As a writer of Christian fiction, it is startling how many Christian readers read ONLY Christian fiction. I have long pondered this enigma and believe it comes down to your second point: Cultural Engagement. In my opinion, the average Christian fiction reader chooses stories not to engage culture, but to distance themselves from it. We seek to disconnect from the world, rather than find connection. It has led to an echo chamber, an island, an enclave of safety, which I wonder if we will ever escape. Great post!

Reading widely has been on my mind lately. In my case, expanding the breadth of my reading includes adding more fiction, particularly contemporary fiction, but I have found it difficult to find contemporary fiction I enjoy reading.

I really enjoyed this post Tim. My only thought besides what you have written is this - what about non-Christian work that is plainly against what the Bible teaches re: “Whatever is lovely…think on these things”….I personally do read some non-Christian fiction and non-fiction but stay away from occult type stuff (did read the first few Harry Potter books but chose not to read the remainder of the series after a very scary spiritual battle occured) and books that are clearly against both my personal statement of faith and/or Biblical doctrine. I don’t see anything wrong with other Christians reading these things, its just the decision I have made. I am still on the fence about more recent writings that have had a lot of reviews of late. If a book promotes thoughts that are clearly against the Bible and/or Evangelical Christianity, should we be reading it/exposing ourselves to those teachings and/or promoting it through sales/reviews, etc

I am typically not much of a fiction reader of “grown-up” books, since I read a lot of it to my kids and its not my preference. Because of that, I have a hard time walking into a Chapters around here and choosing other books outside of ones on Christian topics! I did manage recently to pick one I would like to recommend. Prisoner of Tehran (Memoir) by Marina Nemat is fantastic. I picked it up because it was a recommended pick at the store and because it was written by a woman the same age as a friend of mine who is from Iran and was in school during the same time period as the author. I found this book to be extremely helpful in allowing me to understand my friend’s background and how it was very different than my own. I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to gain understanding into a difficult culture, especially if you’re female.

This echoes what Oswald Chambers recommends as documented in his biography: “Oswald Chambers: Abandoned To God - The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest,” by David McCasland.

Excerpt from p. 156-157:

When (Major John ) Skidmore found himself in a mental cul de sac, emptied by his role of continually giving the truth out to others, he shared his dilemma with Chambers.

“What do you read?” Oswald asked.

“Only the Bible and books directly associated with it,” Skidmore told him.

“That’s the trouble,” Chambers replied. “You have allowed part of your brain to stagnate for want of use.”

Within a few minutes, Oswald had scribbled out a list of more than fifty books - philosophical, psychological, and theological, dealing with every phase of current thought. In a follow-up letter to Skidmore, Oswald said: “My strong advice to you is to soak, soak, soak in philosophy and psychology, until you know more of these subjects than ever you need consciously to think. It is ignorance of these subjects on the part of ministers and workers that has brought our evangelical theology to such a sorry plight.”

I would just like to comment that we need to use discernment in the selection of the books we read. Not just any title may benefit our understanding. Also, what about television or movies? There are a lot of folks out there who do not read very much. Yet, they will be devoted fans of certain TV shows or movies.

I think that perhaps we ought to find out what our non-Christian friends are reading/watching and engage them in a discussion about that particular book or show. That might be more effective. There is so much out there to sift through, that perhaps this approach would save time.

I basically agree with your post.

Would you care to share the spiritual battle you had regarding the Harry Potter books? I’m currently reading them but slightly uneasy…having some trouble discerning how to apply the same type of reasoning Tim is using in this blog regarding some types of literature.

I had read the first four books in the series, and was having very vivid and frightening nightmares over a span of a few weeks. I finally realized that when I removed the books from my room (they were on my nightstand) the nightmares disappeared. However, I noticed a lot of dark shadows and the sort around my home when they were store in another location. When I completely removed the books from my home, all of that supernatural stuff stopped. I prayed alot about that situation and as a result, I am very discerning when viewing/reading things now (for example, won’t see the HP movies, watch The Ghost Whisperer or Medium on TV). I also avoid certain episodes of my favorite crime shows (like Criminal Minds or CSI) when the episodes deal with occultic type crimes.

You’re right. I didn’t explicitly connect those two points when skimming the article.

I appreciate all four reasons Tim gives for reading non-Christian books. I would add more more: love. Reading isn’t just about an experience for ME. It’s about values and ideas shared by authors and groups of readers, and in seeking to understand what my neighbor values—what he idolizes and what he hopes for—I can better know and love him.

Of course, one must be careful to guard one’s heart and not go too deep or stay too long. (I don’t have to read pornography to understand the temptation.) Still, books offer a particular way to love our neighbors—often endowed with common grace, as Tim points out—which shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.

Instead of the liberal, pro-abortion authors of Freakonomics, Christians should be reading better economics, like Thomas Sowell, John Lott, Jennifer Roback Morse, Walter Williams. John Lott actually wrote a rebuttal to Freakonomics called “Freedomnomics”, showing how abortion increases crime rates, and does not lower them. You should be linking to that.

But your idea is correct. I would recommend that Christians read more widely in science, economics and foreign policy. Stephen C. Meyer, Thomas Sowell, and Frank Gaffney.

I find “30 Rock” and “The Office” to be some of the less brain-trashy sitcoms out there. Contrast with “Two and Half Men”.

Then again I read (and enjoyed) all seven Harry Potter books, so clearly my opinion is tainted.

Thank you. Some of my most interesting aha moments when it comes to scripture have occurred in the unlikeliest of places, from Stephen King novels to David Hume, Charles Darwin to John Steinbeck.

I realize that some should avoid certain books at certain times, and some may recommend that one not read one book in favor of another. But at least someone has to read a book to figure out if it is any good or not. If you implicitly trust that person, then great - they read it and can tell you if it’s worth reading or not. Or that person can write a great review, or a rebuttal, or whatever for a larger audience that may trust their judgment.

At any rate, someone has to read the book to figure out if it is any good. And you have the freedom to at least take a look and see what you think.

A couple of commenters have mentioned my issue with reading more secular material, in that we all absorb so much from the culture already, subtlety everyday, more than we realize. It seems to me reading edifying Christian material is almost an essential part of the spiritual war. On the other hand, I am beginning to re-read some classics -Shakespeare, Russian novelists, some history- to see what I missed when I read them before I became a Christian. But that certainly won’t help me keep up with my neighbor’s culture.

Thank you so much I was taught to live in a complete Christian bubble by the evangelical churches I attended in high school and college, very specifically I remember an RC Sproul video series that made me very weary of “the world”. I went to one of the top universities in the USA but I did not immerse myself in my education because I was constantly on guard in fear labeling my education as Liberal, Secular, Worldly, etc. I attended churches where ministry/ missions was exalted to such great heights that one felt that to be really following Jesus this was your only possible future vocation. Back then, I only read Christian books.

I remember once our pastor came to the college group on campus and preached that we should ONLY listen to Christian music and ONLY certain musicians where music and lyrics meshed in a manner worthy. This is a very well published and highly followed pastor. Thankfully I slowly and reluctantly let go of the legalism I was taught, it took years, it was very confusing and now it is frustrating to think there are pastors and church leaders who teach that kind of fear of the world and isolation.

I’ve learned so much and been able to share so much because I no longer live in a bubble where we’re all right and the rest of people in the world, even other Christians, are wrong and wicked. How can you possibly “Love your neighbor” if you’re too busy fearing your neighbor?

And I agree with the person who commented that reading helps you understand and learn about other people. That has been such a blessing, so much of the Christian books I read were always used for private devotions and focused on ME, obsessing about my sin, thoughts, seeking perfection it was exhausting and I don’t believe brought much glory to Christ.

Thank you!

Anonymous

In post #33, you mentioned how a RC Sproul’s video series made you weary of the world.

I am not sure of which series you are referring to, however from what I have learned from RC Sproul, I believe you have misunderstood what he was saying. RC Sproul is completely against legalism; however I have found that when someone tries to be both doctrinally pure and live what they believe to the glory of God. People often call that “legalism”. It is my experience, that although legalism can be a big problem; most have the opposite problem. We are so attached to this world that often the world affects how we live and we tend to forget how to use spiritual discernment. Am I saying not to read a wide variety of books? Absolutely not, but do all to the glory of God. There is an old saying that I used to hear in some Christian circles, which I believe is a flawed view. It goes something like this: “If you are too heavenly minded, you will be no earthly good.” Quite the opposite is true; the more heavenly minded we are the more earthly good we are! When we are heavenly minded we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and we glorify God His way.

I agree wholeheartedly that Christians ought to read the “mainstream”.

But this is 3 minutes of the opposite:

http://theoldadam.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/the-easter-paradigm-4/

It is definitely NOT mainstream, but a word about Easter that needs to be heard by all believers.

Personally for me, all I have read my entire life so far has been secular books. It’s not until a month ago that I read my first Christian book, so I am going to focus on Christian reads for a bit now. :)

I agree, Karen. One of my greatest joys as a Christian (reformed) mom has been teaching my children the joy of reading. They’re all adults now and it’s a thrill when one of them calls or writes and says, “Hey, Mom, have you read (name of book, magazine, online column)…yet?” We always encouraged our children to understand the culture; that doesn’t mean to embrace it or condone it, but understanding allows a heart of compassion to reach the lost. We always read widely and are all the more enriched for it.

AnonymousI agree with the general thrust of your post; with a word of caution.Secular books, newspapers etc… are not necessarily wrong to read, nor are they devoid of truth. However, it is also true that they can influence how we see the world.For instance, in many Christian circles they have bought into the lie of Freudian psychology; much of which is at odds with Scripture itself. Unfortunately this isn’t just in liberal Christianity, I have had many conversations with Christians who have a high view of Scripture, but are blind to the lies of secular psychology.This of course is just one example; but the bottom line is no matter what you read do so with discernment, regardless of whether it is Christian or secular material. One needs to know Scripture in order to do this. Be like a Berean (Acts 17:10-11).

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! Finally — a Christian who thinks we SHOULDN’T just read Christian books!

I have so many pious Christians around me that frown on me for “reading widely”. I read in all sorts of genres (while drawing appropriate limits, of course). And, I love how — as you said — it allows me to practice discernment, and it lets me give my opinion on why I think a certain book is good/bad ~ or how it compares to my faith. If you haven’t read it, how can you say yay/nay to it? I read “The Da Vinci Code” and thought it was a really great work of fiction… but I’m so glad that I read it so that I can know why everyone is up in arms about it, and how to speak out my thoughts on it. My pastor has even read it, and I totally love him for that! :D

So, yeah… I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who sees the value of reading outside of the Christian genre. Thank you! :D

Ecclesiastes 12:12 “…Of making many books there is no end, and much study is weariness to the flesh.”

I do agree that reading is good. This article, though, is a bit puzzling especially given the prominence of the ‘cultural mainstream.’ Why the emphasis on secular material? Is there evidence that Christians are not already reading in the ‘cultural mainstream?’ Are people not getting enough secular or ‘mainstream’ intake on a daily basis from hobbies, professional careers, radio, tv, internet, blogs, kindle, etc.? I think the ‘cultural mainstream’ is at an all time high really and soaring ever higher while the daily intake of Holy Scripture is plummeting at an alarming rate. People and families ‘in the culture’ are not being destroyed because they focus too much on Jesus Christ or because they incessantly pour over or search Holy Scripture.

I have seen many a person pierced through with sorrows because they have read widely. This is not to say that we should not read other books; however I would place more emphasis on reading Holy Scripture and those tools which enable one to understand it better. God has given us the common sense to know that if He calls something evil (ie. witchcraft) and forbids it in Holy Scripture then I do not need to go reading ‘Harry Potter’ to culturally understand someone and connect with them.

Also, just because people read books published by ‘Christian’ publishers or books are labeled ‘Christian’ does not make them suitable for reading. While some are reputable, there are many so-called ‘Christian’ publishing houses today which seem to publish whatever brings in $$$ for the bottom line rather than truly looking out for the spiritual welfare of the people whom they are trying to serve. It seems some publishing leaders could use more discernment.

God numbers the days of man and He has set the boundary of their existence. With our days numbered and the rapidity with which they fly away, how much more should we heed Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night,…” I may not have enough time to read all the books in order to understand and connect with everyone where I live, let alone the internet; however, by God’s grace, I do have the time to read Holy Scripture and share the Gospel with someone else and leave the results up to God.

The Word of God is truth and the sum of it is truth. It is the all-sufficient, absolute standard for the life of the Christian and “is living and active, shaper than any two-edge sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Instead of using culture as a way to correct the myopia of professing Christians, I believe it would be more beneficial to direct people to the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in them as we see occurred in the lives of the Bereans in Acts 17. We catch a glimpse of this work when Sopater of Berea was mentioned as part of the group travelling with the Apostle Paul spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Acts 20.

Regarding reading other material besides the Bible, I think John MacArthur made a good point in his series on “How To Study The Bible.” In keeping these 5 prinicples in mind [(1) literal; (2) historical context; (3) grammatical; (4) synthesis; and (5) practical] when we approach study Holy Scripture, it will recquire reading other material. It is good for us to examine what has been written by those before us in order to glean wisdom from them as well as to read church history so that we can avoid the same pitfalls other generations have gone through and resolved.

The amazing truth is that Holy Scripture not only has a Divine Author, whom it would be impossible to exhaust the riches of who He is and His grace, but also we have a Divine Teacher (the Holy Spirit) to lead us into all truth and instruct us in His revealed will.

Michael

I too was a bit puzzled by Tim’s article. Until I began to remember the kind of person Tim is. From Tim’s books it is clear that Tim is very discerning; so in light of that I think for the most part Tim would agree with you. For instance in Tim’s book ‘The Discpline of Spitual Discernment’, he talked about (in this case being able to know the difference between fraudulent money and the real thing), knowing the various characteristics of the real thing, then when that which is fraudulent comes along, chances are it will be recognized for what it is. However, had I not known about Tim from his blogs and his books, I probably might have come away with a different understanding of what Tim is saying. For that reason, I think Tim should have probably emphasized discernment a little more in his article.