Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Restless Pilgrim: The Spiritual Journey of Bob Dylan by Scott Marshall, Marcia Ford ISBN: 0-9714576-2-X Publisher: Relevant Books Pub. Date: 03 September, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.12 (8 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: What is Truth?
Comment: An interesting book, but no where near enough analysis of the biblical references in Dylan's work - pre-conversion i.e 1961-1979, and post Born-Again period i.e 1981-2003.
In particular the ingenious song "Jokerman", which seems to have many clues, is barely examined. There is a strong presence of God in Dylan's latest albums, but whether or not these are in a Christian context is debatable.
There is definitely some merit in Marshall's study of whether Dylan is a Christian or not, and his effort in preparing this book is to be admired, but I was struck by a particular thought whilst reading this book:
Why not just ask Bob?
If Bob, in keeping with his image of mystique (and disdain for journalistic probing), refuses to answer, this would indicate that he is not a Christian. Why would he want to be so secretive about it?
Also, I notice Marshall did not refer to Dylan's "moral" behaviour post 1981. If Dylan is a Christian, is he "walking the walk"? Or has he continued the "Rock Star" lifestyle? Other Dylan biographers seem to think so.
The whole question seems extremely perplexing. Dylan seemed so passionate about his faith on "Slow Train Coming" and "Saved" but then seemed to distance himself from the faith -without officially denouncing it. Was the whole thing an act? Is Dylan merely an actor on a stage who dabbles in all artforms of traditional American music - of which gospel music is a prominent one.
Can we ever truly know unless Dylan comes out and clarifies the issue once and for all? I don't think performing the odd track from "Slow Train Coming" or the occasional tradtional gospel song in concert, is answer enough. Perhaps Dylan's autobiography "Chronicles" (to be released later this year) will reveal all.
Rating: 2
Summary: too much propaganda
Comment: Very interesting subject, but as I got farther into the book, I noticed that some of the reference Bible verses and quotes were starting to last over a page. I soon came to realize that the book was published by a Christian publishing company (Relevant Books). I learned more about "the sermon on the mount" than I did new information about Bob Dylan. "Restless Pilgrim" included some interesting facts, but was definitely written from a point of bias.
Rating: 5
Summary: Things I never knew about Bob Dylan, faith, and courage
Comment: Just browsing Marcia Ford's intro to this book was enough to hook me. The writing style is sincere, witty, and subtle. The author's research is extensive and gives us an intimate glimpse into the mind of a man. Bob Dylan is a prophet for our generation, and I so appreciate the author's effort to bring his story to light. It takes courage to walk in faith when you walk alone, and "Restless Pilgrim.." takes on that journey.
XML error: at line 0