PDF Surprised by God: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Religion by Danya Ruttenberg in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Nice Jewish Girl Sows Her Oats; But Finds God AnywayBy David A.I'm probably not being fair to Ms. Ruttenberg; my standard for religious autobiography is Anne Lamott. And Thomas Merton's "Seven Story Mountain".She writes a decent book but plunges through the decades with only a good glance at all that occurred. I hoped she would expand on her family; as it sounded like their dysfunction had much to do with hers. Religion is lived on two levels: the intellectual; received in seminary; and the fierce discussions about the meaning of laws. The other level is the raw; unfinished world. Watching someone die in the hospital. Following someone in the congregation for a few decades; then preaching their memorial after you've walked the whole way with them.A greater revelation of personal struggles and encounters with what Jack Kerouac called "Naked Lunch"It was an OK read and I would recommend it to others.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A clear viewBy Julian M BlumenthalThis book is a very good book to start you thinking about how to balance Jewish teaching with a secular life. The author went from being an atheism to an observant Jew. It was a journey with a lot of bounces. It was done for the right reasons; to meet a passion to be a better person. It is entertaining and thought provoking. I enjoy seeing some my home town Chicago area bars listed; but I enjoyed more the journey to be an observant Jew even though I myself will not meet that criteria. It helped me think about my journey along that route.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A fantasticallly-written memoir of self-discoveryBy MonsterI absolutely devoured this book. I'm someone who is converting to Judaism after a long religious search myself; so this book really spoke to me. Additionally; however; it's incredibly well-written; thought-provoking; and deep. Ruttenberg manages to seamlessly integrate philosophic and religious critique with mystical texts alongside teenage angst and adult reflections and experiences. It's a wonderful read; not only for Jewish people; but for anyone who has been on a religious journey. Mazel Tov Rabbi Ruttenberg!