1.31.2006
Read Any Good Books Lately?
I was reading the "Together for the Gospel" blog and came across this helpful blog entry by Al Mohler on the subject of book reading.
I am quick to say that I love books and most often am reading a book, but Mohler's book reading disciplines are convicting to say the least. It reminds me that I don't read enough. I posted earlier about this obsession with books, but it warrants another. I'll let Dr. Mohler have the spotlight now:
Some Thoughts on the Reading of Books
by Al Mohler
I cannot really remember when I did not love to read books. I do know that I was very eager to learn to read, and that I quickly found myself immersed in the world of books and literature. It may have been a seduction of sorts, and the Christian disciple must always be on guard to guide the eyes to books worthy of a disciple's attention -- and there are so many.
As Solomon warned, "Of making many books there is no end" [Ecclesiastes: 12:12]. There is no way to read everything, and not everything deserves to be read. I say that in order to confront the notion that anyone, anywhere, can master all that could be read with profit. I read a great deal, and a large portion of my waking hours are devoted to reading. Devotional reading for spiritual profit is an important part of the day, and that begins with the reading of Scripture. In terms of timing, I am somewhat unorthodox. My best time for spending time in the Word is late at night, when all is calm and quiet and I am mentally alert and awake. That is not the case when I first get up in the mornings, when I struggle to find each word on the page (or anything else, for that matter).
In the course of any given week, I will read several books. I know how much I thrive on this learning and the intellectual stimulation I get from reading. As my wife and family would be first to tell you, I can read almost anytime, anywhere, under almost any kind of conditions. I have a book with me virtually all the time, and have been known to snatch a few moments for reading at stop lights. No, I do not read while driving (though I must admit that it has been a temptation at times). C.J., I took books to high school athletic events when I played in the band. [Heap coals of scorn and nerdliness here.] I remember the books -- do you remember the games?
A few initial suggestions... (click here to read the rest of the article and Dr. Mohler's suggestions)
Here's another entry at the same blog listing Ligon Duncan's top 15 favorite books.
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4 comments:
C.J. has posted his responses to his own questions.
You're quick. Nice picture too!
I also read CJ's recommendation on some articles in The Tie- Southern Seminary's quarterly publication. I even subscribed online - it was FREE! Their Winter 2005 edition is on becoming a man...looks like good stuff for me & my boy (though he's still got a few more years.)
thanks for heads-up on the seminary publication, i will definitely check that out...
Oh, I see some of my favorites there... right smack in the middle is a favorite, by one of my mentors... Alex Strauch's Biblical Eldership. That one opened up new vistas.
Let's see, the following have gotten my adrenaline flowing, mind racing and heart tenderized:
Greg Beale's ginormous NIGT commentary on Revelation
The Justification of God by John Piper
Unholy Devotion: Why Cults Lure Christians by Howard Bussell
Early Christian Worship by Oscar Cullmann
Oh, yes... Eric Myer on CSS
Bo
Richard Baxter: Mere Christian
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