Why do you think Jacobs makes the point that he will not pick and choose the rules? I agree with Jimmy that this does make a great idea for a book, but also that really following the rules, to the letter, is a most difficult task. People tend to want to follow only the rules that are easy to follow. Ones that are more difficult often get re-worded or adapted to make them easier for individuals to follow. Some rules are just ignored. Being Catholic is hard. It takes work and rules. Heaven is not free, but oh what a reward for those who work for it and live by the "rules." “Miracles only occur when you jump in” (p.13) Do you agree or disagree? I agree! When you jump into something, you don't think it through, make a plan, or strategize.
Avoiding women who are unclean is actually out of respect for life. How can this be so? (p. 50) I laughed out loud when I read his wife's reaction to this "rule" in the book. How when Jacobs was gone from the house, she went and sat in every chair in the house so it was now considered "unclean." (Totally something I would have done if my husband had sprung that on me). However, I like the idea of it being out of a respect for life even if the "unclean" event would seem to mean there was no procreation of life. I am reminded of the women we read about in The Red Tent * last summer. How they would be relieved of their "duties" for the 5-7 days that they were menstruating. It was their time to rest. I think I would see it as out of respect for the women's lives. To allow them time to rejuvenate themselves in the event they were able to conceive; an awesome responsibility that was given to us by God. A miracle in itself. *Last summer, our Book Club read "The Red Tent." It is one we enjoyed. The link to buy the book will soon be available to this AGOG site if you are interested. What do you think? Tell us! |
