In my office sits a framed postcard that reads: ‘There is no such thing as too many books.’ This postcard accurately captures my attitude – I love books and reading.
As important as reading is for the Christian mind, I acknowledge that not everyone loves reading. My aim in this short article is to highlight seven ways in which reading aids our thinking, particularly as Christians. In doing so I hope I’ll convince you of the benefit reading can be in the Christian life.
Growing in knowledge
Non-fiction is probably the genre of book that, as Christians, we are most familiar with. Virtually all Christian books fall into this category. They are factual, imparting knowledge. From books about doctrines to surveys of church history, non-fiction teaches us things we didn’t know. Reading non-fiction aids our thinking because it helps us grow in knowledge.
Suggestion: Rebecca McLaughlin, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion (Crossway, 2019).
Perceiving people
Novels likely constitute the second most familiar category of books. Great novels tell engrossing stories in a compelling fashion. As we are introduced to various characters with differing traits, we are subtly taught how to read people. Meeting characters helps us learn what makes people tick, how weaknesses manifest themselves in individuals and why humans are equally capable of cruelty and compassion. Reading novels aids us in perceiving how people work.
Suggestion: John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men (Penguin Classics, 2006; originally published in 1937).
Inspired by others
Biographies are a wonderful source of encouragement. They possess an innate ability to encourage us with the reality that other people are just as ordinary as we are, and yet at the same time challenge us to aspire to match the extraordinary feats of these ordinary people. This is particularly true of Christian biographies, but equally so of others. There is also the by-product of seeing the hand of God at work in human history generally, and in people’s individual history personally. Reading biographies leads us to being inspired by others.
Suggestion: D. A. Carson, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson (Crossway, 2008).
Dreaming of other worlds
Fantasy and science-fiction is not a genre I naturally gravitate towards, but it is an important genre. These types of books can help ignite our imaginations. By painting pictures of other worlds this genre builds our ability to flex our imagination. Reading fantasy and science-fiction teaches us how to dream of other worlds, including the new heavens and the new earth.
Suggestion: C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Tracing trends in real time
It is not simply reading books that aids our thinking. Periodicals, magazines and journals can all contribute to learning how the world views things, keeping current on topics of conversation and remaining abreast of the latest developments. Reading this genre aids us in tracing trends in real time.
Suggestion: National Geographic (natural world), Evangelicals Now (Christian newspaper) or Private Eye (mixture of journalism and satire).
Universal themes
For some, classic books are long and boring. But classics become classics for a reason, and as far as I can see that reason is because they treat universal themes like love, loss and life. I think classics are evidence of eternity in humanity’s heart (Ecc. 3:11). Reading the classics helps us see how universal themes – crystalised in the gospel – are witnessed and understood by the wider world.
Suggestion: Alexander Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics, 2003; originally published in 1844).
Evoking emotions
Poetry is another genre I struggle with. Poetry does two things well, however. First, it verbalises emotions. Second, it employs wonderful imagery. It is therefore important to engage with it, as reading poetry evokes our emotions and develops our appreciation of imagery. Poetry develops depth in our thinking and feeling.
Suggestion: John Donne, Everyman’s Poetry (Orion Publishing, 1997).
While some may argue that all of the above could be gleaned from television shows, movies or podcasts, I am not convinced. Information communicated visually and orally tends more easily to slip past our critical faculties. The very act of reading and processing written words engages our minds. In this way reading aids our thinking.
For a longer treatment of all of the above see: Tony Reinke, Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books (Crossway, 2011)
