It’s comfortable for followers of Jesus to read inside our denomination/tradition. People who think like us, who draw the same conclusions make learning fun. But I think we can become too tribal with this, put our stake in the ground too quickly and use it to battle others, often unfairly.
I’m increasingly realizing the value of reading broadly and by extension, learning broadly. By broadly, I mean works outside of our perspectives. Actually, I don’t think I read broadly enough. But the more I do, I’ve recognized some characteristics about myself have emerged that reinforces the need to get out of the comfy box.
A lot of the books I generally read are on theology and Christian living for reviews; but as much as possible, I try to include some material to break it up with a few biographies, a bit of history, some fiction, some marketing books, and some sociology. Because I live increasingly in a Christian bubble—I work with Christians, I converse with Christians in a variety of ways, I primarily review books written for Christians—this is not only helpful, but necessary for me in order to have some sense of what’s going culturally and in other important spheres of society.
1. Going Outside the “Bubble.” As I pointed out above, it’s really easy for followers of Jesus to get caught in the “so-called Christian bubble” (in fact, studies indicate that the longer we’re Christians the less likely we are to have non-Christian friends). Reading more broadly keeps our minds sharp and allows us to understand something of the world outside of the Christian subculture.
2. Opportunities to Engage Others in Meaningful Discussion. Now, obviously, there are certain books we shouldn’t read. Books that profit no one except those looking to make a profit are worth no one’s time. That said, reading more broadly allows you to have another connection point with non-Christians that helps you to have meaningful discussions (whether at work, the gym, traditional or online book clubs or Starbucks) that can also lead to meaningful conversations.
3. Understanding and Enjoying God’s Common Grace. God has not reserved all the “good” ideas for Christian authors. In His common grace, God allows many non-Christians to have amazing insights into the human condition, given them tremendous literary gifts and fantastic storytelling abilities. If you’re not reading a little more broadly, you might be missing out on something really interesting.
I also wouldn’t confine this to reading books, but blogs as well as learning from others. If you don’t have friends outside your tribe, you really should. Take time and listen to what they have to say just for the sake of learning not to jump on them with correction. It does good to listen and maybe learn something along the way. I personally am grateful for those who have modeled this for me and taught me a little of what it means to read critically, and fairly.
I agree in most part to what you have written but other people’s relative views, ideas and works can create doubt and confusion. So I say be open but beware.
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Yes, caution is still necessary!
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I would say that the more we live our lives outside of the Christian bubble the better. How else can our own faith be tested and ‘sharpened’ unless we meet with ‘all’ others. Furthermore, people are not returning to Church as they did in the past – does that make me sound old?). We need to ‘meet people where they are at’. Not by bringing ‘church’ as many know it to them but the delights of community, of being in a positive supportive relationship to them where they are. If that means getting out of the Christian bubble (even on a Sunday morning) and being with everyone at Starbucks (alternative coffee providers do actually exist 🙂 )then I’m in!
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Very true! New ways to engage with the people around us are necessary today. Thanks for the comment.
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Great insights!
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Thank you Michael!
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Agree completely – I know what you mean by the Christian Bubble – and
Jesus sent his disciples out into the world in two’s – I believe partly because He knows we need each other to stay strong in this world but also He did send them out to share the gospel to those who did not know Jesus.
I teach AP English, AP Psychology, Sociology, and American Gov/ Economics … I want my students to know and understand the world they live in but to look at everything from God’s eyes. There has been a lot of literature that was not “Christian” but as Christians we gleaned so much from reading it !!
God bless you – great message
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Thank you! Great perspective to add to this discussion.
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You’re welcome I really enjoyed this blog and others : )
God bless you for sharing what God puts on your heart with others !
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I’d like to second this motion. I second it not because I do it, but because it inspires me to repent from being “tribal” in my learning. I’ll start by confessing that I listened to Hillary Clinton’s speech the other night, and I liked it. I loved it to be honest. I did not agree with all points made, but I don’t agree with all that my wife, daughter and church family say and do. We can agree to disagree in civil and Christlike ways. Thank you Joe.
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Thanks Daniel, very true. There are things I read that I don’t agree with but yet it helps broaden perspective and understanding.
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Indeed my man. Indeed.
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Great point. When we are strong in our faith it’s less likely for us to be influenced by bad behavior. Therefore, we can have outside relationships and be the influencer.
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Thanks for your comment Saleama! Very true!
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Being able to think critically and speak intelligently about a variety of issues helps us to stay relevant in the world as Christians. It also creates a greater opportunity for us to dialogue in a meaningful way within the secular world, perhaps attracting others towards Christ.
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Thanks for your response! I definitely agree!
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I really enjoyed this post. I also think it’s really important to get out of your comfy place to full learn about God and everything he can teach us through different literature and people.
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Thanks Mallory!
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I have done this very frequently and researched on it to prove Christianity and disprove other ideas. Please visit my page or follow for my current and upcoming theological posts! God bless!
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Great advice!
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Thank you!
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Great observations and points on the benefits of exploring outside our bubbles to get a bigger picture. I have gone through phases during my faith journey but this is a great reminder for me. Looking forward to reading more of your stuff
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