This is another excellent addition to the catalog of work by Aramaic scholar, Sufi teacher, and mystic Neil Douglas-Klotz. For those unfamiliar with his work, Douglas-Klotz basically goes back to the original Aramaic words of Jesus and explains/elaborates on (often in great detail) their various levels of meaning, revealing a rich tapestry of mystical wisdom in the process. In "I Am" and Neil's other programs (The Hidden Gospel, Original Prayer, Healing Breath) we come to know Jesus as the real, Semitic, "Middle Eastern" person and teacher that he was -- deep, passionate (and compassionate), brilliant, creative, occasionally funny, and profoundly mystical. Christians and non-Christians alike stand to gain much from this reading of Jesus' teachings.
In all of his programs, Douglas-Klotz intersperses songs, chants, and meditations throughout the teaching, as a way to deepen, embody, and integrate the insights/knowledge being shared. This approach is consistent with Sufi teaching styles, and is also seen in the approaches of Judaic and Christian mystics. Multitasking listeners may find it distracting or frustrating, as you can't stop to perform the meditations while driving, exercising, or doing chores; other listeners will likely find it greatly enhances their learning.
A final note about Neil's performance as a reader/speaker. A previous reviewer complained that Neil's voice is "effeminate". Setting aside the implication that there is only one rigid, gender-based way for men in our culture to speak (not to mention the comment's not-so-subtle prejudicial overtones), I'm not sure how this listener defines "effeminate". Douglas-Klotz is a scholar, teacher, lecturer, and fluent speaker of English and Aramaic. As such, he clearly enunciates his words. He speaks kindly, deliberately, and intelligently; his tone is cheerful and encouraging. He does not sound like he just came from a NASCAR race, frat party, a night out with the guys at Hooters, or an event sponsored by the Southern Baptist Convention...maybe that equals "effeminate" in the minds of Americans these days, I don't know. To my non-southern, bi-national US/Canadian ears, Neil Douglas-Klotz simply sounds like a nice guy.