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Neighbors And Wise Men: Sacred Encounters In A Portland Pub And Other Unexpected Places (2012)

by Tony Kriz(Favorite Author)

4.16 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0849947391 (ISBN13: 9780849947391)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Thomas Nelson Publishers

review 1: EpiphanyAt 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 un... morederstanding 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.
review 2: 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] less

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