Reading is a discipline that I have no problem with. On the other hand, finishing a book before starting another is a major problem. It is simply an ADD thing. I get to reading a good book and then I find another one and pick it up and before long, I have got a half dozen books stacked up. It wouldn’t be so bad except that I don’t have the discipline to read a portion of each every day, and so I finish a book in an agonizing amount of time. Sometimes when I finally get back to the first book I was reading, I have forgotten what I had already read.
I thought with this post, I would give a list of books I am currently browsing and what the are about (at least as much as I have read from them). Maybe you would like to chime in with what you have been reading too. Anything is fair game, although mine will be all theological/religious.
Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass (pen name)–Not technically reading for enjoyment (although I am enjoying it), but rather reading it for a sermon series on the Parables of Christ. Snodgrass does a great job giving reference material for each parable of Christ. I don’t always agree with his decisions or interpretations, but it has loads of reference info, cultural info, and at least discusses the hard questions about the parables.
Spiritual Depression by D. Martin Lloyd Jones–This book was given to me by a friend and it is the first book of this nature that I have seen written by a pastor such as Jones. For more info see my previous post Christian Depression.
When People Are Big and God Is Small by Ed Welch–I know that this book has been around for a while, it was just one of those that I have intended to read, but haven’t done so yet. Great synopsis (so far) is that people either fear man or fear God, and the penetrating question I have been wrestling with is “Who do I fear?”
The Cross of Christ by John Stott–Another one I should have read long ago, but just now getting to it. I love the way Stott emphasizes the superiority of the cross. This one I have a hard time putting down (until something shiny catches my attention. . . I do have ADD).
Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress–Our view of science is a result of our view of God. Poythress focuses mostly on the creation issue, but also delves into the broader realm of science to the glory of God. Fascinating read (so far) but come prepared to engage the brain!
As I look on my book shelf, I am ashamed to admit that I could list a whole host of books that have only had the introduction read before being cruelly cast aside. Not by any fault of their own, but because of the poor attention span of their reader. Well, maybe tomorrow I will start them. . .
Matt, I do the same thing! I use to feel guilty for not finishing the books I started until I heard a seasoned and godly pastor whom I respected say something to this affect: “Few books are worth finishing. Get the meat out of each one, don’t worry about finishing them. Move on to the next one and glean the nuggets from it too!” So my stack of books grows by my bed as well as on my desk. “When People Are Big and God Is Small” was very helpful to me. I taught this book in our adult Sunday School class. I would be glad to share the lessons for each chapter with you as well as the powerpoint presentation. I was building upon the work of Jason Ehman and Aaron Young who shared their notes and lesson outlines with me.
Thanks for posting!
Mark Worden
http://magnifythelord.wordpress.com (My new blog!)
Great, Mark! Thanks for the encouragement. I would love your notes and PPT as I have been thinking of developing it into a curriculum for Bible Study. You can email them to me (or maybe I could get them at the end of the month at the Northwest conference.
I really enjoy reading your articles, keep up the good work.
Matt, I do the same thing, myself. I’ve always been a starter and not a finisher, and that trait spills over into other areas of my life as well. Maybe it’s genetic?
Anyway, I’m reading a lot of things right now… just finishing up Honey for a Child’s Heart (awesome, awesome book! You and Bon need to borrow it from mom.), three different books on the names of God, a couple of health books, and Wuthering Heights. But I’ve got stacks of books in my “to read next” pile. I’m trying to enforce my new policy: I’m not allowed to purchase a new book until I have read all the books in my pending pile.
Keep up the good reading! Love you!
Ruthie
By the way, now I want to read When People are Big and God is Small… must. be. strong….
Ruth,
Alia got us Honey for a Child’s Heart for Bonnie’s Birthday. On my to-read list.
It helps when you can’t affoard any more books. If you can’t buy ’em, you just got to read what you have.
What we need to do is all compile a book “wish list” and just exchange books for birthdays and Christmas. Most of us would be thrilled about that! I know I have a long list.
Let’s see…
Everything I am reading is a text book, except “Be Mature”. So, basically my reading life is in need of some excitement.
Sounds good Ruthie!
Jordan, I don’t envy you, the part about school that was boring was not getting to choose what I read. I like that I can choose now.