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On Reading/Reviewing Secular Books

Jan 29

Written by: wyman
1/29/2010 3:08 PM

Maybe it's best if I just present my answer in the form of bullet points:

I think it is a question of balance. Falling into culture with no discernment and safeguards is dangerous. We should think on things that are above. On the other hand, retreating into the Christian ghetto is dangerous as well.
I think we need a more holistic view of Christian culture. At present, we have a stunted understanding, in my opinion.
I do not think that all aspects of non-Christian culture are inherently wicked. Think of great art from non-Christian painters, great literature from non-Christian writers, great music from non-Christian musicians, and great films from non-Christian directors and actors.
I daresay that non-Christians can often shine the limited light they do have in ways that are powerful, poignant, and constructive. I see it as the light of "general revelation" shining through cultural forms.
In Acts 17:28, Paul quotes, in his sermon to the Athenians, some words from pagan Greek poetry. That reveals (a) familiarity with literature and (b) likely appreciation for aspects of it as well.
I do not believe that taking pleasure in art that is not explicitly Christian is wrong. "All truth is God's truth," as they all saying goes.
I sometimes think we are quick to call somebody a "non-Christian" because they do not explicitly present Christian verities in a propositional format. I'll grant that Cormac McCarthy's Child of God is not a book we should linger over (thus, my review to that effect), but McCarthy's The Road is, in my opinion, a profound Christian statement.
I think we should celebrate Christian truths told in popular works.

Just a few thoughts. There is, again, a danger in reading secular works, but there is a joy in it as well...a joy we need not be ashamed of as Christians.

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3 comment(s) so far...

Re: On Reading/Reviewing Secular Books

Excellent point, Wyman. I totally agree. Thanks for this post! David

By David Richardson on 1/29/2010 4:02 PM

Re: On Reading/Reviewing Secular Books

W,

From John De Gruchy's 'Christianity, Art, And Transformation,' p.167:

'The recovery of "aesthetic existence" and the recovery of the "discipline of the secret" (confidence in the orthodox Christian faith that neither feared nor rudely assaulted the secular world), then, were both essential to a genuine Christian "worldliness" as (Dietrich) Bonhoeffer began to articulate in prison. If the "discipline of the secret" anchored Christian involvement in the world within the tradition of Christian faith, then "aesthetic existence" enabled Christians to be at home in God's world without feeling guilty about enjoying art, friendship and play . . . Theologically speaking, this was interpreting the incarnation in a "worldly" sense, so that repentance, faith, justification, rebirth and sanctification related to living fully in the world in a way that affirmed biblical earthiness.'

Read and review on brother. Believers firmly planted in the heart of Christ through faith can - and should - appropriately investigate what the world has to offer. As you have shown, sometimes we discover something worthwhile. McCarthy's 'Child of God' being an exception, apparently.

Yours, L

By Lee Herring on 1/29/2010 8:36 PM

Re: On Reading/Reviewing Secular Books

Thanks Lee and David. I don't know about you guys, but I often think that the most profound Christian truths I see in the arts are in those expressions that are not trying to be Christian. It reminds me of C.S. Lewis' answer to the question, "Do we need more Christian writers?" He said, "I would say we need more writers who are Christian."

By Wyman Richardson on 1/29/2010 9:48 PM

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