Comments on: Read Books, Not Blogs

By: devchushka

devchushka — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:32:38 +0000

Да уж. Как говорится в устоявшемся выражении:
Благодаря нам из космоса по утрам Россия пахнет перегаром.

By: linuxgid

linuxgid — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:55:23 +0000

I’ve learned how to be a better person for sure. The desire to grow community is a strong motivator to staying ethical and honest at every turn.

By: David McKay

David McKay — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:15:26 +0000

So … should I stop reading this one?

By: Deron Arnold

Deron Arnold — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:09:41 +0000

I don’t know. I think a well thought out blog can function like a book if it keeps to its mission.
I think of my blog not only as a journal, but as a book. Each day is like a different section heading.
And I put as much time and thought into my posts (on a word by word basis) as many authors put into the same number of words in their books.
And there is a peer review process. The comment section. Plus, if there’s anything that I later find to be inaccurate or incorrect, I can issue a retraction.
I have tried to read those old books and let me tell you: they’re not easy reading particularly after a full day of intense work. I’m not saying to give up on them, but they do require their own special time. At least for me.

By: Stephen Altrogge

Stephen Altrogge — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:58:42 +0000

Bill – I agree 100%. The Bible should be #1 above all else…

By: Bill_R

Bill_R — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:36:55 +0000

To tell you the truth, I like the idea of a ratio, but you left out a huge part of the ratio – not intentionally, I’m sure!

We should probably be reading the Bible more than all other media combined. Jesus, when tempted by Satan, quoted Deu 8:3 “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”. While we can learn much standing on the shoulders of giants, the Holy Spirit will guide us to all truth (John 16:13) when we read what He has authored.

I am as guilty of this as most, and I fail in the struggle to read my Bible more than all the many books that litter my shelves, even though I have some great books. We should perhaps to keep the GREATEST book preeminent in our reading.

By: Barry

Barry — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:08:06 +0000

Speaking as both a bibliophile and a blogger, I think you are right. If Solomon was writing today he might amend Ecclesiastes 12: 11-12 to include blogs. I also agree with the commenter above who recommended focusing on old books that have stood the test of time.

By: Betsy Markman

Betsy Markman — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:28:58 +0000

Some bloggers DO spend a great deal of time on our entries (which means not posting daily), and do try to write deeper, more thought-provoking material. But I agree with your general premise here…AND with many commenters’ preference for classic Christian literature. There’s no substitute for Owen, Calvin, Spurgeon, and the like. In fact, it was a blog that introduced me to Owen, for which I am grateful.

I’m thankful for all of the truly God-centered blogs I’ve found.
Even so, you make an interesting point…

By: Marshall

Marshall — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:55:55 +0000

There are just as many lousy books out there (if not more) than there are lousy blogs. Still, I’d go with books because the best books are better than the best blogs.

In general, I think both have their place.

Recently, I read a review of a book that convinced me to read the book. Looking back, the review was richer in that it gave the general points without the time commitment required for the book.

On the other hand, the review would never have been written if the book wasn’t written first.

Blogs tend to be a lot more conversational than books. For example, I can comment directly and often get a response back from the writer. That doesn’t happen (usually) with book authors, particularly if the book is over 50 years old.

[One final note: ChrisB, I'm with you regarding the material at Christian bookstores. Many times, I've found the best books buried in a bargain bin. Few read many of those older books. But it certainly is a welcome find for those of us who do. ]

By: Stephen Altrogge

Stephen Altrogge — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:09:30 +0000

ChrisB – I realize that there are a lot of horrendous books being published. However, I think that discerning readers can pick up on who is publishing good stuff and who is publishing junk.

A quick skim of the endorsements gives me a lot of insight into the quality of the book. The publishing house also gives me insight into this as well.

Does this make sense? Any further thoughts?