Transformation Project 2 - Exploring The World of Books

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." ~Mark Twain

I have been an avid reader for most of my adult life.  In my early twenties I read a lot of books on business, economics, management principles, and had a steady stream of news periodicals coming to the house.  A couple of the boxes that we continue to move with us from place to place are packed full of dozens and dozens of issues of Time and Newsweek from the 1990's.

In the late 90's and early 00's - the ascending years toward a life of ministry - I devoured books about  spiritual formation, theology, church leadership, pastoring, and church growth.  While pastoring,  I had a steady stream of books crossing my desk, adorning my study, and accompanying me to bed, all written to help me become a better pastor.

After leaving the pastorate, I began reading spiritual books of a different sort.  These were books about church history and the contemplatives & mystics of antiquity.  These blended with books about current cultural issues and the accelerating collapse of the evangelical empire here in America.

Recently my reading has shifted somewhat.  For the past six months or so I've been reading books about the history of America, the virtues and values of the founding father's, the decline of the American empire resulting from our abandonment of those virtues and values, the rise of socialism, and the devastation that always accompanies such an emergence.

Books have been faithful companions through the changing seasons of my life.  They have accompanied me on journeys that other people would not take with me.  Without the company of books over the years, I would have a much smaller view of the world and an anemic understanding of life.

All of this brings me to our next Transformation Project.

TRANSFORMATION PROJECT 2 - EXPLORING THE WORLD OF BOOKS

If you are not a reader, take a few moments to think about some of the things that are of the greatest interest to you in your current season of life.  Do a keyword search on Amazon.com.  Choose a book, order it, and read it.  As you do, share with us through comments what you're reading, what you're learning, and the impact it is having upon you.

If you are a reader, think about a genre or topic in which you've never spent time reading before.  Do the same as above.  Broaden your horizons, deepen your intellectual wellness, and share with us the things you're learning.

Comments

[Benny Greenberg]

That is a really interesting concept. Reading is a definite way to increase your level of knowledge. And then with that knowledge you look for organization of it – creating power and success from your ORGANIZED knowledge.

Something I read: This reminds me of a story related to those of us who spend some of our free time reading in an area of personal interest. It has been stated that if you read in an area of your interest for thirty minutes a day, within three years you will be known in your community. Add another two years to make five years all the while reading thirty minutes per day in the same area of interest, and you will be know nationally. Finally, add just two more years to total seven, and by reading just thirty minutes a day in this same area, you will be known internationally in this specialized field.

Why is this so? First of all, 98% of individuals do not have the self-discipline to read just thirty minutes a day and even more so, 98% of the people cannot stick with or determine a definite area of interest that they want to hitch their star to for peak performance.

[Hjörtur]

Reading is vital for the continuation of learning. I used to read a lot but in the last years I have found it hard to find the time. Books have therefore been replaced mostly by blogs when well chosen give me just as much as the books used to.

[Diane Scott]

Reading, could not even envision a life without books! While surfing is fine, nothing ever takes the place of holding a book in your hands, sitting back, relaxing and enjoying.

Our son also has a love of reading and his comprehension level shoots passed a majority of kids in school. It's unfortunate that reading isn't something every parent (and individual) pursues with a passion!

[sogeshirts]

Reading is so important. Too many people don't take the time to appreciate books for all the learning and culture they can get.

[Singletude]

As a writer, I'm dismayed by how little respect books and authors receive these days. Most people would prefer to let their brain waves flatline in front of an action flick with heavy-duty special effects than recreate those special effects in the mind's eye while reading. I guess reading is just too much "work" for some.

For someone like me, who hasn't had the means to travel widely, reading has been my primary point of access to the world. People ask me how I know so much about places and events outside of my daily sphere, and I answer, "Simple. I read about it." Sadly, it's a foreign concept to many.