What to do with all those books sitting on the shelves?
Approaching moving house meant a massive downsizing and major clear out. All over the house, let alone my study, sat numerous books purchased over the years. Books are like friends and the thought of letting them go, let alone disposing of them did not appeal. Thankfully many of my theological ones found a home in Ghana where a small library was being created. Then some books had to go on the basis that I no longer thought anyone should read them, yes a little bit of censorship. Some books went via free cycle, some on Antonio Gramsci went to a good home though it was hard to let those ones go. But some how we have kept rather a lot on the basis of a challenge to "lets re read them all!!!"
The thing about our Kindles which are great to store loads of books, and make travel easier and lighter, is that our novel's have just sat there collecting dust over the years. The move however has meant, because the house is smaller, they need to earn their place in the space. So we have begun to pick up various books to re read and what a delight it is. The wonderful thing about novels which you can forget, is that really good ones are worth a re read as you gain more from them on a second or even third reading. They are so often about human relationships which you can relate to, they open you up to your own prejudices and challenge them and books feed your soul.
Currently I am re reading 'My Name is Asher Lev' by Chaim Potok which I orginally read way back in May 1983 (I used to date my books when I bought and read them). It's a very powerful book giving an insight into the life of a young boy growing up within a particular faith community who just is an artist. He just has to draw, to paint, and in doing so brings himself into conflict with many within the faith community including his father. Reading it afresh it comes off the page like "did I ever read this before?". I missed so much when I first read it. You not only feel for the struggle of the boy, but his mum, his dad, his uncle, the religious leader of the community, who I feel much more sympathetic to than I did first time round, even though I know I would not agree with such a person over many things. I want to know how it ends......
Such a book as 'My name is Asher Lev' makes me reflect upon my own experience of being part of Christian faith communities. They can without realising it be such exclusive places as what they claim to believe and live out, puts up barriers to those whose insights are very different. We really struggle to respect the insights of others or learn to live with difference. Of course its a safe place to be when folks who agree with each other come together. But how much more life giving is it when its a safe place to be when you don't agree, but hold together in Love.
Sitting afresh in a congregation I am reminded that the language we use both enables me to express how I feel towards God but potentially is of course the very barrier to others to understanding or feeling included. Words come loaded with meaning. It's not surprising that the church can find it hard to communicate with the wider community. We so often want the world to use our language and when it doesn't we make a false judgement that they have nothing to say about God, faith, spiritual things etc. 'Asher Lev' sees the world through very different eyes and in art expresses what he feels and so it has an integrity. Even if its upsetting to himself and to others he has to paint what he sees and feels. The lens is his own. If it works for him and some others it is okay. But it won't be for everyone.
When people from faith communities speak they are sharing an insight through their own eyes/lens. How they express that ought to be done carefully though it is inevitable some people may be offended. But it is only one insight amongst many, and it's so important not to fall into the trap of thinking it is The insight. The Truth. Dare we live with difference and allow God's Love to hold us?
Well I've managed to re read about six or seven books alongside new ones, just a few hundred to go.
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