Thoughts on Reading

In doing a book cover challenge on social media (sharing covers of books a person loves), I've looked at our library 2 or 3 times and brought more piles of books from it to be read again in the future.
That's the hazard of trying to choose books to share!
I haven't even finished my previous stack!
There are a lot of books I have read over and over during my lifetime, and then there are some I've read only once (or am still in the middle of reading or have quit reading in some cases).

I grew up reading fiction mostly for my entertainment, but I've increased my nonfiction repertoire in recent times (which usually takes me more thinking and time) .
Some of that reading was so I could share books with others (it's good that way too), but some I've actually (gasp!) chosen to read for my own edification.

Reading the Bible is something every Christian should be doing unless they want to starve spiritually.

Other books don't have that kind of value.
Reading other books doesn't make a person a spiritual or literary giant, although some kinds of reading can be of some benefit.

Some of my online friends read things that make my reading selections look pathetic, but that's okay.

Reading shouldn't be a matter of pride.

I did consider in the challenge whether the books might either be helpful or at least worth recommending without clarifications.

Sadly, even most "Christian" fiction books are not great in their Theology - even if they are entertaining.

I'm going to share a couple of other books I took pictures of ... one nonfiction that I'm pretty sure I read once many years ago when I was young (more unusual) and a fiction book that I only read once a few years ago.
It was a less stressful type...more of a human interest type.  

                                                                                                                      

        

Christian Fiction - Solid Doctrine Needed!

When I was growing up, I did a lot of reading of fiction books.

I still read some fiction (though not nearly as much as I did when I was younger).

A lot of books purport to be "Christian" fare, but they either support false doctrine, a false gospel, use bad language, advocate women's lib., put men and women in compromising situations, appeal to lust, and have "Christians" who don't seem to care whether a potential spouse is a believer or not.

Also, there is very little fiction written by people who believe in the doctrines of grace and have solid Theological views.

What people write reflects their values and the teaching they have or have not received.

Sadly, much of the writing out there reveals the lack of solid Biblical knowledge and practical wisdom of many professing Christians.

Writers need to think about what they are writing and what its purpose is.

Will it lead people to sin?  

Will it reflect godly truths and values or lead people to accept values that don't honor God?

Will it lead them to antinomianism (an abuse of grace) or legalism (works-based religion) or eisegetical false teaching?

Will your writing lead people to the Gospel and wise behavior, or will it lead them to sensuality, worldliness, and heresy?

Some would throw out fiction altogether, but even "entertainment" can be a subtle way to encourage each other to love and good deeds and obedience, present Biblical doctrine, and direct unbelievers to the Gospel.  

It can be challenging, and yet, it can also be enjoyable.  

It can reflect real struggles, but with a purpose.

  

There are some good books out there, but sadly they are few and far between.

I really believe that it would be a great idea for more book writers to run their writing by someone (or more than one person) who is doctrinally sound before having it printed or selling it in any format.

Even those of us who write blogs could use some feedback if we get way off track.

Whether it's for kids or teens or adults, I want to encourage those who do write to write for the glory of God, and as a result, what you write may influence people.  

It may be more subtle, but it really can.

It's not a substitute for Bible study, but it can have benefits.