Why do we have the Bible? Was it put together just for us to disregard? And why are we so hesitant to put in the effort to understand and breathe scripture? Like everything else we want the easy way out, so we will turn to “self-help” books and other inspirational books. Now only speaking on my own experience, let me continue.
I was looking around on Facebook the other day and I saw a link to a Relevant Magazine article called “Is Believing Enough?” It’s from a book called The Christian Atheist, my first thought that hit me (hard) was I want that book! Almost to the point where I was thinking I need this book. Throughout the day I was thinking about other books I recently read like Crazy Love by Francis Chan which hit me like a ton of bricks. I even gave a copy to a friend. Bear with me here I’m not trying to knock Christian authors but why do we always push the latest books and talk about the current read but hardly ever about the Bible? This could just be an isolated case involving only myself.
I was so eager to purchase and read The Christian Atheist. I felt that by purchasing this book it would speak to me and help fix the problems I have and also bring me closer to Christ. Ok, actually typing that out I feel like an idiot sharing that with you all. By the way I had a Bible sitting right next to me, that’s right, a Bible. I was looking for a solution to my problems and a bridge to Christ and instead of turning to the Word of God; I desired the word of another human.
Someone once asked me about a book I was reading the said “why would you dig through the garbage for scraps when a grand meal was already prepared for you in the Bible?” It’s a legit question.
And by all means I’m not trying to knock any book or anyone, just posing a thought. Just along with the fact why does it seem like less and less people just sit down and read the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit? Instead we buy bible study books/guides and videos? Once again I’m not trying to knock anything just asking what good is it if we have the Bible but do not feed from it? What good is the Holy Spirit if we don’t turn towards it for help? I could be way off with this but there it is. What do you think?
By the way on pay day I’m buying The Christian Atheist.
Consider This: if we started treating the Holy Spirit as a person living not only with us, but in us, it might change our focus. Still, I’m right there with you. I’ve got the books you mention, plus both of Anne Jackson’s epics, Pete Wilson’s Plan B, and a stack of others. Part of what happens for me is that it provides a different perspective on God and the Scripture. I see things from the author’s perspective, rather than my own, and much gets revealed to me. That’s also why I read Christian blogs. 😀