Comments on: Grace (Eventually), by Anne Lamott

By: Carol McCall

Carol McCall — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:07:22 +0000

I am reviewing any new release from any sector for a class in Christian journalism and picked this one up. I guess I would have read Lamott eventually, pardon the pun, given that so many tout Bird by Bird to be so great.
Grace Eventually is subtle eventually. I was impressed to read in the first review here that her hatred for someone in a white house was confusing the topic of her title. However, I did see a slice of light when she talked about realizing her hatred of him took too much of her soul time and required an attitude adjustment. Subtle entries of grace realized. Subtle entries of grace accepted on her part, really, seeing how little she seems to know and own about the Bible.
Having lived in her generation all my life, I can understand some of her talk, but her provincial viewpoint, living in the same area all her life, does show.
I give her grace myself. She is a woman aware and seeking. She can’t help it if she doesn’t know everything theologically so as to agree with a Christian modicum that prevails. Jesus died for her, too, and she is a sister of mine. She, if she truly believes that Christ did the sacrificial thing, and denies not the Savior, then she will be in heaven, abortioned and all.
Lest anyone think I am pro-”unchristian” stuff: I am the child of a gang rape. my mother’s parents tried to take her for an abortion in 1952, but I was too far along, and the doctor would not perform the dastardly deed. And here I am, a joyful, blessed woman with an incredibly happpy sweet life. But I love people–gay, sick, stoned, drunk, lonely, bossy, whatever–the way God loves people.
So I take this book to heart, and will try to pray for Lamott, that she will never stop seeking through God’s word the truth He has spoken to us all.
I need to go write my review for class now.
God bless all of you and God bless Ann Lamott.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:39:51 +0000

Sheesh…I just finished Anne’s 3 most recent books. I came online to find out more about her…found this blog…this arguing over whether she is/isn’t a real truth believing/spouting Christian writer is so much poppycock! Obviously God loved her enough to answer her call for Him to come in…that should be enough for all of you. None of us are the Holy Spirit…it is not our job to decide how she should respond to the leadings of Christ in HER life. I can tell you that I was much more refreshed in Christ by reading her real stories…and I am sure Jesus is too…than going over this old argument about who does and does not really belong to Him. No wonder the world wants nothing to do with Jesus…

By: amber

amber — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:34:57 +0000

Even with all the controversy surrounding her, Anne Lamott has some very good insight on what it means to be a Christian. This book had far less political griping than I expected (after reading Plan B), and showed evidence of spiritual growth from Traveling Mercies. Sure she’s not perfect, but that’s what makes her words so compelling. She is transparent to an extent that every reader can see themselves in her words. And seeing myself on paper usually motivates me to change.

By: tyler Charles

tyler Charles — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:23:44 +0000

Patrick,
First of all, thanks for your interest in my article.
I’ll touch on your comments about “truth” first. I believe someone can “unearth truth” without personally labeling it as such. And I think some of her “thoughts” are profound truths. Some of her thoughts aren’t. That being said, in a 253-page book, I believe a writer has plenty of time to be right and wrong. If we’re determined to label such things…
I disagree with some of her beliefs, as I said. As for her lack of brokenness, that is what I perceive in her writing. I can’t know her heart. And she never says, “I’m not broken!” Yes, Christians should experience brokenness. But when we start accusing Christians of not being Christian enough…that doesn’t lead to anything good.
I recommended this book (and still do) because it’s beautifully written, and because we can learn a lot from Anne Lamott. I don’t expect her to live a perfect life, and I appreciate that she can write honestly about her flaws. If we only wanted to read personal accounts from perfect Christians, we wouldn’t have any books to read. At least not any honest ones.
You make a good point about a young Christian reading this book and being led astray. Although, instead of turning away from their faith, I think reading this book would more likely prompt said young Christian to question. And, based on my experience, it is after questioning that we come to a deeper understanding. So, perhaps, even what we perceive to be Lamott’s flawed beliefs could lead Christians to a deeper understanding of truth.
As for “arrogant” and “violent.” I called her “violently pro-choice.” And I never used the word arrogant.
I want to quote a passage from John (Pattison, that is):
“I, for one, am more edified by a single well-crafted memoir that depicts real-life in all of its joy, pain and absurdity than by an entire bookshelf of devotionals and hagiographies.”
I say amen to that. If Lamott had written a different sort of book, the rules would be different. If she had written these beliefs in a devotional, for example, then perhaps you could label her a “false prophet.” But she is just sharing her personal beliefs and opinions. It sounds like you would like her to provide scriptural basis (chapter and verse) to support every idea she possesses. But how many Christians could do that? And for those who can’t (including me), does that make them not real Christians?
Have you personally read any of Lamott’s books? Because your opinions seem to be based entirely upon the things I mentioned in my review.
Also, please know that I’m trying to respond to your statements regarding what I have written. I’m not attacking you or your faith. Christians do too much of that sometimes. We might disagree on some issues, but we agree on the most important things. And that’s true for Anne Lamott, too.

By: Jordan Green

Jordan Green — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:21:17 +0000

“The whole point I was trying to make was that based on Tyler’s description of Ms. Lamott, there is no remorse ( I believe he used the word arrogant and violent).”
Patrick, I’m sure there are sins in your life you haven’t been convicted of yet. I’m sure there are times when you behave remorselessly. I’m sure there are times when you behave arrogantly and violently.
I know there are times like that for me. It doesn’t mean I don’t run a Christian website, and it doesn’t mean you’re not a Christ follower, and it doesn’t mean Anne Lamott is not a Christian writer. If it did, our salvation would be constantly in flux…we might be reading our Bible and die and go to heaven, but the next second we may be looking at a woman’s breasts and die and go to Hell.
I would not solely follow Oprah, even if she is a powerful woman and has lots of money. So no, I’m not saying that. I’m pretty sure every human except Christ, is going to fall short on that.
(Also, I’m not sure why you keep bringing up Oprah…but it does make me chuckle.)
“I don’t have all the answers, and ultimately I don’t know who is a christian and who is not, that is ultimately between them and Him.”
I think Anne Lamott would agree, which is why she writes books and tried to be as honest as she can and doesn’t present a false front so people will think she’s good and pure. THAT is what so many readers appreciate about her, even if they’re pro-life.
Tyler, thank you for writing this review, of responding thoughtfully to a writer who wears her faith on her sleeve and is honest to a fault.

By: Patrick Sexton

Patrick Sexton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:54:38 +0000

Jordan,
The internet itself is not a morality question? How we use the internet is where morality comes in. If I’m using the internet to examine pornographic websites, then there’s a problem. If I’m using the internet to share Christ with someone oversees or to encourage a fellow believer in another place, then that ’s what it’s all about. As far as the turn the other cheek is concerned, you and I have had this discussion before and we’re never going to agree on it. You think is someone comes in to murder you family, you should turn the other cheek and let it go. And yes, context and how a verse in John fits into broader scripture is important. What was meant by the original language used is important.
I don’t have all the answers, and ultimately I don’t know who is a christian and who is not, that is ultimately between them and Him. But God did give us His word and He did instruct us on the evidence of salvation. I hope Ms. Lamott is a christian. Believe it or not I don’t want to see anyone spend eternity in Hell.

By: Patrick Sexton

Patrick Sexton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:43:23 +0000

Jordan,
First of all I’ve been washed white by the blood of Christ. That doesn’t mean I don’t sin. That means that I recognize and admit that sin and am sorry for it. The whole point I was trying to make was that based on Tyler’s description of Ms. Lamott, there is no remorse ( I believe he used the word arrogant and violent). Those are words that identify with the character of Christ (even as He’s described in the Book of John.)
Look at 1 John 1:5-10;This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word his no place in our lives.” Tyler’s description of Ms. Lamott is saying that she feels she’s not sinning. That’s the arrogance and violent I’m talking about.
So what you’re saying is that as long as someone claims to be a Christian then we should just accept what they say as truth. If Oprah claims she is a Christian even though her life shows know evidence, then we should just follow her lead?

By: Jordan Green

Jordan Green — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:20:49 +0000

Patrick,
I could also say, based on the Bible, that I “feel” God condones slavery, Patrick.
Tell me where the Bible says you, as a human, can decide who’s named “Christian” or not. Tell me where you can know the very thoughts of God on every morality issue confronting believers today? Where is God’s stance on the internet? Where is His stance on television? Where is His stance on democracy, or capitalism, or communism? What about God’s stance on war? I mean, you’ve got God telling the Israelites to commit genocide in the Old Testament, and you’ve got Christ telling us to turn the other cheek in the New. That’s a headscratcher for a lot of folks, because most people don’t think God just means you turn the other cheek when someone slaps you…they think it has more meaning than that.
As for John’s comment, it might surprise you to know not everyone at Burnside believes the exact same thing, just as it might surprise you to know that God-fearing and Christ-following theologians have studied the Bible for millenia and come up with different conclusions.
Don’t give me lectures on context. You can’t point to Christ in the Book of Isaiah or Genesis or Romans or 1 Corinthians or any other book of the Bible and ignore John. That’s the most infuriating red herring in Christian discussion today, like somehow I’ve got “The Liberal Bible” and you’ve got “The True Bible”, and I’m confused about so much because I’m not reading the right verses. Give me a break.
You didn’t mention my question: if everything is black or white, which are you?

By: Patrick Sexton

Patrick Sexton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:05:54 +0000

John,
You might want to take a look at Jordan’s post. He basically proves my point. I can’t know the truth and the “gray” that I dismiss.

By: Patrick Sexton

Patrick Sexton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:02:37 +0000

Jordan,
As I’ve said before, there are things that God doesn’t answer specifically for us in the Bible (who to marry, what job to take, what mission trip to go on) however, He’s pretty specific on a lot of things and yes we can know how HE feels about those. He lists them as ways to live and ways not to live, so for me to repeat what HE has said is not heresy. You can’t point to Christ in the Book of John and ignore Christ in the Book of Isaiah, Genesis, Romans, 1 Corinthians and the rest of the Books of the Bible.