There are three types of people in our country. There are, first of all, those who are able to read but do not read books. An AP-Ipsos poll recently revealed that 25% of Americans do not read books, while other polls have put the number higher, at around 50%. It is not that these Americans cannot read or that they do not accumulate knowledge. (No country’s citizens—and I mean none—bring more gravitas and enthusiasm to … [Read More]
Q&A 17: What does it take for a pastor to be intellectually vibrant and well-read in the pastorate?
Question: What does it take for a pastor to be intellectually vibrant and well-read in the pastorate?
Reply:
I believe nothing is more valuable in achieving this goal than that one would commit himself to be an expository preacher. That approach to preaching will keep one in the word week by week. I have found it to be a wonderful way to nourish my own soul as I allow God to teach me from his Word in … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading (4): Why Should I Read? Other Advantages of Reading
In the first installment of this series, I gave a theological reason that one might want to read: God himself gave humans the unique ability to read and write, and to use our rational and imaginative capacities for his glory is one way that we reflect his image. In this installment, I will enumerate further reasons to read and some of the advantages accrued for a lifelong habit of reading.
First, reading books sharpens the mind. … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading (3): How Should I Read? Tips on Getting the Most from Your Reading
If you would like to become a disciplined reader, you probably need to make a plan. That’s right. Make a list of books that you would like to read in each of your various categories of interest. If you have difficulty finding the right books to read in each category, spend some time researching. Ask an expert to give you a short list of favorites. Visit your library. Cruise the local Barnes & Noble. Surf … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading (2): What Should I Read? Choosing from a Vast Array of Options
Determining what to read is more than a little important. Of the many books in any given library or bookstore, most can be left unread without any fear of intellectual or moral deprivation. Even (and sometimes especially) the bestsellers are not necessarily worth reading. So what should a seminary student read? Without being able to answer this question in specific, because each person’s callings, abilities, and tastes are unique, I will attempt to give some … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading (1): Three Types of People
“Of making many books there is no end.” (Ecc 12:12)
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There are three types of people in our country. There are, first of all, those who do not read. An AP-Ipsos poll recently revealed that 25% of Americans do not read books, while other polls have put the number higher, at around 50%. It is not that these Americans cannot read or that they do not accumulate knowledge. (No country’s citizens—and I mean none—bring more … [Read More]
Why Johnny Can’t Preach
Last week our Lifeway Campus store asked me for a list of five favorite books that they could display in their store as recommended reading. They are asking various professors from our faculty to do this throughout the year.
I wanted an ancient work, which was easy to choose – Augustine’s City of God – everyone should read it. And then I added a few “modern classics” that are accessible and don’t have any good popular … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading (Pt. 5): Questions, Answers, and Concluding Thoughts
When I conceived this series, I hoped that it would be an encouragement to our evangelical readership to read widely, deeply, and through the lens of a Christian worldview. There was a day when Christians in general and pastors in particular were committed to sustained reading and reflection. However, the multiple cultures that have arisen from our current American context seem not to be, on the whole, prone to serious reading and thinking. (Americans tend to … [Read More]
On Disciplined Reading
“Of making many books there is no end.” (Ecc 12:12)
There are three types of people in our country. There are, first of all, those who do not read. An AP-Ipsos poll recently revealed that 25% of Americans do not read books, while other polls have put the number higher, at around 50%. It is not that these Americans cannot read or that they do not accumulate knowledge. (No country’s citizens-and I mean none-bring more depth … [Read More]
