Review
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Title: The Joy of Believing
Author: Ardeth Greene Kapp
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 96
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-59038-809-9
Price: $14.95
Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
"Is it okay to believe just one more year?"
So begins this latest offering from the prolific writer Ardeth Kapp. When Kapp's niece approaches her mother and asks this question, it opens a discussion that hits right at the heart of the religious observer -- is it okay to believe? Of course, in this instance, the subject is Santa Claus. The very asking of the question reveals something about the desire of youth, and even of us old folks, to find something to believe in, and to follow that something, or Someone, for all our lives.
Kapp makes an intriguing statement as she begins her meditation: "In our grown-up world, sometimes we quit asking the questions because we are sure we already know the answers." (p. 9) Of course, Kapp is speaking of Christmas, and Santa, in particular. But I wonder if we shouldn't raise this banner high and recite it, as a creed, every Sunday in Church. Maybe the meetings would be more stimulating if a little doubt were mixed in. Yeah, I know, it ain't gonna happen.
Kapp uses her niece's question to return to scenes of her own youth and Christmases passed in her household. Clearly, this was a season of joy in her home. We read of the lovely holidays she and her family celebrated, and the deep memories that remain even to today of those wonderful times. Some of her reminiscences will surely bring a sense of peace and joyful reminders of one's own holiday traditions.
In the end, Kapp believes that yes, this is just fine. Let's keep believing. And yes, we adults *do* miss out on a lot in our mortal journey when we stop asking questions, when we think we have all the answers. I have a surprise for you -- we don't even know all the questions!
Marcus Bach was a wonderful writer of spiritual tomes, one better than the other. I met Bach about 25 years ago, and learned so much from him. He was asked why he seemed to always be on the road to some goal, but never quite reaching that goal. His answer was pure gold: "The joy of the quest is in the questing." Indeed, not in the finding, but in the questing.
Children understand this better than adults. They instinctively know that they must keep asking, keep searching, and keep luxuriating in finding a bit of an answer here and there. We adults are often satisfied with the status quo. Don't bother me with more questions!
But if Kapp's book is to have meaning to us grown-ups, it must be a reminder that questions are good, and that faith and belief are just fine at any age. I choose to believe, but I also choose to keep asking questions. And it is this enterprise that keeps the religious mind ever active and ever seeking.
"The Joy of Believing" is a pleasant excursion into the joys of the holiday season. I hope you enjoy this journey.
Jeff Needle
Association for Mormon Letters
jeff.needle@gmail.comwww.aml-online.orgwww.LDSBookLovers.com/Needle.html
