Biblický kruh – Brandstaetter Roman (2024)

Brandstaetter's Biblical Circle is a book on the border between autobiography and contemplation of the Bible. To put it better: the Bible is part of the autobiography, giving the author's life orientation in the world, shaping the structure of his perception of the world. And therein lies the original contribution of this book. It is not about exegesis, nor an introduction to the study of the Bible. It is a confession of love for the Bible and a sharing of personal experience with its influence on life. Brandstaetter draws from his Jewish roots, and the emphasis on the connection between Christianity and Judaism is one of the fundamental motifs of the book. Again, not in a proclamatory way, but through the example of the author's life. Given his family background and later conversion to Christianity, the author shows how one can read the Jewish Bible through the eyes of a Christian and the New Testament through the eyes of a Jew. As we read, we go through the main stages of the author's spiritual autobiography. The Bible is an integral part of it. In this way, Brandstaetter's book transcends more generally to the theme of the relationship between literature and life. Books are not illustrations, explanations, or entertainment, but places where life is lived while writing and reading, not just thought about. The act of reading and interpreting is life itself. Therefore, the author reads passionately, knowledgeably, and authentically. This also touches on the question that is essential for the place of literature in our lives and future...