I only started reading (books that did not have pictures in them), really reading when i hit 20 and that was after my conversion (they call it) to Christianity (being a follower of Jesus). But i started reading stuff by Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin, Roberts Liardon to name a few. I was into all things charismatic. But when i entered bible school, the books there were not unlike any kind of books you could find in bookstores (at least where im from). My lecturers made us read systematic theology and books on OT and NT survey. Being new and just started to reading the space of 4 years, it looked an impossible feat especially with my steady diet of charismatic bent books. But it was really amazing that there was a transition from reading a somewhat dented diet of rash theology to stuff that were of substantial substance. But then it took a while for me to get my hands on stuff by N. T. Wright, Vanhoozer, Richard Hays, Miroslav Volf, Scot McKnight to name a few. Forking out money for these books was the hard part but it was something that was needed (especially in the world of theological studies). But reading theological books take a lot of work (especially for this reader), i'm still trying my best to read through Vanhoozers book (that is sort of the curse if you start reading too late!). I'm wondering if there are people out there who went through some sort of reading transition in their life as well.
2 comments:
I've always been a pretty avid reader I suppose, but I've gone through plenty of transitions.
From Illustrated Classics and Star Wars novels as a kid, to Mechwarrior and Civil War books in Junior High, to popular novels and current events in High-school, to theology/biblical studies and classic fiction (older and modern) from College till now.
I think I read much better books now (as in deep/thought provoking/ atristic/ challenging etc) than at I did when I was younger, but that's natural I suppose.
Even within theology I've gone through a few transitions, usually as I'm exposed to new authors and topics or find myself less in agreement with what I had been reading.
As far as Vanhoozer goes, I think he's brilliant and his writings have affected my own thinking quite a bit, but he's certainly not a quick read.
Mason,
I really find it interesting reading about your transitions...and im definitely agreeing with you that 'maturity' somehow slants us to more thought provoking stuff. I like Vanhoozer but as you said...not an easy read.
Post a Comment