My Book Guidlines

I am an avid reader. As in, I-read-an-average-of-100-books-a-year avid. And, I-have-miscellaneous-books-stacked-on-every-surface-in-my-room avid.

Because of this habit I frequently get asked how, as a Christian, I choose books worth reading.

My methods have evolved over the years but his past summer was the first time I actually wrote down some guidelines. They were primarily inspired by a book called Set-Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy (a book I would recommend for any single Christian young woman over the age of 16).

When I skim the back cover or inside flap of a book at the library I ask myself the beginning questions. If I think the novel passes inspection I will take it home but as I read it I keep these questions in mind. When I am done reading the book I ask myself the questions at the end of this list.

Before/during a book:

• Will this book glorify darkness, perversion, mock God or make sin seem noble even in subtle ways?
• Will this book influence me toward materialism, idolatry, or pop-culture preoccupation?
• (When considering a novel with a lot of romance--something I avoid in general) Am I allowing this novel to define my perspective on relationships or make me discontent with singleness?
• Before sitting down to read this book, would I feel comfortable asking God to bless my time?

After I have read a book:

• Do I lean upon books to bring the rest, refreshment, and enjoyment that Christ wants to give me?
• Am I addicted to books?
  
• Do I allow Christian books to take the place of really digging into God's Word myself?
• Am I willing to use the time I would normally spend reading novels to further my prayer life and deepen my relationship with Christ?

The hard part for me comes when I am halfway through a book, drawn into the story and it suddenly goes south. Then what do I do? In good conscience I can't keep reading but I very much want to know "whodunnit"! Sometimes I do allow myself to finish the book as long as I keep my eyes open to the fact that something is wrong with it. More often I return it to the library and then look up the story line on Wikipedia/Goodreads/etc. It's not as enjoyable to look up a summary of course but my conscience then is clear.

Each person has to decided their own boundaries and guidelines but if you are a Christian then I believe your reading material choices should be governed by Philippians 4:8-- "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

How do you choose what books you read and don't read?

Have you ever put a book down?