"Remember that it is not hasty reading, but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian." (Thomas Brooks)
Here is a great post by Al Mohler on what we should read, and maybe what we should not be reading. For instance, should we be reading bad theology?
posted by Doug E. @ 2:13 PM
6 comments
My desire is not merely to know theology, but to live it. But you can't live it if you don't know it!
6 Comments:
Thankyou for that link. It was an interesting read. I disagree with Mohler when he says that we should not study fiction. I believe we can learn a lot from the fictional writings of authors. If I did not, I would not be a student of English Literature. I love fiction. I also love theology. Often the two are not exclusive.
I said: "I love fiction. I also love theology. Often the two are not exclusive."
Oooh, that sounds really dodgy, but I am thinking of puritain writers such as Bunyan who combine use a fictional style in order to communicate biblical truths. A lot of other christian authors to this too. I believe their work is a valuable tool for teaching and study.
Missmelifluous,
I too believe we can learn from fiction. Worldviews always come through in many novels. As you mentioned Bunyan's pilgrims progress is a great example. Though if I were to sit down and study a certain topic. I don't think I would pick up a novel first. Maybe that is all he meant, but I can't speak for him.
Good point,
Doug
I always enjoy reading Al Mohler's writings. I read his Blog and commentary often, not as often as I would like.
I would agree with Dr. Mohler on the "Study" of fiction. It is not to study in the sense of Scripture, and I certainly do not think you can put it in the category of pastoral study. I really think that is what he was referring to.
I do think you can learn from fiction, I know I have, and there is some fiction I enjoy reading. I learn from them as well, but not by studying them.
Novels can be a great way into topics, especially for teenagers. By introducing a problem, or world view, through fiction you can then compare this perspective with a biblical one. Whatever we read should always be weighed against truths we know from the Bible, in this way our faith becomes stronger and more firmly grounded. This should be done when reading Christian fiction and secular fiction, current affairs, philosophy...everything.At times other perspectives and arguments will challenge our faith, but I think this is fine as long as we keep going back to the Bible, because if the Bible is really true, it will withstand scrutiny.
I think that all forms of writing can be used to teach and instruct, and are valuable for study and evangelism, but when we are talking about salvation, only the Bible has the power to convict, save, and comfort.
Perhaps Mohler was simply stating that he does not study fiction?
Speaking of Mohler, I wish he wrote books instead of just chapters within books. To date, I haven't been able to find a book that is completely authored by him.
Post a Comment
<< Home