I [do not] want to give the impression that I think there is virtue in reading many books. In fact one of my greatest complaints in seminary was that professors trained students in bad habits of superficial reading because they assigned too many books. I agree with Spurgeon: “A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books which he has merely skimmed, lapping at them.” God save us from the allurement of “keeping up with Pastor Jones” by superficial skimming. Forget about “keeping up.” It only feeds pride and breeds spiritual barrenness. Instead devote yourself to boring in and going deep. There is so much soul-refreshing, heart-deepening, mind-enlarging truth to be had from great books!
- John Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry
(HT: DG Blog)
1 comment:
But if you are going to read fewer books, make sure "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals" is one of them! It is a wonderfully helpful book for pastors.
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