For a couple years now, I’ve been asking myself what can be done to encourage more reading. I tried to make the case in the Orlando Sentinel that voters must read up on current issues if we are to make desperately needed reforms in public policy. I took aim especially at conspiracy theories making the rounds at the time. In the meantime, those myths haven't faded and new ones have emerged. But trying to talk anyone out of crap they read on the internet or hear on the radio is a lost cause. In my experience, misinformation and ignorance cannot be fought. Instead, it must be replaced by reading.
I was very encouraged by an excellent post by blogger Justin Zoradi about how vital reading is to personal (and I would say, spiritual) growth. He writes,
I’ve noticed a unique trend among my friends who’ve thrived in their 20’s and 30’s. These special people have continued to seek out challenging books and ideas, allowing their beliefs and opinions to grow and evolve.He later cites research showing that readers are better able to empathize. Last week, a friend sent me an article from The Atlantic making a similar case for reading fiction in particular.
What if you don’t have time to read? Anyon who has time for facebook, blogs, or the evening news has time to read. A couple years ago, a pastor at my church in Orlando brought a stack of at least seven books of varying length on stage and told his congreagation that the average reader can finish all of them in a year if he read at average speed for only fifteen minutes every day. Fifteen minutes. I’ve gotten through a couple books myself just by using the time on the city bus.
Chances are you won’t learn any deep life lessons by starting with the Harry Potter books as Justin suggests, but I can assure you that they’re enjoyable enough to ease you into the habit. For nonfiction, I recommend Tim Keller’s The Reason for God, and True Enough, a political book that sheds light on the sources and allure of misinformation.
Are you ready to read? If not, what’s holding you back?
For now, I'm just trying to lead by example. I guess I'd better take my own advice and shut down my computer because The Book of Man, Christian Outdoor Leadership, and The Hobbit are calling my name.
