Non-Christian books

[Sif]

.

 

[rob_aston]

If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why?

to learn how they tick

 

[rob_aston]

TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not pe

then the men have issues ues

 

[RedPonyDriver]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

Say what? Admittedly, I'm a liberal Christian but my home library is split 60/40 secular/Christian books. I'll read anything just about. I'm currently working through Terry Pratchett's Discworld series again. That has nothing to do with my faith at all. I read for two main reasons, education and entertainment. As far as education goes, I have books on many topics, mostly dealing with engineering (I was a PE in a former life...I'm a retired part-time instructor now). I don't give a hoot as to the author's religious leanings...if I'm looking to be entertained. I DO give a hoot about the author's religious leanings if I'm reading something dealing with Theology. I don't care if I'm reading something on engineering, I'm looking for their expertise there.

My husband doesn't give a hoot what I read, see, say, how I dress, how I do much of anything. I think you might be looking at one faction of Christians and painting all of us with a broad brush.

 

[crossnote]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

I had my fill of reading them my first 25 years as a non Christian myself then another 40 years of listening to them at work and elsewhere. So, agreed, now I catch up on books that would be edifying...yet there is some poison in 'Christian' books as well.

 

[Poppyseed78]

I read all sorts of books. I enjoy fantasy, sci fi, and mysteries, along with books on more "serious" topics like philosophy, psychology, religion, and biographies.

I think it's important to be well-rounded. I want to know about different perspectives and philosophies to better understand people and the world around me. This doesn't weaken my faith; in fact, it can strengthen it in many ways.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

Sure. A TRUE Christian could read an assorted variety of books. In the case of fiction, I read for entertainment purposes. For example, I've read and really enjoyed Fahrenheit 451, along with War of the Worlds. Why? Because they are marvelous and thoughtful stories. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't touch Fifty Shades of Grey, unless I was doing some kind of research on De Sade or some other unfortunate ideology.

If the literature is non-fiction, my reading becomes an opportunity for me to remain informed about ways that others may see the world. In this instance, I read books by atheists about atheism. Why? So I better understand their arguments and reasoning. And being the educated person I am, I can't help but to explore all kinds of subjects, from quantum mechanics to deontological ethics and many, many other subjects. In fact, one of the books on my bookshelf is, A History of Pagan Europe, by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick.

Of course, there are Christians who seem to be afraid of reading anything that isn't specifically written by a Christian, but the idea that a Christian should cut out any media (or reading, in this case) that challenges her preconceived notions of truth comes not so much from the Bible, but more from a personal choice to remain aloof from such things, perhaps even from a predisposition to celebrate anti-intellectualism.

And there is one thing I do know from the Bible: God does not place a premium value upon a general lack of knowledge and/or ignorance ...

2PhiloVoid

 

[Occams Barber]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

Quick - better take the Old Testament off your (sorry, "his") reading list. It was written by non-Christians.
OB

 

[ewq1938]

Quick - better take the Old Testament off your (sorry, "his") reading list. It was written by non-Christians.
OB

haha, was just going to post that!

 

[Sketcher]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian?

Sure.

If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why?

Depends on the genre, the title, the description on the back, and perhaps the artwork on the front cover.

Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

Well, if I were to say it were a waste of time, you would have gotten me as I read your post. But I don't think it is a waste of time.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

I'd ask a counter question: Why would a Christian avoid a book simply because it was authored by someone who wasn't a Christian? That seems silly to me.

Also, Christian women are free to read whatever they want, they are not subservient to men. And any church which says otherwise is an awful place and should be avoided like the Plague. And any man--Christian or otherwise--who thinks he has a right to dictate how his girlfriend, wife, sister, or any woman can do, think, say, read, etc is someone who has control issues and I would wish no woman to have to suffer under that kind of abuse.

All in all, this question seems to assume a very particular kind of Fundamentalist Christianity, a kind that is very foreign to most of us. Christians have been reading the works of non-Christians for thousands of years--the writings of Greek poets and philosophers, on mathematics, astronomy, etc. Because there is much to be learned and appreciated from people who are very knowledgeable--regardless of their religion. And likewise, works of fiction offer narratives which can be appreciated for a variety of reasons, the author's religion is largely incidental.

A kind of Christianity which would stifle learning, or condemn looking at how the world is viewed by many different people is a kind of Christianity that, ultimately, stifles and chokes out faith.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[RedPonyDriver]

A kind of Christianity which would stifle learning, or condemn looking at how the world is viewed by many different people is a kind of Christianity that, ultimately, stifles and chokes out faith.

Unfortunately, that is a kind of Christianity that IS being practiced in certain places and within certain groups.

 

[crossnote]

Then there is a naive kind of undiscerning type of reading that believes anything it reads and is lead further away from the Truth of God's Word.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
(1Co 2:12-15)

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
(1Co 1:25)

 

[farout]

Would a TRUE Christian ever read a book written by a known non-Christian? If a TRUE Christian would read a book by a known non-Christian, why? Why would a TRUE Christian waste his (as TRUE Christian women do not read what their men do not permit) time reading ANYTHING a non-Christian wrote?

I have read literally fifty or more. There are called text books, required readings, biography's, topics for specific areas of interest. You know facts are facts. Why did you ask this?

 

[Sif]

.

 

[Sif]

.

 

[ewq1938]

I am sorry you suffer such persecution.

Happy bday

 

[crossnote]

It is the 'kind' of Christian I am quite familiar with. I apologize for upsetting anyone

No problem, some people will drink a mixture of poison just to boast how virulent they are.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. (Luk 8:18)

How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Mat 16:11-12)

 

[RedPonyDriver]

It is the 'kind' of Christian I am quite familiar with. I apologize for upsetting anyone

Come on over and sit by me...I get raked over the coals regularly for being a different kind of Christian...we can talk.