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| The New Book, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924 |
This was our last week in the Spiritual Disciplines class, and we finished with discussion on learning for the purpose of godliness. While there are various avenues for learning, we were challenged to broaden our reading. None of us know it all, and there's much to be gained from those who know more than we do.
As someone mentioned in class, reading what someone else has written may help to change or solidify our own thinking toward biblical truth. We may be affirmed by what is written, or we may be challenged to seek answers to questions that arise with what the author is saying.
The goal in learning as a spiritual discipline is seeking out truth and understanding God's ways, growth in godliness. Whether it's a book on theology or a book on science, fiction or nonfiction, books can show us more about God and His ways. Just because someone's words are printed in a book, however, doesn't mean it's inherently worth reading. Some books aren't even contenders, so we must choose with discernment.
We were given a Reading Challenge handout in class composed of 104 book suggestions. I find the list to be especially helpful because there are no book titles, simply a variety of book types. For example: a biography, a book on science, a book from a theological viewpoint you disagree with, a book with an ugly cover, a photo essay book, and the list goes on.
That sounds doable to me. I'm a slow reader, so I'm not sure how long it will take me to finish the list, but I find the approach rather intriguing. If you'd like to see the list and consider the challenge, it's at Tim Challies blog site.
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15 ESV
Painting via Wikimedia Commons
public domain
