I admit it, I get depressed at the Christian Book Store. Why? Because their books are dumb. The three books above are marketed with multiple faces and all over the place!
Books by the kind of authors I think are good for Christians are no where to be found. Where is Piper? Where is Mahaney? Where is Driscoll? Where is Edith Schaeffer? Where is Francis Schaeffer? Lewis is there, but beyond the Chronicles of Narnia, not well represented. Where are the reformers? Where are the Puritans? Where are the great missionary books? Where are the great biographies? Where are books that matter? They are not there.
Look at the Bibles, so I do. What do I find? Trendy, packaged editions made to appeal to this section of society or that. Good study Bibles? Rare. Translations? Well the NIV is always well represented. Not many options in NASB nor ESV. Just a few.
Commentaries? Can I just say the selection stinks and leave it at that?
But if I want my best life now, I can find it in book form. If I want books all about how to live a successful and happy life here in America, they are a dime a dozen (just an expression --they are more like $199.99 a dozen).
Here is the problem: Publishers are concerned about marketing what they think will sell. Retailers are concerned about marketing what they think will sell. Publishing and Retailing is a give-the-people-what-they-want business. It is not concerned with what the people need, nor what God's priorities are. If it is "Christian" in label and sells, then that is what is on the shelf.
The problem is compounded by American belief that consumption validates. IN other words, if a product is popular and sells well, it is considered to be a good thing. So Christians go into the book store, see what is pushed and believe that it must be good. And so, they learn fluff, and law-based living, and even heresy from their trip to the bookstore.
Solution: Thinking Christians realizing that publishers and retailers are not Apostles nor are they their pastors. The pastors are found in the church, the apostles in the Bible. What thinking Christians consume should be based on what the apostles place importance on, and pastors should impress the Bible so often and so clearly that Christians know what the Bible teaches.
The Best place to buy Christian books? Amazon.com. They're less expensive and you don't have to get depressed.
15 comments:
When I was a little girl my father would take me to the Christian Book store. It was one of my favorite places to go.
When I go down south, I still love going into Lifeway Book Stores. They seem to have the best selection of Bibles and other Bible studies, they are also the only place you can get Beth Moore's studies, (a favorite of the ladies).
I, too, have been discouraged in the Family Book stores that we have around here. However, one Saturday afternoon, I was able to help a lady pick a Bible. I encouraged the NASB and I think that is the one she bought.
She also ask me what I thought about Joyce Meyers and said she listened to her and Joel all the time. I told her that I didn't care for either of them, that we needed to be careful of false teachers. I ask her if she went to church anywhere and she said no, she just watched TV. I encouraged her to find a good sound church and told her about Harvest.
This happened about a year ago and my prayer is that she has since turned off the TV and found a good sound church.
Thank you Pastor Mike, we all need to be reminded of these false teachers and the way they are promoted in our book stores. My prayer is that all who attend Harvest will speak up against these false teachers and ear ticklers, and help make more people aware of their lies and schemes.
Gayla
I will not disagree that there are men and women out there that hold authority and may not have sound Godly insight. However, lets choose our battles wisely and not forget what Paul says in Philippians 1:15-18, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selifsh ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is being preached. And because of this I rejoice."
I cannot judge a person's heart, or see their motives. But I do know of several testimonies of wonderful, spirit-filled people that have been ministered to by those we may label "false teachers". But the amazing thing is, the Spirit can minister through whatever and whomever He desires. I praise God that I am only accountable for my own motives!
Anonymous,
Thank you for the perfect post-modern response. You are a shining product of the culture you live in. I am too be careful what I say about these teachers because someone else had a positive spiritual experience as an individual.
IF these people preached the whole gospel and truth, then you are right. their motives matter not. But if they teach something that is false, it needs to be opposed, does it not?
I ask you, my fine friend, Do they teach falsehood or truth?
Can you answer that? If not, I suggest you don't bother commenting on whether I should or should not speak of them.
If you can answer that, then do so, and let that stand.
Postmodern hmmm... If you define yourself as a "modern" thinker, and a "postmodern" as those who question your beliefs, then yes in this case I am a postmodern. However, if you say that I am postmodern in the sense that I believe truth is relevant and I focus more on a community of grace rather than an emphasis on individualism I would have to disagree with you. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, and that all truth is God's truth. It is interesting that you assume that I am a child of the postmodern culture however. I will say I was raised with a similar traditional, conservative, reformed ideology that you seem to be portraying, but through the work of the Holy Spirit I am now a seeker of holiness.
As to your question regarding if these men and women you listed are preaching truth, I believe yes, many times they are. They each believe that Christ is the way to salvation, they believe in the Holy Trinity, and the Word of God. Do all of their theologies perfectly match my own, no they do not. Will that keep them from entering the Kingdom of Heaven, if they are saved then of course not. Christ is the only way, and the only truth and that is what they will be held accountable for.
As a current ministry graduate student I can look back at my journey and there were many occasions that Joyce Meyers spoke solid truth into my life. Her books such as, Battlefield of the Mind, had their place in a particular season for me. I will say that now as a more "seasoned" believer, I like to dive into (even though you may not believe that being a "postmodern" I can enjoy this) works of Francis De Sales, Brother Lawrence, John Wesley, D.S. Warner, C.S. Lewis, or my personal favorite, Oswald Chambers.
I will say I cannot speak for Joel Olsteen, I have not read him even though I have heard him speak. He is not my style but I would still be cautious to call him a false teacher. As well as the Bishop. There have been many times that I have heard him speak good and relevant truths to his congregation. Do I hold them to the highest esteem, no. They are human with the same tendancy towards autonomy that we all have. Do they preach, write, or walk the same spiritual journey that I am seeking, not always. But I am still not convinced that they are false teachers. I would classify false teachers as Oprah who is leading many to the false practice of New Age Religion in our country. That is where my concern lies. I would be more concerned with how many in my congregation are watching her every day on TV then who is going to the Christian bookstore and picking up the latest Christian self-help fad book. If someone hears Joyce Meyers speak about her love for Christ and sees her passion, and in turn seeks it for themselves...then Praise the Lord!!!!!!
Finally. You are starting to speak like you are paying attention to what I am saying instead of just reacting viscerally.
With that in mind, I am not addressing whether or not these people are going to heaven. I did not raise that issue.
Secondly, I am not saying that you are choosing to be post-modern. I am saying that the influence of postmodern thinking is on your words. Look at them for yourself. You are saying that the value comes because "wonderful spirit-filled" people feel blessed. Well, I'm happy they feel blessed. that is a good thing. But it has no bearing on whether these teachers are false or true. It also does not relieve me of my responsibility to point out falsehood (for I labor as one who will give an account for souls).
Next, this is not a matter of theologies "matching my own." If it were, I'd blog about whether they were Calvinistic, Arminian, Dispensational, Covenental, etc, etc.
This is about falsehood that can be seen by any.
You, a student to one day, I take it, be a pastor, must be more serious about this, I believe. You will one day have people in your church who will count on you for answers. Trust me when I say it will not do to say to them, "Well, be blessed, but ignore varying theologies."
Why not? because when they say to you, "Well, Minister Jakes does not believe in the Trinity. I don't think I do either," you will have a problem on your hands.
When they say, "Joel Olsteen believes Mormons are Christians going to heaven, I think that's a good thing," --or, if they are really catching his message, they say, "I see that if I live a good life I will get many blessings (a works based approach) so I plan on obeying this book" then you will be the one saying, "As long as you're blessed brother."
Unlike you, I did not grow up in a conservative, whatever you said, kind of home. I grew up a good old fashioned pagan. Maybe you should have been and then you wouldn't be so naive about the importance of Christian truth. I speak this plainly because you have told me that you plan on teaching one day.
Oprah? It will be easy to teach my people about Oprah. All I have to say, is, "Check out Oprah. She is the leading podcast with her Eckhart buddhist dude. Stay away from that stuff." They will say, "Oh, got it."
But when they go to their Christian bookstore, they will think: "Well, it's Christian. It must be good." And then they follow Joel Olsteen and find themselves wondering why a works based approach to life doesn't make them have "their best life now" and also why their minds are not on God but themselves.
Yes, if someone sees Joyce Meyer's passion (again, post-modern proof of truth that you don't notice you use), and then turns to Christ, that is a good thing. But then, if upon gaining the Holy Spirit, they don't discern that some of her other teachings (plus the fact that she wants all their money) are off base, then that would be bad, wouldn't it?
My friend, I am not your enemy, nor am I being an antagonist for the sake of it. I will answer to God for not only what I confirm, but what I refuse to confront. The Shepherd is given the Word to teach, but that includes discerning the false teachings that come from within.
If you are going to follow the Lord's steps and look after His sheep, don't think He will not expect the same from you. I'm sorry it is not simpler, but a "why can't we all get along" approach will not bring the holiness that sanctifies the bride.
"if upon gaining the Holy Spirit, they don't discern that some of her other teachings (plus the fact that she wants all their money) are off base, then that would be bad, wouldn't it?"
This gets to the heart of my point. I am more concerned with teaching people about holiness and how to discern so that, upon gaining the Holy Spirit they can understand good and evil. I do not desire to be somebody who stands in front and says these are good read them, these are bad stay away. I think if pastors spent less time doing that and more time preaching the Word and teaching their sheep to be good students of the Word, and how to really fall prostrate before the Lord, and simply lived a holy example before them there would be more solid books to be found at the local Christian bookstore.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
And frankly, I don't think you have any idea about my naive understanding of Christian truth, and it is shocking to hear you make that assumption as a pastor. I have taken part in my share of "pagan traditions" and honestly, I learned more about the value of Christian truth not in those times, but in the steadiness and maturity of the Christian lifestyle.
Well then, the goals are similar, but the method is not the same.
I think you will find that there are many people who are seeking to teach your flock. And, in the hour or so a week you have to influence them, you might not be able to keep as many "wolves" at bay as you like.
better to be direct, I feel.
I'll tell you what. Be a preacher for a few years. Then let's talk.
Peace
Yes, I can see how you "value Christian truth" --it's on display.
Enjoy your visions
How about some recommendations for some good Christian books to read! I spend enough time at the airport/hotel/plane and I can only read my techy books for so long. Not looking for any particular subject, just would like to hear some recommendations of books you have enjoyed in the past.
Just a short thought (all my thouhgts are short!!)on false teachings. Some comments say if it makes you feel blessed then it must be good. Didn't Charles Manson preach the same to his followers?
As a boy, my parents took me to church every Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday night. Most other nights my dad never came home or came home drunk threatening to kill all of us.
That's the kind of "Christian" leadership we see from GW Bush... the kind that starves it's neighbor (Cuba), invades sovereign nations without justification and takes from the most needy to give more to those who have the most.
There is no argument here. I thought Tony Dungy and Mike G were decent human beings until i read this ridiculous page.
A child is a "gift from God" only if said child has a functional Life. Not all children are adopted. Not all anti-abortionists adopt children. And the SINGLE, most debilitating cause that is destroying the earth is OVERPOPULATION, period!
Get a grip. The Bible says, "Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth," NOT "be fruitflies and multiply until you destroy the earth."
Stop judging others according to your own circumstances. Be REAL leaders instead of followers of nothingness. Be men.
Kope,
I'm sorry for your hard times growing up.
May God give you the peace you seek.
Mike
YOU get depressed? I am the one who has to SELL the crap they call "christian books" at Family Christian Store. :-(
My bro tries to make the best of it. The customer asks for McLaren... he sends them to Driscoll. They want Max Lucado... he suggests Piper. LoL. Again... people would rather have their itching ears scratched than to look into truth.
Ryan,
you are my hero. Revolution! take over the system from within!
:)
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