“Are You a Reformed Reader?”

The above was the title to a speech I gave to the PR Young Calvinist group Saturday night at Grandville PRC. One of the activities they have started is called “Talking Points”, where they bring in a speaker who gives a talk on a chosen topic followed by a discussion. I was asked to speak on a subject dear to my heart, and though the group was small (20 plus), we had a great evening together. At least that’s the way I felt. Anytime someone gives me the opportunity to talk about books and reading, I have a great time. And from my side, I want the “YC” to know that I thoroughly enoyed myself and appreciated the fellowship and feedback of the young people.

The purpose of my talk  was simply to encourage young Calvinists to read. But I also wanted them to remember that they must be distinctive readers, viz., “Reformed” readers! I didn’t get to everything in my speech (surprise!), but I did present the heart of it (I understand that the audio will soon be posted on the “Young Calvinists” website). I thought for the benefit of all I would post my outline here (ReformedReaderTalk-YgCalvinists-June2013). The references to the name “Reinke” in my outline are to Tony Reinke’s book Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading Books (Crossway, 2011), a book I reviewed at length on this blog last year (A simple search will give you plenty of taste of this excellent book on reading!).

I also did a little “survey” with the group at the beginning of my talk. I asked them to respond in writing to four (4) things:

1. List the last 2 books you have read and 2 more you plan to read.
2. What comes to mind when you hear the words “Reformed reader”?
3. Give 2 reasons why reading is important.
4. Give 2 things you can do to improve your reading.

We used these responses as I talked, but I also collected them and enjoyed going over them later that evening. I told them not to sign their surveys but to submit them anonymously. For the most part I was pleased with and encouraged by what they put down. Here are a few answers to #3 (about why reading is important) – in no particular order. I hope they will serve to encourage you too – to “read more and read better”.

• “makes you think deeply/concentrate”
• “deeper knowledge of Scripture”
• “know about the world in which we live through literature”
• “gain knowledge about our Lord and about His control in every part of the world”
• “It’s the key to learning. We want to learn as much as we can about God so that we can grow in friendship.”
• “It makes us better writers.”
• “helps you have a better vocabulary”
• “it helps you grow spiritually.”
• “gives basic foundation to reformed instruction.”
• “reading is a chief means of obtaining knowledge and, over time, wisdom.”
• “reading causes us to become more discipline.”
• “gives one more reason and foundation of what you believe” and “to be more Christlike”
• “advance critical thinking skills”

And my favorite under #4 – things you can do to improve reading: “take a sledge hammer to the TV”. That brought a huge smile to my face 🙂