When I walk into the Christian Bookstore I am overwhelmed at all they have to offer. How many books are stocked on their shelves? There are way more than I could ever read, but the truth is, if you ‘re looking for a particular topic they will have it. Books on marriage, mothering, prayer, devotions, dieting, finances, dating, prophecy, faith, God’s will and much more can all be found with varying opinions on each subject! How does a person know which opinion is correct? Which author is going to lead me right?
The correct way to interpret any book is to see if it lines up with Scripture. Does the book agree with the Bible or does it teach some “new thought?” There is nothing new that God has added to His Word, so if there’s a new wrinkle then it’s more than likely erroneous and we need to steer clear of it. Does it teach something about God that is not true? Leave it alone.
We all need to read with discernment – whether it’s a book from the bookstore or an article on-line. Proverbs 14:15 says, The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. We can’t pick up a book or read an article and buy into everything it says just because it’s from so and so (some famous Christian leader), or because we found it at the Christian bookstore; we must read with discernment. This is “looking well to our going.” Ask yourself if it lines up with the Word of God.
I learned recently about a resource where you can read about new books that have been reviewed. This would save you the trouble of buying a book, then finding out it wasn’t biblical. Here’s the link to that website: http://discerningreader.com/ Here’s what the site says about themselves:
Discerning Reader is a site dedicated to promoting good books–books that bring honor to God. At the same time, we hope to help Christians avoid being unduly influenced by books and teachers that are not honoring to God.
We do not seek to be harsh or judgmental. Rather, we seek only to be discerning as we compare books to the written Word of God. We let the words of authors speak for themselves and simply hold the books up to the light of Scripture. In doing so, we are building a database of reviews which we feel cast a discerning light on the books that are found in Christians homes, churches and bookstores.
We do not seek to be harsh or judgmental. Rather, we seek only to be discerning as we compare books to the written Word of God. We let the words of authors speak for themselves and simply hold the books up to the light of Scripture. In doing so, we are building a database of reviews which we feel cast a discerning light on the books that are found in Christians homes, churches and bookstores.
I love books and love to walk through the stores and look at the new titles and find things that will help me. I’m grateful the Lord gives us encouragement to help us be discerning readers rather than “simple readers that believe every word.”
RefreshHer 