away with the message of casting one's ego into the ocean of All, becoming one with God. "God is the ocean, we are the waves."

[Mindy Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Quick, be somebody else!” will surely ring through my head every time I’m in a tough situation and definitely every Purim spiel for the rest of forever. Great book.

[Jef Sneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at the request of a friend in order to write a review for a local publication:

Rabbi Kushner makes this book part reflections of congregation life after 30 years as a Rabbi and part introduction to mysticism, specifically Kabbalah. He is now a Rabbi in San Francisco and I think a bit of the weird west coast has rubbed off on him, however he has some very nice chapters which could be read as "Mysticism for Beginners." He made it all seem very clear. While the first part of the book is probably of interest mainly to Jews who are active in their own congregations, I wonder how much a Jewish congregation differs from any other denomination from the point of view of the religious leader.

[Poetreehugger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good parts, some not so good parts. Heh heh.
Quotation re congregational life: p. 30, "we are only as good as we treat the people whom we believe (to be) beneath us." p.36, "If someone is trying to do something religious you don't like, assume he or she has some secret, holy reason unbeknownst to you."
Other quotations: p. 137, "...how and why did God create the world...Why would God, the One, create this World of Separation?" P. 164, "...One litmus test of a would-be mystical experience is whether or not it infuses its recipient with a heightened passion for righteous behavior."

[Michael Mize]

Fun book, nice mystic view of the world

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kushner is a MASTER story-teller who weaves together the best of Jewish tradition with contemporary narrative. Definitely putting some of his stories in my sermon files.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Wonderful book I'll know I'll go back to again and again.