According to Publisher’s Weekly, May 23, 2005, more and more Americans are reading religious books. Religious books increased in sales by 11 percent in 2004, and sales in 2005 are on course to increase another 9 percent. Surprisingly, the average age of buyers of religious books is 38, and the largest age group, representing some 28 percent of buyers is the 25 to 34 age group (Christian Century, June 28, 2005).

            As one who has always loved reading, I can’t help but see this as a wonderful trend. If the people of our nation read more good books, it can’t help but make America a better nation to live in. The statistics, however, don’t tell us what kind of religious books people are reading. When I scan the bookshelves at our local religious bookstore, I’m afraid I see an awful lot of fluff. Reading more is in itself good, but if it is junk like the “Left Behind” series, it will profit little. I have always believed that we must read any books like we eat fish—enjoy the meat but remove the bones. Beware of the most popular books and authors—there are many bones to be removed.

            The point of any religious books we read should be to point us back to and enlighten us about the Bible. I love the attitude of the psalmist:

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:97-105).

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by Bob Prichard

www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com