Reading from People You Don't Agree With

There are two types of people when it comes to reading: those who are picky and those who are not. I tend to fall more towards those who are picky. Lets face it, there are too many books out there that should just be put some shelf labeled, "Do not read."

For over ten years now, I have read more than I ever had in my walk with Jesus. I have read books from Reformed Theologians and even non-Reformed. Some of those books have become posts on the blog and others just become quotes on social media or a large portion is feature here as well. When it comes to reading, should we be picky or do we reading from people we do not agree with.

That is a tough question to yes and/or no too especially when you go to a Christian bookstore or make a purchase on Amazon. I do read from Reformed theologians that I do not see eye-to-eye with. Take R.C. Sproul for example. I love his teaching and the books he has written, but I do not agree with him on the issue of baptism since he was a paedo Baptist. John MacArthur is a dispensationalist. John Piper along with several others are continualists, meaning the Apostolic gifts are still around. All of these men have disagreements on secondary issues, but they are solid on the gospel and other theological issues.

What about other authors that are known for preaching another gospel or heresy? I have read books from people like that for the purpose of review or seeing what they are saying to warn others to stay away. Remember Love Wins? That book was the talk of the Christian community and it was a train wreck. Rob Bell just kept going in circles till he jabbed you with whatever he was trying to say. I did not write a review for that book, but I can tell you to stay from that one. There have been others I have reviewed that were caught me eye because of what they were about that I can clearly say, you must avoid such as The Circle Maker, which left me more confused than anything.

So as you are picking up your next book, doesn't matter who the author is, have a discerning mind as you are reading. Keep the Bible close to you. Mark in your books, ask questions. If the author is on a podcast, listen to what he/she has to say about the book. Authors of Christian books are not inspired like the authors of the Bible, which has one primary author, God Himself. They could be wrong and so can you. Be willing to learn, but do not take what they say as authoritative. The Bible is the final authority for the faith and practice for every believer not the author of the book you are reading. I know many of them teach the Bible in their writings, but the Bible is the superior book because God wrote it.