I periodically like to read books that are from Christian authors, even though I consider myself an agnostic. I enjoy being challenged, and at least seeing an alternative perspective. There are even those rare occasions where I find I'm not as smart as I think I am ;).
What is your view on "challenging" your views? Interesting? A waste of time? A tool of Satan?
2007-12-01 13:57:11 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I do read books by non-Christian authors, though perhaps not as much as I should.
A few years ago, I got on an Ayn Rand kick and read nearly everything she wrote (fiction and non-fiction). Certainly not a waste of time...it was an interesting intellectual puzzle for me to figure out how I could agree with her perspective on almost every premise but reach a totally different conclusion about the existence of God. When I finally did figure it out, the lessons I learned from reading her books strengthened my faith.
Have you by any chance read unChristian by David Kinnaman? As a Christian, I found it fascinating and I've been wondering what someone who isn't a believer would think about it.
2007-12-01 14:30:13 · answer #1 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Catholic, and I enjoy being challenged, too. THAT'S WHY I'M ON HERE!!! LOL. But I don't read the books like "Da Vinci Code," etc. for two reasons: (1) I don't read books, and (2) they get a little insulting sometimes, and since a book doesn't change it's opinion, I can't convince anybody about the truth, even if I do find a valid argument. Besides, what's the use of ARGUING if you can't feel VICTORIOUS!!!! lol. God bless.
2007-12-01 14:04:32 · answer #2 · answered by Catholic717 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy challenging myself as well, I like reading books on religion and spirituality, most especially when they disagree with my own ideas.
I would say that fearing the conflict of belief and keeping the same colored goggles on your head (thereby fencing your own growth) is the type of thing that "Satan" or any other "adversary" would advocate.
At the very least, it would be wise to read opinions that differ from your own or are even contrary or hostile to your current position. If what you believe is the truth, shouldn't it stand up to any scrutiny?
2007-12-01 14:06:26 · answer #3 · answered by Rolyat Y 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was brought up in a Baptist household. I've been reading books by Sylvia Browne though and it has really improved my perspective on life and really makes so much more sense than what the church was teaching. God is not a vengeful God to be scared of...God is love and we do not need to be afraid. A loving God does not expect us to become perfect in one lifetime on Earth...we are given many opportunities for this. We experience life on Earth as a means to further our souls progress and we will continue to reincarnate until we reach perfection.
2007-12-01 14:05:28 · answer #4 · answered by Dellajoy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I don't like to be narrow. I've read various book concerning religions that are not my own.
But I do limit myself to books that actually have substance (ie, not retarded and BS). I'm not likely to pick up a book titled "ten reasons y wiccanism is teh satan tool by a reel former wicannite".
2007-12-01 14:04:19 · answer #5 · answered by xx. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a voracious reader and will read almost everything. The one thing I've learned about books is that all works of fiction have some facts and all works of fact have some fiction. It's sorting it out that takes some thinking.
2007-12-01 14:02:28 · answer #6 · answered by punch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there are several authors that have written books for the sole purpose of deceiving people concerning God.
Hitchens and Hawking are a couple of anti God authors that I have read.
2007-12-01 14:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by L.C. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've only read about 20 books in my entire life, counting the Bible as one, and since I'm not into reading much I probably wouldn't read something contradictory to my faith unless it really captivated me somehow.
2007-12-01 14:03:12 · answer #8 · answered by Holy Holly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I often read books that challenge my views .I am a Catholic Christian
2007-12-01 14:02:40 · answer #9 · answered by James O 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the girl In Black by Susan Hill. it rather is a ghost tale so i don't understand in case you may opt for to study it even though it rather is excellently written. an exceedingly annoying e book that I additionally chanced on truly frightening yet that's thoroughly non-supernatural is 'Complicity' by Iain Banks.
2016-10-10 01:04:49 · answer #10 · answered by mohr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋