Until my mid thirties I read a lot, in a very wide scope of topics (a generalist). But I reached a point where my spirit grew exhausted with that and I began to yearn for the Word alone. I've even begun a Scripture memorization practice. So the Holy Spirit really worked on my desires to narrow my focus... an incredible privelege, I feel.
I think it is good to be a well-read and well-rounded individual by reading broadly. That said I also believe it is extremely important that you know the scriptures first and foremost which allows you to judge what you read with some discernment. Only the word of God can give us the proper lens and filters to read something without polluting our spirits. Worldly knowledge can be a dangerous thing if not kept in balance by a thorough grasp of God's word.
Thank you brother, I've been on a Reformed/Puritan kick so I research the authors and check out RU-vid sermons or reviews and find out who exelled in what area's and I buy them and also put books in my wish list so I have for later purchases. I just picked up John Calvin "Institutes" and John Owen Holy Spirit: Pneumatologia ", John Brown of Haddington, Joel Beeke "Puritan Theology " and others. Johnathan Edwards is on my list. I just finished A.W. Tozer Worship and currently in J.C. Ryle Holiness. God bless brother
Hello all. My mother and aunts taught me to read at a very early age. Their homes were jam packed with book cases stuffed with a wide selection of books. I never thought of myself as a generalists yet u have taught me this about myself. To say thanks would be cheap and tawdry. Therefore this Catholic will perchance your book and patiently wait for it's arrival. I now feel I need to learn about the main character and his times. Forgive my ignorance. I do listen to many of your podcast. May God's peace rest with all.
Great video! I love reading, and like many, time is the main issue for not being more of an intentional reader. I have lots of interests about which I find myself buying books. I enjoy books from topics like human health and nutrition to American history to Literature to How to's in fiber arts/crafts to technical books in sewing and design to cookbooks and more. BUT, it seems that it goes in waves in my life. I love learning so I try to learn until I'm satisfied about any topic/matter about which I need to for any reason, or to more fully understand the issue that confronts me. I give priority to the Bible, and I enjoy reading it in the beautiful language of the KJV as well as the ESV. Besides the Bible I try to read the works of the Puritans; I've started with John Owen. I look forward to branching out from Owen. I would love to include Church History and the works of the Church Fathers and subsequent theologians. I am perfectly bilingual Spanish/English and most recently have set myself the task to read Castilian Spanish and to enjoy the Word of God in Castilian as well as Latin American Spanish. Lots and lots to read! So little time :)
Usually I read history. I just finished "Catherine the Great" by Robert K. Massie. However, now I am making a point to read the Bible every day and last night I started "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan.
I was an avid reader as a child. I would read ANYTHING I could put my hands on until I graduated. Then God came into the picture. I had a long period of fasting, so to speak, when I read the Bible and books on Christianity, almost exclusively. About three years ago, I started coming back to all sorts of books. Hope I'll find a good point where I can balance mundane works and christian ones.
I agree: choosing a book can be a challenge. As I got older I sometimes picked up a spiritual book and quickly discovered, I was passed that in my walk with the Lord; there was a time where I made this mistake for a while, that is, picking a book made for one who was young in the Lord Jesus. Today, whether it is in spiritual discussions online or books, I acknowledge this rising fear therein. These groups/books seem to have a perimeter around them you/they can't dare cross, that is, in freedom of intellect or views. Leaders or publishers dictate it. I think that is what I have struggled a lot with. I sense the fear around me, and the brow beating if one is walking in spiritual freedom. The freedom ends up making one feel isolated because that one is rejected due to fear. For example, one may discover a Christian circle they really like, but that one might not always be on the same page. For example, they might mention the best book or Christian movie they ever saw, but the circle revolts on such usages of these things. So, people therein who might actually love these things also are too fearful to join that particular conversation. There is a definite fear I have noticed prevailing in a lot of circles nowadays. There are also many ironies abounding through these, and some hypocritical things as well. When it comes to books, such as classics, there are these updates of sorts, and I can appreciate them quite a bit, but then feel this tweaking of the classic that just ruins it, knowing it was a deliberate attempt to update someone's work with updating their views on the Deity of God, for example--thinking they did this original author a favor. To me, some of the most awesome books are the classics, as you mention as well. I believe my issue is I don't like being segregated by other Christians, and I don't want to be segregated myself. There are too many ironies to name, but how did Bible translations and classics become a free for all with updates in mass depicting biases for the sake of denominations or publisher preferences? For me, I love reading about people who have or had an awesome relationship with God, but there are so many today that do not think it possible to have a relationship with God (just a knowledge of God) so then many are rejecting that person for it, but for me the giant irony is how dare anyone get in a pulpit without hearing from God? To not hear from God on what to say, would just be crowd manipulation or whatever...yes? However, I have really gone through it for some time, but of late, the Lord Jesus has given me this peace that truly passes all understanding. With that came resolves and I went back to basics, but I know it is the Lord Jesus that revived me and gave me this peace and joy I haven't had for a long time. God bless you in Jesus' Name.
I usually just read what's interesting or on a subject that I feel I should know more about. But I also like to read to find the best way to convey and articulate things.
This is a great answer to a question I have been trying to figure out for years. I love how God will answer questions that you have but have not even asked him to help you figure out. I used to read almost all fiction then I realized what a waste of time that is in my life. The only problem then was what to learn about because the world is so fast. I fell into analysis paralysis for a long time and still have a tendency to do that. But your videos have really helped me figure some things out and I am very grateful for your wisdom in this topic.
i used to read more in the past than nowadays, when distrractions, especially RU-vid and other electronic media sites veer my attention elsewhere, but I always, then and now, read more non-fiction than literary works. I eapecially am well read in music history and theory, Christian apologetics, and history. I so keep hoping to get back to the Greek and Latin classics, which are the best reading of all, apart from the Bible. However, so much good non-fiction and biography keeps coming out that I never make it back to Ancient Greece and Rome! This bothers me.
