RWC
Fascinating, easy to read, inspirational—all describe Mitch Albom’s 2009 book Have A Little Faith. I could hardly wait to get started on each succeeding chapter.
The genesis of the story is the request of Mitch’s childhood family Rabbi that Mitch would do his eulogy when that day should arrive. Since the author could hardly say ‘no,’ he determines to get to know his former teacher. Meanwhile, Mitch’s journalism career brings him in contact with a black Christian inner city pastor who has a sordid past. Mitch is intrigued by his current contrasting selflessness, humility and genuine caring for people, all traits Mitch had seen in his own dear Rabbi. But the real story behind the story is what is happening to Mr. Albom. Like so many middle-aged Americans, he had moved away from his home and left his religious roots entirely, except for returning home once a year for the high holy service of the year. But the interaction with his mentor and Pastor Henry causes deep reflection. Have a Little Faith is the happy result.
I cannot endorse what I felt to be the author’s rather Oprah-esque assumption that one faith was as good as another. However, I grant that his two main inputs were Judaism and Christianity, two faiths with highly compatible values. But with that exception, I endorse this book. The two men he has chosen to feature are obviously men who have grown to be persons of outstanding character and Biblical values. Both showed deep humility too. I wish many who have forgotten the faith of their youth would read this book. It just might, by God’s grace, create a desire to return to their spiritual home, to remember what they were taught, even to have a little faith again.
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