Torch, Summer 1982

ks, Books • • • Buyer Beware. Thoughtful people are also concerned about Biblical fiction, or fictionalized accounts of Biblical characters and events . Of necessity, writers use their imaginations in developing story lines, settings, and characterizations. Presumably this imaginative writing _ is preceded by careful research, and the basic presentation is Biblical. The reader , however, is still left with strong impressions that may or may not be fully accurate . I once read a story in which Mary Magdalene was a prominent character. Now, whenever I read about her in Scripture, my mind goes to the descriptive portrayal this writer made of her. It seems to be indelibly etched in my mind. Yet she may not have fit that description at all! To a certain extent all Biblical fiction creates this danger. But much of this is being published today . Most of today's evangelical books are not written from a Scriptural, separatist standpoint - either ecclesiastical or personal. Many evangelical writers are really neoevangelical, and their philosophy of infiltration rather than separation pervades their writings. Unless readers are well taught and grounded in the Word, they may be unwittingly drawn into this way of thinking. 13 And contemporary evangelical literature , in large measure , totally ignores the Biblical distinction between the church and the world. Unfortunately, in these publications, men and women in the fields of Hollywood films, entertainment television , night clubs , politics, and Sunday sports are lionized and held up as fine, spiritual models. How can you know what books to buy and what books to avoid? Ideally , by developing your own sense of spiritual discernment and by saturating yourself with the Word of God, you will be fully persuaded in your own mind . With spiritual maturity comes spiritual insight. Or, if you 're uncertain , ask. Ask your pastor about a certain book or writer. Ask a professor in a separated Bible school or college. Ask the bookstore owner for an honest, objective evaluation . Now let' s close on a positive note. We must remember caveat emptor - let the buyer beware - in today ' s religious book market. But this is not to reflect on all contemporary writers or publishers. Never have there been so many splendid works available to the believer as today : You can get carefully written, scholarly Bible studies . You can get the searchlight of Scripture on current religious developments such as the ecumenical and charismatic movements . You can get thrilling , moving accounts of today's missionary heroes . _ You can get sane , sensible, and Biblical prophetic studies. You can get atlases, Bible encyclopedias , handbooks, and other reference works with the latest research data, enhanced by attractive photos , maps, and other drawings. In recent years the cost of books has risen substantially . They're a good investment; and, often, special offers or less expensive bindings bring the cost down considerably. It is said that in the tenth century a certain countess paid two hundred sheep, a load of wheat, a load of rye, a load of millet , and several skins, of costly fur for a single book. Even with inflation , we don ' t come near that! Yes , you can get superb books today if you buy discerningly . And you should get some! Of what use is the ability to read if you don't use it? Economic poverty is bad; mental poverty is worse. Eight times Jesus asked the question , "Have you not read ...?" You haven't time to read? Did you know a reading schedule of only fifteen minutes a day will enable you to complete a dozen or more books a year, depending on their length? Get books . Buy them discerningly. Then read them. They will change your life.