Summary

A.J. Jacobs, a self-proclaimed "secular Jew," embarks on a year-long experiment to live strictly according to the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. His journey begins with reading the entire Bible and compiling a list of over 700 rules. These rules encompass everything from dietary restrictions and dress codes to social interactions and spiritual practices. Initially, Jacobs approaches the experiment with a detached curiosity, treating it more like an intellectual exercise than a genuine spiritual quest. He meticulously documents his attempts to follow the rules, often to humorous effect. He grapples with the complexities of literal interpretation, questioning the rationale behind some of the more obscure commandments, like the ban on mixed fibers or the requirement to stone adulterers. As the year progresses, however, Jacobs finds himself unexpectedly affected by the experience. He encounters various religious communities, including Amish, Hasidic Jews, and evangelical Christians, each offering their own unique perspective on biblical living. He begins to appreciate the value of rituals and traditions, even the ones that initially seemed bizarre. He wrestles with his own flaws and prejudices, particularly his tendency towards anger, gossip, and lust. He finds solace in prayer and experiences moments of genuine spiritual connection, though he remains ultimately agnostic.