Monday.....Miscellaneous.....Here, Read This Book!

I don't personally know anyone who has given as many books to people to read as I have. I've highlighted a number of books on this blog, but there is a caveat attached to giving books. There is no idea, no person connected with it, no conspiracy theory or ideology that is not represented somewhere in a book. One could go into Half Priced Books and find an assortment of great literature or paper and ink rubbish. For quite some time, I have considered both the value of books and the problem of books when giving them away or recommending them. It is the height of an immature intellect to read a book, immediately accept it, and then recommend it to others as your argument. It is problematic in that many are unequivocally wrong. There is no, nor can there be, a regulatory process on publishing books. We have freedom of speech and of the press and this entails the right to speak and publish untruths. I've come to know publishers who are trustworthy. On politics, Regnery Publishers is consistent in its message. In Christian books, Banner of Truth, will faithfully present one message. There are authors that I am very confident in, but I have bookshelves full of books that I would not give to someone without telling them first where the author is coming from and that there is speculation involved. There are other books that need no prior warning. Three books I have mentioned in this blog are such, Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny, Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism and Senator Jim DeMint's Saving Freedom. But even with these books, my recommendation is always to read on, do the research and take time to formulate an opinion that will pass the test of time. Anyone, of any persuasion, can find and read books that will give them what they want. This is childish. Truth is not sought here. And it is equally childish to try and convince people simply by giving them one book for you have not truly convinced anyone, rather you have generated another weak follower of an idea. One can read a book, become enraptured with its message but when challenged by someone that is far more well versed on the topic become discouraged and give up the quest altogether. These problems particularly happen to new Christians. They can read one book on a certain doctrine and then become evangelists for it. When eventually proven wrong, they get discouraged and give up on finding any specific doctrinal truth in Scripture. I read literature that opposes my beliefs all the time. I have read numerous anti-God books of late and found them containing a very poor argument. I have read honestly written political books that have made me sit back and reconsider, and I enjoy this type of writing for finding truth is the goal. So, if there is a book mentioned on this blog, I have confidence in it that it contains information that is necessary to know to make a final decision, but it will take more than one book or one conversation, and the follow up work is for you, and every one of us, to do.