Wednesday, September 03, 2008
A BOOK
A new book to read. What an adventure. As sabbatical was rolling around I had several books I wanted to read specifically for ministry and sermons. But I also relished picking one new book to read for purely personal interests (which, in fact, I have ended up quoting in sermons.) So I choose this delicacy carefully: a 600+ page book titled The Victorians by A.N. Wilson.
When I got the book I carefully opened and broke it in. I smelled the ink and paper. I read the front and back covers. Then the Preface. I looked at the illustrations as a precursor to people I would meet and places I would go.
A book can take you anywhere. It can open up entire worlds. It can change your perspective and your understanding. It can clarify things you wondered about or about which you had only heard a mention. In a book you can find out about yourself. Through the lives of people or the description of characters you may see yourself - for good or ill. In a book of history, you discover more about the world context in which you have grown up and by which you have been shaped.
The Victorians detailed the world of 19th century England covering the reign of Queen Victoria. That history shaped the whole world - the western world in particular. To see connections and context for previously isolated data, names, events and places is exciting. Aha moments abound.
One must take time to savor and digest a book that, in effect, summarizes a life-time of study by the author and covers a century of human affairs. All big meals should be eaten slowly!
I know the writer of Ecclesiastes bemoans that of the making of many books there is no end. It can be very wearisome. But thank God for good and great books. The sabbatical experiences of reading and taking courses helped me decide to be more discerning. Why not read only great books?
People sometimes give me a book. Publishers at a conference will give away books. But why not be picky and choose great books. For some time I have had the practice of starting some books and never finishing them. If a book is not compelling, why finish? Move on to something better.
A great book can motivate, educate, refine, clarify and even change your life in small and possibly large ways. Savor a book. And don't overlook THE BOOK. (see my Reading Romans post).
When I got the book I carefully opened and broke it in. I smelled the ink and paper. I read the front and back covers. Then the Preface. I looked at the illustrations as a precursor to people I would meet and places I would go.
A book can take you anywhere. It can open up entire worlds. It can change your perspective and your understanding. It can clarify things you wondered about or about which you had only heard a mention. In a book you can find out about yourself. Through the lives of people or the description of characters you may see yourself - for good or ill. In a book of history, you discover more about the world context in which you have grown up and by which you have been shaped.
The Victorians detailed the world of 19th century England covering the reign of Queen Victoria. That history shaped the whole world - the western world in particular. To see connections and context for previously isolated data, names, events and places is exciting. Aha moments abound.
One must take time to savor and digest a book that, in effect, summarizes a life-time of study by the author and covers a century of human affairs. All big meals should be eaten slowly!
I know the writer of Ecclesiastes bemoans that of the making of many books there is no end. It can be very wearisome. But thank God for good and great books. The sabbatical experiences of reading and taking courses helped me decide to be more discerning. Why not read only great books?
People sometimes give me a book. Publishers at a conference will give away books. But why not be picky and choose great books. For some time I have had the practice of starting some books and never finishing them. If a book is not compelling, why finish? Move on to something better.
A great book can motivate, educate, refine, clarify and even change your life in small and possibly large ways. Savor a book. And don't overlook THE BOOK. (see my Reading Romans post).
