Back

Book: God on a Harley (Dios vuelve en una Harley)
Author: Joan Brady
Year: 1995

Review

This is a fictional account of one woman's journey of spiritual awakening. The book is written in a simple style and has a very easy to follow story line. The 160 pages are down-to-earth and easy to digest.

The main character is Christine Moore, nurse, single, 37. She just moved to the East Coast to leave old unhappy romances and an unsatisfying job behind. But the new environment does not make her any happier. She is a bit lost in life, a mid-life crisis you could say. She is seeking meaning and happiness for her life. One evening as she takes a drink in a bar to forget the stressful day she meets "God". This is a 20th century, modern version of God. He calls himself Joe (short for Joseph of Nazareth), rides a Harley, wears the matching outfit of a black leather jacket and has the physical appearance of a biker: strong but cuddly, with a beard and long hair. Joe knows all about her. He came to help her find her way. Joe's mission on earth in general is to clarify his message from his previous visit as "Jesus" some 2000 years ago.

Through occasional encounters Joe leads her gently to the discovery of her personal and individual "commandments" for living a joyous life. Step-by-step she makes changes to her life: She starts dressing more comfortably, moves to a small condo near the beach, reduces her consumption, starts a simpler life, and reduces her job to half-time. All these outward changes go side-by-side with spiritual changes within her. Slowly she learns to accept herself, to love herself. Subsequently she learns how to love others and find meaning in her life. To close the book she meets the right guy who rides off with her into the sunset.

Spiritual Message

It is a simple book, and also its message is simple. Don't get me wrong. There is beauty in simplicity. I like simplicity. Based on the context the book is geared more towards Christians but the key message is so simple that it can apply to anyone. Put in a nutshell, the book reminds each one of us to relax, to drop the act and our farces, to be oneself, to start listing again more to our inner voice, to enjoy the little things in life, that materialism doesn't lead to true fulfillment, and that loving oneself is a precondition to loving others and to being happy.

Joe's message to Christine is summarized in 6 Rules:

1. Do not build walls but learn to transcend them.
   [Be open; don't shut yourself off from the universal flow; don't let certain emotions drive you into a corner.]
2. Live in the moment, for each one is precious and not to be squandered.
   [See "The Power of Now"; enjoy the little things in life]
3. Take care of yourself, first and foremost.
   [You must respect, like and love yourself first, before you can do the same to others.]
4. Drop the ego. Be real. And watch what happens.
   [Be yourself; drop the act.]
5. All things are possible all of the time.
6. Maintain Universal Flow. In giving, something is gained, and it is an act of generosity to receive.
   [At the end, we are all connected. You can form part of a greater community.]

What do you think? Are these Rules better than the 10 Commandments?

In Spanish the 6 Rules are: Las 6 Reglas de Joe son:

1. No levantes muros, pues son peligrosos. Aprende a traspasarlos.
2. Vive el momento, pues cada uno es precioso y no debe malgastarse.
3. Cuida de tu persona, ante todo y sobre todo.
4. Prescinde del amor propio. Muéstrate tal como eres, dando tu amor pero sin renunciar a ti misma.
5. Todo es posible en todos los momentos.
6. Sigue el fluir universal. Cuando alguien da, recibir es un acto de generosidad; pues en esa entrega siempre se gana algo.

Back