The Christian as a Reader

Are you much of a reader? There’s really no wrong answer, if your perspective is that I want to learn and grow in Christ. We can always improve in everything we are doing, including becoming readers. What is the place of Christian literature in the Christian walk? It is a common adage that “Me and God make a majority.” The same concept has been stretched into “I have the Bible and the Spirit. I don’t need anything else.” But is that a healthy idea? Rather, is that a Christian idea? 

I don’t know how much you know about the Thessalonian church, but they had a serious problem. They were being told by charlatan preachers that they had missed Christ’s return and it was too late for them. Talk about a sales pitch. But these poor saints were absolutely terrified and rightly so! Paul’s letter to them was in part to comfort them that they had not missed the Second Coming, nor were they beyond hope of the resurrection. He also challenged them with an interesting thought. 

“....But test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21)

After a string of Christian maxims (ex: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances”) he concluded with that instruction in verse 21. Why was Paul concerned that they test everything? Well, the simple answer is that they needed to know what was out there in order to be aware, be informed, and not be deceived again. How were they to “test everything” if they put their heads in the sand and ignored the outside world? That is what the medieval monks tried to do, and it didn’t solve their sin problem any more than it would solve the Thessalonian’s discernment problem. 

What is the place of reading for the Christian? I think it is important to keep aware of the current news stories, secular philosophies, and societal trends. So that it can consume you with anger and fear? Of course not. Because the Christian is responsible for engaging with the world’s systems and demonstrating the Jesus Christ is better! 

There are many avenues for engaging with current events from popular social media platforms, streaming services, magazine subscriptions, podcasts, YouTube channels, talk radio, etc. These are wonderful avenues for communicating truth and demonstrating a strong Christian testimony but let me argue briefly for the necessity of books. 

What is a book? Quite simply, it is a collection of chapters discussing the different details and aspects of one specific topic. It is true that a really engaging YouTube video can and does often discuss the same content, but when an individual forces their mind to calm, focus, and mentally engage in the act of reading it challenges the brain in a unique way. Thinking is hard! Just look at your average middle school boy and you have a pretty good illustration of how challenging thinking can be!

When you sit down with a book (100-400 pages) all about 1 topic you not only think intentionally about that topic, but you think deeply! It takes a while to read 400 pages of anything, but if you discipline your mind to endure and retain throughout the length of that book, you will learn and you will grow. 

Why should a Christian read? Because a Christian is called to do everything as to the Lord (Col. 3:23) including how they train their minds. 

What should a Christian read? Outside of intentionally sinful material, there is really nothing off limits to the Christian as long as he/she is interacting with the material in order to grow in their love and admiration for their Savior. 

How can a secular book about “_______” help me love Jesus more? When we engage with the world’s philosophies, we see a society searching desperately for that one thing that will truly satisfy them. The Christian has been graciously given that gift; the gift of salvation. A biography can demonstrate God’s providence in the life of a man or woman, despite their spiritual condition. A “how to” book shows us that God created the universe to operate and function in a proper order. A fictional story demonstrates that we serve a creative Lord who calls His people to create as well! 

How many books should I be reading? This answer is more nuanced for the individual person, but if you are just starting out, let me encourage you to work on 2 books at a time. 1 of them should be a book about Christianity (theology, church practice, missions, etc.) the other can be whatever interests you (historical biography, literature, mystery, etc.) if you don’t read quickly, that’s ok too! Try to read 1 chapter from each book a day. At that rate you will at least get through 2 books a month and around 25 books a year! 

So get out there and engage with the world, but don’t forget to bring your Christian worldview with you as you slowly and steadily start to read. 

“....But test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21)

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