The phrase “books on theology” scares some people. Okay, a few years ago it scared me!
I thought of the hundreds of books lining the shelves of my dad’s library and all the weighty volumes and non-fiction theology books he read and I knew I couldn’t read them.
They were for the spiritually elite, the pastors, and professors.
They were too above my head; I wasn’t old enough or mature enough to read them.
I thought that I actually preferred fiction much more.
And, to be perfectly honest, I thought they’d be boring.
But over the last few years, my thinking has changed radically.
Now I love books on theology, not always because they’re easy or because they satisfy my pure entertainment craving, but for reasons much more important.
So how did this change come about? Well, it wasn’t fast. It came over time, as my thinking changed, developed, and, I believe, matured.
I finally began reading books on theology because of five reasons, and it is these five reasons that cause me to believe that every Christian should read books on theology.
1. Theology books move past entertainment to education.
A book on theology’s primary purpose is not to entertain you but to teach you more about the character of God. Now, as much as I appreciate theology books, I have to offer the (very important) caveat that theology books are not the Bible. We can learn from books written by others and they can be a helpful resource for us, but what our souls need the most is very Word of God. If we read a bunch of theology books and never read our Bibles, we won’t grow and we won’t have discernment. These books should be a helpful supplement, not a replacement of Scripture in our lives.
“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer is not meant to be a feel-good read that leaves you with warm and fuzzies, but rather an intellectual primer that sharpens your mind and invites you to move past reading for pure pleasure to reading to gain knowledge.
You will not, cannot, learn the same things about God in a novel or a sitcom, no matter how good it might be.
2. Theology books move past brain candy to a meat dish.
Our brains can only take so much fluffy fiction, so much Disney Channel, so many weightless songs before they crave more than candy; they want meat.
And books on theology give that where other mediums of entertainment are lacking.
“True Spirituality” by Francis Schaeffer is not an easy read, but no one will argue that it won’t stimulate your mind to think about the concept of theology.
It’s one of those books that makes your brain hurt from reading too much, but it’s a good hurt, like when you exercise and your muscles ache because of their usage. Thus you know that it is a good book.
3. Theology books spiritually mature you.
The more you read books on theology, the more mature you will become in the faith, and the more your spiritual knowledge will increase.
Starting with books that introduce you to the gospel, like “What is the Gospel?” by Greg Gilbert, forces you to reckon with what you believe and shapes your faith as it increases. You will grow, and that is the mark of a true Christian.
4. Theology books teach you about sin.
Books that teach you more about God will necessarily teach you more about your sin.
“The Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul is all about God and His righteous character, but as you see God’s holiness manifested, you see your own painfully obvious sinfulness. You are then drawn to repentance.
5. Theology books encourage you.
Piggybacking off of the last way, though theology books can convict you and bring you grief over your sin, they can also encourage you.
Books like “Desiring God” by John Piper fill you with joy as you look at God’s glory and His character, and they encourage you in your walk with God!
I remember the joy that bubbled up in my heart as I read about the Christian’s mandate to “enjoy God by glorifying Him forever,” as Piper wrote, and I thought, “I want more of this. I want to know God.”
That is what theology books should make you say.
Both a duty and a delight, theological books should not scare us.
They should beckon us, their truths pulling us in, warming and washing us in the glow of a great, great God. That is the purpose of reading.
Editor’s Note: this article was originally published on July 25th, 2014.
This summer i decided to read some theology books I desided about half a page in, that that my “some” theology will turn into “A” because they can be hard to understand. Other then that, i have loved all three chapters that i have read thus far!
So cool. My Dad has SO many theology books, shelves and shelves. Thanks for sharing Jaquelle!
I’m glad I could encourage you, Lily!
Thanks!
Awesome article! Recently I’ve been reading more theology books as well. Thanks!
I enjoy reading theology books. Thank you for writing this article, it’s very encouraging!
Thank you so much for writing this article, Jaquelle!
I loved the end: theology books encourage you.
I’d like to point out to anyone who is interested in studying this more that “encourage” means to give courage to an end.
So the books we read about theology are meant to give us courage to knowing God. I hope that makes sense and “encourages” someone! 🙂
Teens should read the Bible and study it thoroughly before they pick up a theology text. It is better to know what God’s Word says than it is to know what man says about God’s Word.
AMEN!!
I absolutely agree, Ann! Studying the Word gives us discernment in knowing what theology book to read. It also gives us wisdom in picking the best books that aid us in our study of God. Thanks.
I highly recommend Precept by Precept studies. As you complete them, you learn how to study the Word inductively and can use those inductive study skills whether or not you are in a formal study group. Studying the Word is much more valuable than studying theology. The Word should be the basis of our theology and we can form a proper theology only when we know His Word. Once grounded in the Word, you can discern whether or not a theology book, or any other book, is grounded in truth.
Ann, I think you have some really good points. We must be grounded in the Word of God and study it for ourselves. As Protestants, that is our heritage. At the same time, you seem to be reacting to a problem that isn’t present in the article. Jaquelle isn’t denying the importance of reading the Bible and knowing the Bible first and foremost, she’s just recommending an activity that many teenagers think is beyond them.
For example, we might publish posts that encourage young people to evangelize, do their homework, volunteer at church, and read theology books — and none of that is denying the primary importance of reading the Bible for themselves. We can encourage particular activities, without meaning that those activities are more important than reading the Bible.
Does that make sense?
Yes, Brett, it makes sense. The problem intrinsic in the article is that it doesn’t caution readers to look at these extra-biblical sources through the lens of Scripture. Without that lens, it is not possible to discern which theology books are worth reading. Additionally, should someone who is not well grounded in the Word end up reading theology that doesn’t square with the Bible, the reader would not know it and could be misled in their faith. Theology books have their place, but only when they are read with a great deal of discernment.
Thanks for the explanation, Ann. I would agree that the article would be strengthened by mentioning that point.
However, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you one more question, because something still seems a little off. Please forgive me if I’m being nit-picky.
I agree with you that we must approach these extra-biblical resources through the lens of Scripture. But it seems like you are implying that when we (you, me, others) read Scripture for ourselves we are somehow achieving some more objective, more accurate interpretation of Scripture than these extra-biblical writers. And yet, presumably these scholars came to their interpretations by doing exactly what you recommend, reading the Bible for themselves!
I guess what I’m getting at is that my ability to understand and properly interpret Scripture is incomplete and prone to error as well. I am dependent on the Holy Spirit to give me discernment when reading the Bible itself, just as much as I am when reading a theology book.
This is where I think a balanced approach is necessary. God’s Word is the standard — the only source of Truth that is without error. And yet anytime fallible human beings are involved in interpreting the Bible whether through personal devotions and study or in a seminary class or theology textbook — error is just around the corner.
That is why we must balance our own interpretation and study of Scripture against the interpretation and study of other believers. God intended for us to grow as a body. Not all of us have the same gift for studying God’s Word. We need each other and we can actually avoid error by simultaneously insisting on reading the Bible for ourselves, but also not elevating our own study and understanding against all other sources.
Would you agree with all that? If so, then we’re on the same page. If not, I’d appreciate hearing your perspective. Thanks for listening!
Excellent point Brett! I can agree with that, although I think we should also try and avoid the opposite pitfall. That of assuming that because a writer is a Christian, and/or shares some of our beliefs, that they are always right, remembering that they are also human, and are wrong sometimes. I try to always weigh well (in the light of the scriptures, and Spiritual understanding) everything I read about God and how I relate to Him, and also make sure my convictions are my own.
I recently read a very good book full of edifying lectures by various speakers, and didn’t find anything I seriously disagreed with (I actually found plenty upon which to reflect) until I reached one where a particular speaker described a very different worldview from mine. I decided to finish the lecture, and tried to be as objective as possible while I compared it to the Bible and my former knowledge of God. I finished by concluding that his argument, in my opinion, was seriously lacking in foundation, (it made far too many assumptions, and questioned the truth of God’s Word) but it had offered excellent food for thought.
So I agree with Ann and yourself that a bit about showing discernment would have elevated the article, but I enjoyed it as is.
When comes to theology however, I’m not sure I actually learn more about God. I learn more from my relationship with Him: speaking to Him, studying His word, and experiencing His love first hand than by reading theology. From theology I think I really learn more about myself, what I believe, and what kind of person I am.
In turn, that makes me want to be more like Jesus, because He is goodness, and strength, and I am weak and sinful.
I get what you mean about not all of us having the same gift of studying the scriptures. I have only to read “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis to be reminded of my own failings in that area. He explains in detail and depth of understanding, things that I had felt but had been unable to describe for myself.
Lewis reminds me of Paul in the Bible. When he became a believer he didn’t believe half-way, but threw himself into Christianity with unflinching zeal.
There are many doubting Thomases in the world, but zealous Pauls are few and far between.
Yes, I agree with all of that, we are definitely on the same page here, Brett! Reading what other mature Christians have written is a valuable asset to our walk with Christ and can function as a “check” for us as well. I often read respected authors myself after I have thoroughly studied a Scripture passage. It is often helpful to me to consult more than one extra-Biblcal resource, especially when considering a confusing passage or when I read a resource where the author puts forth something different than what I had initially thought. Rest assured, I don’t elevate my study above that of another and I also don’t think that there is any special knowledge that is granted to some believers and not to others. Prayerfully we are all relying on the Holy Spirit to teach us, and when that happens there is agreement as to the interpretation and application of Scripture. Does that make sense to you?
Absolutely makes sense! Thanks for your challenge to the young people on here. May the Lord grant all of us a hunger for His Word, insight into His Truth, and discernment in the teaching we choose to read and listen to. =)
That’s what I was thinking! Thank you:) Know what you believe, and why you believe it. Also, better to know God for yourself than to know what someone else thinks of Him.
Wow, that was super encouraging! I really appreciated the reminder of how important it is to seek wisdom from other believers. I was reminded that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide of our study of GOD, but if we were designed to be in community with one another, we must have discussions like these and seek good theology books to also learn about Him. If we think we can single-handedly study the Bible and get everything right, we deceive ourselves. (1 John 1:8)
Im 18, and though i was raised Christian, I only became strong a few years ago. I have loved reading from Franics Chan, Ravi Zacherias, and N. T. Wright. Dont think you HAVE to have an intricate knowledge of the Bible, because what I do is I use a book as a bible study. I find something I dont understand, i look it up. As you read the Bible AND the book together, you get to see them work together to sand blast you with marvelous truths of our Father. 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Robert. You’re right, you don’t have to know everything about the Bible before picking up a theology book, as long as you’re picking up the right books. Right theology books can mature us in our Christian walk and fill us with joy as we contemplate the truths of our God. Blessings to you!
Again, how will you know if you are picking up “the right books” if you don’t know the Bible?
If you don’t have an inmate knowledge of the Bible, how will you know that any of the authors you are reading have a proper understanding of Scripture? A book is not a Bible study.
I guess the number one reason I would ready a theology book isn’t cool enough, hip enough, or interesting enough to put on this list. Or maybe it’s just too obvious, but if it’s so obvious why isn’t it here? the author didn’t even think of the main reason to read about God. If I read a theology book, it’s to learn about Jesus.
I suppose the reason Jesus is absent from this list is that he is equally absent from those books. Unless one of these books happens to be speaking of our personal benefits, but their point is never Christ. Open your eyes! If this movement (Do Hard Things) is some kind of christian revolution, let’s start with Jesus, not make him an afterthought in the comments section.
With that said, here is my breakdown of the article.
1. The character of God was incarnated in flesh, and his name was Jesus. To learn about Jesus’ character, one of the best places to start is Matthew 5. Jesus hungered thirsted for righteousness. Later, when he spoke to the woman at the well, his thirst was quenched. He told hid disciples that he was eating food they did not know about.
2. Francis Shchaeffer’s books do make my brain hurt, they are Christ-less.
3. I have not read that book, but I hope he says the Good News (the Gospel) is Jesus.
4. Seeing our sin will do no good unless we can look towards Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Look to him and to his word.
5. A good book about Jesus would be encouraging and joyful to me. I always desire to learn more about God. I find the very best and most reliable source for this is the Bible.
I so not even see Jesus’ name mentioned at all in this article about “theology” or in any of the comments. I find this disturbing. The entire climax of history was the incarnation of God. That was why god created the world, so that he could reveal himself in flesh. And yet as we talk about God we miss the whole point. I say to you, friends: every time we talk about God we should figure out how what he said or did was for the climax of all existence. That is, how do God’s words and actions point to Christ.
Please note that I am not condemning theology books. What I am doing is challenging fellow Christians to contemplate Christ.
Hi John Mark. I’m not sure why this article upset you. You’ve seemed to misunderstand my point. I do not use the word “God” to exclude Jesus. When I’ve spoken of God, I’m speaking of the Triune God, the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You said that you read a theology book to know more about Jesus. I do too! But I also read theology books to learn more about God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Of course, as I mentioned to Burl, the Bible is the primary and most important way to learn about God.
And it seems that you haven’t looked into all the books I’ve recommended. If you had, you’d have found that they are saturated with God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The essence of theology is the Trinity. All of these books and these authors seek to aid us in our study of the Triune God and make us more like Him. That culminates in being more like the Father, the Spirit, and (definitely) more like Jesus.
So again, I’m sorry that you’ve misunderstood me about this. However, I did find your condescending breakdown of my article unhelpful and unnecessary. If you had wanted to engage me in debate or simply state your concerns, there would have been a more respectful way to do it.
I hope I’ve cleared up your concerns and that you’ll at least take a look into some of the resources I’ve recommended. Thanks, John Mark.
the way I explain the need for “Christ-centered” preaching is by analogy. If I talk about a friend named “Keith”, as I go into more detail, I will by necessity also talk about his parents, friends, activities, etc. So being Jesus-centered requires by extension being Trinitarian. This is the main reason for reading theology, a point you alluded to in your reply to John Mark.
First of all, if I came across as rude, or if I come across as rude in this comment, I do apologize for that. I have no intention of attacking you or being condescending. Also as I mentioned before theology books can be helpful and insightful.
With that said, I still stand behind the meaning of my comment. The entire Bible is Christ-centered. God is the Trinity. and the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are all fully God. None of them are less than another.
My problem with authors like Francis Shchaeffer is that take a man-centered view of the Bible. They talk about God, but purely because of the benefits that man receives.
I would like to restate that the entire Bible points to Jesus. (see John 5:39) The very world was created to for the purpose of God incarnating. This means Jesus should be at the forefront of our conversations about God, not just man’s benefits.
My final point is to clarify what my main problem was with your article. Every one of your five points was man-centered, not God centered. None of them were “Theology books teaches us about God.”
Yes, God is the Trinity, and yes God came up in the article, but he was not the point of the article. That is the issue. Remember, as you stated, that we are to “enjoy God by glorifying him forever.” Not by glorifying ourselves.
I am writing to you in love as a brother in Christ. Please keep that in mind. I want to spark holy thoughts that are pointed heavenward. My intent is not to be argumentative.
I would also like to say that I agree with you that my original comment did sound rude and condescending. That is not the way I intended for it to sound, and I would again like to apologize.
Hey John Mark. First, I want to thank you for your apology. It did encourage me, and I appreciate you rewriting the original comment.
In regards to your problem, I’m still unsure as to why you’re seeing a man-focus in this article. You said that none of my points were “Theology books teach us about God.” Yet underneath my first point, I wrote:
“A book on theology’s primary purpose is not to entertain you but to teach you more about the character of God.”
Books on theology (i.e., books on God) are meant to draw our eyes to the glory of God and to help us grow in our Christian walk. My goal in reading theology books is not to glorify myself but to glorify God.
In regard to Jesus’ place in the Bible and the equality of the Trinity, we agree. Though I disagree with your judgement on Francis Schaeffer, I agree that we need to have a God-focus in everything – especially in choosing what books to read. That’s why I wrote this article, that teens might be encouraged to read books that teach them more about God, mature them in the faith, and make them more like Christ.
Thank you again for your apology and your comment, John Mark.
I have stated my point already, so I will not state it again for now. I still stand by the point though.
The reason I brought it up was because so often in the Christian culture it seems like there is a lack of the God that the Bible tells us about. To quote someone I know, People “create a god in their own image.” Meaning that God becomes a convenience, and we do not truly worship him as he is.
So my comment was directed at your article, but not at your article alone, it is directed to Christians.
I will gladly continue this discussion if there is still something to be said, but for now that is all I have to say.
I am truly sorry for any hurt I might have caused. I know that if I were speaking to you in person I would have found a more polite way to say it.
A terrible and destructive recommendation for a teenager or anybody. Theology books are written by human authors. Often they are confusing, overly complicated, and contradictory. The majority of today’s teenagers spend minimal time reading. Every minute spent reading a theology book takes away precious time that could be spent reading God’s word. Theology books and other “christian books” that proliferate today are impediments to the reading and studying of the word of God. Question: How many of you reading this spend more time reading “christian books” than you do the Bible?? I have acquired several hundred christian books, bible commentaries, and “theology books” over the past 35 years. I no longer consult any of them. I found that are not trustworthy, are often contradictory, do not satisfy and there is no assurance that they are approved by God. We know the Bible is approved by God:
“… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalms 119:99)
” Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2)
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Timothy could understand God’s word as a child. Children in our “enlightened age” can surely do the same:
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
Hi Burl. Though I disagree with you, you do make some good points. Theology books are not inspired by God (like the Bible) and many can be unhelpful or even hindering to the Christian walk. So you’re right in that. But that is why it’s so important to pick up accurate theology books, of which there are many.
Accurate theology books aid us in our study of the Word of God. Of course, the Bible contains the very words of God and is the most important book on the planet – you’re very right! But it doesn’t make sense to say that because you read the Bible you can’t read anything else. Theology books are forms of teaching. We accept teaching in the forms of sermons, blogs, and lectures, and I believe books are excellent teachers that help us love God and His Word more – if you’re choosing rich, gospel-centred, biblically-based resources.
The Word of God is the first priority. But theology books can aid us as we seek to know God more through His Word. That was all I was saying in this article. Thanks.
I think Bert has brought out some great points. How will you know if you are choosing “rich, gospel-centered, bibically-based resources” if the study of Scripture is lacking? You can learn everything you need to know about God through a thorough study of Scripture. You don’t need to add anything else. Prioritize your time – spend it in God’s Word. Without good grounding in His Word, people can be easily led astray by sermons, blogs, lectures and books that aren’t Biblical. All of these other resources are secondary resources – the Bible is primary.
Yes I agree. By reading theology, we learn more about God, His character, His Love and faithfulness.
I also believe it is vital in our culture for young Christians to learn apologetics. The more we know how to defend our faith, the more likely we will become solid Bible believing Christians who have a firm foundation in our faith. It will also help us confront a falling world.
Great article Jaquelle! All true!
God Bless,
Liam Siegler
Thank you for your encouragement, Liam. And yes, studying apologetics is an excellent way for Christian teens to grow stronger in their faith – very true. Blessings to you!
ok wow definitly some stuff i have never thought of before, great points! I guess from an onlookers standpoint, my older brother took an intense theolgy class and really starting to read books like that. I have seen an incredible change in him and its really cool. but i guess on the other hand i tried to read some of his books and really i didnt get most of it. so is there a way to delovp and intrest in books that i dont really find enjoable?
Hey Jess. One thing that I wanted to emphasize more in my article is that reading theology books is not easy. I understand exactly where you’re coming from. And for most people who are just trying to develop the habit of reading theology, it’s also not enjoyable.
My thoughts would simply be to first, try to pick up books that are not super long and might spark at least a bit of interest in you. Is there an aspect of God’s character (e.g., holiness, love, justice) or a facet of the gospel (e.g., sin, redemption, creation) that you would like to explore more? I would encourage you to talk to your pastor, parents, or mentors about what books they would recommend to you.
I would also recommend reading books with others. I read all of my first theology books with my dad. He was there to encourage me and to explain things to me. And finally, as people have said, read theology books along with the Bible, keeping them secondary behind the Word of God.
Thank you for your question, Jess. I really appreciate it. Blessings to you!
As I mentioned when talking to Kyle Shepard in his comment a bit farther up in the comments section, some shorter books are actually pretty good! A.W. Tozer’s “Knowledge of the Holy” is a short book that my 12th grade Bible teacher had my whole class read and do weekly journal entries on what we read. Also don’t feel like you have to read big chunks of theology books. Sometimes they say something that hits you in such an earth-shattering way even if the concept is one we hear about often in church or elsewhere. I’m a Bible major at Bible college right now and am dating a man who is training to be a pastor and I find myself putting a book down just to find some verses that come to mind or reflect on only 1 paragraph from a certain book!!! 🙂 When we are studying God, He only asks that we seek to know Him better and grow closer to Him. Once you get used to smaller sections it’ll get easier and even enjoyable at times to do larger sections. Step by step, Jess and you may be surprised! 🙂 Will be praying for you as you delve into some of these incredible studies of our truly amazing God! 🙂 (Micah 6:8)
P.S. few other good ones that are shorter to start with are “Words of Cheer” (Spurgeon); “Risk Is Right” (Piper).
Hey Jess,
I think a great way to start is to find a subject or speaker you find most interesting and understandable, and begin small. “Mere Christianity” is a great way to start, or even “The Screwtape Letters.” The latter is actually a work of fiction that is available both as a book or Radio Theatre audio, that attempts to give an idea of how devils prey on our weaknesses to try and lead us astray. It offers food for thought, and is a little entertaining at the same time. (Good if you’re trying to develop a taste for theology) “Mere Christianity” is more serious, and helped me understand a lot of things I didn’t before.
There are other places to start, and good books to read. I worked my way up from books written expressly for teens like the “Do Hard Things” books, to the more difficult literature like “What He Must Be,” (still working on that) “Socrates in the City,” (I don’t agree with all of the views expressed but it’s a good read) “Real Christianity,” by William Wilberforce, etc. You might enjoy “Growing up Duggar” by the older Duggar girls. I haven’t finished it yet, but it has a lot of helpful advice, and insight. I don’t have “Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed by a Radical Love” by Hannah Farver yet, but Brett Harris both endorses it, and wrote the foreword for it, so it sounds like a winner.
You could also begin by listening. I enjoy listening to recordings of Voddie Baucham, and Michael Pearl speaking on various topics.
I hope this helps!
Amen Jaquelle!
Theological books are an excellent read! I enjoy the intellectual stimulation that deep books provide! I need to invest more time reading them! You have encouraged me greatly!
Signed,
James W. Ware
Definitely agree. Teens should read theology books. I’m 21, so I guess I’m not a teen anymore, but hey, I still count, right? 😉
– Greg Bahnsen
– RJ Rushdoony
– Louis Berkhof
– Gary North
– The Puritans
– Joe Morecraft
– Bojidar Marinov
Some of those guys wrote some good, fat books. Others wrote shorter books. But these men of God will keep you busy for a super long time studying the Word of God and how it applies to all aspects of life—systematic theology, education, law, apologetics, personal holiness, our country, worldview, and much, much more.
Hey it’s totally okay! Haha! I’m 21, too!!! LOL Personally I like how Tozer’s books are so seemingly “thin” or shorter looking but it’s only because he packs so much into it that sometimes you have to stop and reflect and absorb after only reading a few pages rather than a whole chapter! 🙂 Keep on keeping on! 🙂
Yes, Jaquelle,
Do Hard Things was one of the first nonfiction books I had read for a long time. It was inspiring.
Then, I went through a book called “Holy Discontent” by Bill Hybels and that was VERY encouraging and motivational.
Now I’m going through “The Jesus Habits” by Pastor Jay Dennis and love it so far.
If I had never gotten over the “it’s over my head” attitude then I wouldn’t be growing as much in my spiritual walk with God.
I like what the strong dude in “Guardians of the Galaxy” said:
“Nothing goes over my head! My reflexes are too fast!”
Nothing goes over God’s head, and if we pray for understanding, then he will help us out.
God bless,
– Trent
I just linked to this post, and found it most refreshing. I was reading the comments, and I do agree that the Bible is the most important book to study, but this post isn’t condemning study of the Bible; it is merely encouraging the reading of other resources. As teenagers, we often shy away from those hard books because we think they are too hard for people our age. But they aren’t. In fact, it’s important to critically examine books about Christianity to better tune our world view. Thanks for this post, Jaquelle!
Yes well said. I agree!
-Claire
So glad someone wrote an article about this! The teenage years are a time when the rubber meets the road and one realizes all too quickly just how broken this world really is & it’s so easy to become disillusioned by the wrongs we see around us. As a teen, the blinders of childhood slowly fade away and we see that those we have always looked up to are just as in need of God’s grace each day as we ourselves are. Keeping focused on God means learning as much about Him as we can in our younger years so our foundations are strong. Our parents and mentors have been tasked with that since the day we were born. But the teenage years are when we need to take more responsibility in building that foundation. The world changes; the flawed people in it will change, too. But what a comfort it can be in those stormy years to remember and always look to the only One Who “changes not” and doesn’t fail us the ways we and those around us so often do.