Links: Why It Might be Helpful to Read a Really Bad Book

As an avid reader, I've met my share of bad books.  I find myself wondering to give up early on the book, while mentally trying to answer the argument being made.  Occasionally, I've wondered if I should tag my "Reading Logs" with not recommended labels.  Though some books should not be read, Aaron Armstrong lists four advantages to reading (some) bad books:


1. Reading a bad book forces you to think critically.

When you find yourself reading a bad book, you can’t be complacent and let content wash over you (not that you should do that with any book, but hopefully you know what I mean). A bad book (especially the theologically and philosophically challenged ones) can help sharpen your thinking and keep you better attuned the truth.

2. Reading a bad book reminds you it’s okay to stop reading.

There’s nothing that says you have to read to the end with a really bad book and you’re not going to win a medal because you finished one.

3. Reading a bad book reminds you that no one is beyond error.

One of the unique dangers we face as Christians in the west is fandom—we can too easily elevate pastors, teachers and authors and forget they are just as fallible as the rest of us. Bad books help us remember that those of us who have the privilege to occasionally write books shouldn’t be blindly followed.

4. Reading a bad book makes you appreciate good ones all the more.

Immediately after finishing the book described above, I started another book on the same subject that was a breath of fresh air. Reading a bad book helps you appreciate what you assume when you read a lot of good ones. Not everyone writes well. Despite what some might tell you, not everyone can. Well-written, theologically sound, engaging books… these are a gift that we ought not take for granted.

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Snippets: Embracing Obscurity

On the difference between true and false significance:

There’s a difference between feeling significant or desired because you are needed or because someone wants you to do something for them (to fill up their lacking), and being significant and desired by someone simply because He delights in you. You—not what you can do for Him. This is significance without strings: Value that’s not contingent on what you do or accomplish but entirely dependent on what He has done in creating you, redeeming you, calling you, and leading you. (Kindle location 954)

Four principles for living humbly as a servant leader:

In the spotlight only the humble will survive the long-haul. To avoid burnout and maximize your ability to be a servant-leader, here are four phrases to memorize: 
I don’t know everything.
I have limited time and energy.
I’m not morally invincible.
I’m not irreplaceable.  (Kindle locations 2068-2088)


Embracing Obscurity: Becoming Nothing in Light of God's Everything

Links: Hobbits, Hot Chocolate, & The Bookshelf Giveaway

This looks like an interesting reading group:

Hobbits, Hot Chocolate, & The Bookshelf Giveaway


Two weeks from today on Monday, November 5th, our Great Hobbit Read Along Adventure begins!  We’ll cover two or three chapters of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien each week for five weeks, ending the first week of December, just before the release of the movie version by Peter Jackson.  We hope it will be an exciting adventure for individuals, families and youth groups who choose to join us, with insights from a number of Christian authors and cultural commentators to help you get more from your reading.

Don’t have time for a read along right now?  That’s ok, too.  We think you’ll still enjoy the insights from our guests.

Snippets: Things as They Are

Amy Carmichael's book Things as They Are:  Mission Work in Southern India is collection of stories published in 1903.  She often emphasizes that she would prefer to tell the difficult reality of life as she experiences than to gloss over difficulties in favour of glowing reports.

I read a missionary story "founded on fact" the other day, and the things that happened in that story on these lines were most remarkable. They do not happen here. Practical missionary life is an unexciting thing. It is not sparkling all over with incident. It is very prosaic at times. (Kindle location 535).

The book's stories focus on the lives of the women with whom she works, including those who pay a heavy price for converting to Christianity.  She also writes of the young girls she rescues from temple slavery.   She passionately pleads for a change of heart among Christians; urging people to truly pray for and care for the lives and souls of others.

We are told to modify things, not to write too vividly, never to harrow sensitive hearts. Friends, we cannot modify truth, we cannot write half vividly enough; and as for harrowing hearts, oh that we could do it! That we could tear them up, that they might pour out like water! that we could see hands lifted up towards God for the life of these young children! Oh, to care, and oh for power to make others care, not less but far, far more! care till our eyes do fail with tears for the destruction of the daughters of our people! (Kindle location 2730).

Praying alone is not enough, but oh for more real praying! We are playing at praying, and caring, and coming; playing at doing—if doing costs—playing at everything but play. We are earnest enough about that. God open our eyes and convict us of our insincerity! burn out the superficial in us, make us intensely in earnest!  Kindle location 2815).

Though more than a century old, Things as They Are is remarkably relevant and convicting.

Things as They Are

Classic Poetry: Lost and Found

Lost and Found
I missed him when the sun began to bend;
I found him out when I had lost his rim;
With many tears I went in search of him,
Climbing high mountains which did still ascend,
And gave me echoes when I called my friend;
Through cities vast and charnel-houses grim,
And high cathedrals where the light was dim,
Through books and arts and works without and end,
But found him not – the friend whom I had lost.
And yet I found him – as I found the lark,
A sound in fields I heard but could not mark;
I found him nearest when I missed him most;
I found him in my heart, a life in frost,
A light I knew not till my soul was dark.

George McDonald

Snippets: Beyond the Hole in the Wall: Discover the Power of Self-Organized Learning

At the supermarket, you can’t tell if the cashier knows arithmetic or not. Your groceries are scanned electronically and the prices tallied automatically. Yet the cashier probably still performs his work capably. Arithmetic is an outdated life skill, like swordplay or horse riding. Four hundred years ago, those were vital life skills; today they are relics of a bygone world and primarily enjoyed as sports. (Kindle location 70)

  Beyond the Hole in the Wall: Discover the Power of Self-Organized Learning (Kindle Single) (TED Books)

Snippets- Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act

Smile:  The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act is a short book published by the TED foundation.  Ron Gutman combines experiences from his cross-cultural experiences with scientific research about the benefits of smiling.  He highlights the individual and social benefits of smiling.  The book is easy to read, presenting a variety of research in an entertaining way, interspersed with numerous anecdotes.  Summarizing the main points of the book, Gutman writes:
"We’ve already established that big, genuine smiles make us feel better inside. Smiling this way activates the emotional processing centers of our brains and produces real, tangible pleasure that we can experience and enjoy. Not only do we feel good, we also look good to others around us. We’re perceived to be more friendly, sociable, trustworthy, and even more competent. When others see us smiling, they see us in a better light, and they instinctively and instantaneously mimic our smiles. This smile activates the emotional processing centers of their brains and makes them feel better. It also strengthens our connection to them and improves our social interactions. If common sense didn’t tell us this already, researchers from Yale University and UC Berkeley have confirmed that smiling sends others on their way, feeling better and carrying smiles with them, to start again the same feedback loop with others. Smiling is “viral” indeed!" (Kindle location 770)

The book also includes Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's teaching on the power of smiling:
A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and is nature’s best antidote for trouble, yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen. For it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.  (Kindle location 395)

The book is concise and interesting, and as I read, I found myself wanting to smile.

Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act (Kindle Single) (TED Books)

Classic Poetry: I Asked the Lord

I Asked The Lord

1. I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and every grace
Might more of His salvation know
And seek more earnestly His face

2. Twas He who taught me thus to pray
And He I trust has answered prayer
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair

3. I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He'd answer my request
And by His love's constraining power
Subdue my sins and give me rest

4. Instead of this He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers of Hell
Assault my soul in every part

5. Yea more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low

6. Lord why is this, I trembling cried
Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?
"Tis in this way" The Lord replied
"I answer prayer for grace and faith"

7. "These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou mayest seek thy all in me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in me."

John Newton

October Reading Log

• When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
• A Girl and Her Money by Sharon Durling
• Made for Happiness by Jean Vanier
• Smile:  The Astonishing Power of a Single Act by Ron Gutman
• Beyond the Hole in the Wall:  Discover the Power of Self-Organized Learning by Sugata Mitra
• Things as They Are:  Mission Work in Southern India by Amy Wilson-Carmichael
• Embracing Obscurity  by Anonymous
• Why School?: How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere  by Will Richardson
• A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans

Snippets: A Girl and Her Money

What is financial success anyway?  Financial success...is this:  being content with what you have.  That being true, financial success is not a constant for all.  It has more to do with the head and the heart and less with the wallet and the balance sheet.  (epub edition, 73)

Never say, "I can't afford it."  This implies that you would normally spend all the money you have, and the only reason you aren't buying is because you are completely broke.  Watch your money language.  Better to speak from a position of strength: "I choose not to spend my money this way because this thing is not a priority now, or maybe ever" (epub edition, 90)

Generosity is a means of grace.  It lets us know who we are.  Giving forces us to define our priorities.  It promotes patience and discipline.  Generosity wars against greed (epub edition, 199).

Shannon Durling:  A Girl and Her Money

Snippets: Made for Happiness

In Made for Happiness:  Discovering the Meaning of Life with Aristotle Jean Vanier synthesizes major concepts in Aristolte's philosophy.  He focuses on extracting wisdom from Aristotle's writings that can be applied to everyday life.  The discussion is concise and focused, considering what is necessary to live a full, rich human life.
     Vanier begins by outlining Aristotle's concept of happiness, and then proceeds to discuss the nature of friendship, truth, and virtue.  In a final, short chapter, Vanier describes the weaknesses in Aristotle's philosophy, particularly regarding the sanctity of all human life, and the nature of our relationship with God.
     Vanier quotes often from Aristotle throughout the book, but also intersperses his own wise, thoughtful commentary.
     Some highlights from the book:
"There is no way of becoming just, wise, and good other than through the actual exercise of these virtues through the daily regulation of our spontaneous desires by the logos.  'States of character arise out of activities.  This is why the activities we exhibit must be of a certain kind' (NE 1103b20).  Temperate action gradually creates the virtue of temperance.  In order to become accomplished and mature, a man needs good dispositions, among them good health and a good education.  He needs to have opted definitely for a good life and true happiness, and desire to progress towards that end; this involves work on himself, effort and struggle in order to look clearly into himself and orient his passions towards the best goal.  Become a mature human being takes time." (epub edition, 283)

From the chapter on friendship:  "Here, Aristotle provides us with some very interesting criteria for discernment.  He distinguishes between three sorts of friendship:  true friendship centred on the good of the other, which is fully deserving of the name friendship; friendship based on what is pleasant; and friendship based on usefulness.  These are the three motives that can inspire friendship" (epub edition, 135).

"In Aristotle's definition, happiness is not therefore a state, but a vital activity proceeding from within each human being.  Happiness, for Aristotle, is not the lot of someone who peacefully and comfortably enjoys his possessions, who is content with his family, work, success, riches, and honours, or is satisfied with himself.  Happiness is a vital activity that brings immense joy and that is life.  It is the completely joyous activity of one who is entirely, with his intelligence and whole being, oriented towards that which is nobler and greater than himself.  This life that is an activity, however, implies that we first work on ourselves.  It involves study and discipline" (epub edition, 60)

Made for Happiness: Discovering the Meaning of Life with Aristotle

Snippets: Unused Prayer

What does unused prayer look like?  Anxiety.  Instead of connecting with God, our spirits fly around like severed power lines, destroying everything they touch.  Anxiety wants to be God, but lacks God’s wisdom, power, or knowledge.  A godlike stance without godlike character and ability is pure tension.  Because anxiety is self on its own, it tries to get control.  It is unable to relax in the face of chaos.  Once one problem is solved, the net in line steps up.  The new one looms so large, we forget the last deliverance.

Paul Miller, A Praying Life, 70

A Praying Life: Connecting With God In A Distracting World

Classic Poetry: Second Lazarus

O come, dear Lord, unbind:  like Lazarus, I
Lie wrapped in stifling grave clothes of self-will.
Come give me life that I to death may die.
I stink:  the grave of sin is worm-filled still
Despite our turning from its rottenness,
Unwilling to admit that we are bound,
Too proud to mention our begottenness.
Come, open sin’s sarcophagus.  I’m wound
In selfishness, self-satisfaction, pride,
Fear of change, demands of love, greed,
Self-hate, sweet sins that come in fair disguise.
Help me accept this death and open wide
The tight-closed tomb.  If pain comes as we’re freed,
Your daylight must have first hurt Lazarus’s eyes.

Madeline L'Engle

Snippets: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

By comparing ourselves to other people and trying to make ourselves look better than others, we are boasting. Trying to recommend ourselves, trying to create a self-esteem résumé because we are desperate to fill our sense of inadequacy and emptiness. The ego is so busy. So busy all the time. (Kindle location 177).

The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness

Classic Poetry: Patience, Hard Thing! The Hard Thing But To Pray

Patience, hard thing! the hard thing but to pray,
But bid for, Patience is! Patience who asks
Wants war, wants wounds; weary his times, his tasks;
To do without, take tosses, and obey.
Rare patience roots in these, and, these away,
Nowhere. Natural heart's ivy, Patience masks
Our ruins of wrecked past purpose. There she basks
Purple eyes and seas of liquid leaves all day.

We hear our hearts grate on themselves: it kills
To bruise them dearer. Yet the rebellious wills
Of us we do bid God bend to him even so.
And where is he who more and more distils
Delicious kindness?—He is patient. Patience fills
His crisp combs, and that comes those ways we know.

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Review: When Helping Hurts

Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert's book When Helping Hurts:  How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself outlines both a theological basis for understanding poverty and practical strategies for living life together with the poor and marginalized.  The book is designed for those working both in North America and in the majority world.  Throughout the book, the authors urge the reader to engage with the materially poor, while avoiding the 'godlike' complex often carried by those who seek to help the poor.
     Early in the book, the authors define poverty with a definition that encompasses both material and spiritual poverty.   Poverty is defined as a break in four foundational relationships:  relationships with God, self, others, and with creation.  After defining the nature of poverty, the authors then explore the nature of poverty alleviation, defining poverty alleviation as "he ministry of reconciliation: moving people closer to glorifying God by living in right relationship with God, with self, with others, and with the rest of creation" (Kindle location 1207).  The authors then present a more specific definition of material poverty and its alleviation.  Material poverty alleviation is defined as "working to reconcile the four foundational relationships so that people can fulfill their callings of glorifying God by working and supporting themselves and their families with the fruit of that work" (Kindle location 1218).
      After laying these foundations, Corbett and Fikkert then proceed to describe appropriate strategies for poverty alleviation.  They present the model of asset based community development (ABCD) as a way of helping communities identify their strengths and identify the ways in which these strengths can facilitate their development.  The authors also contrast relief, rehabilitation, and development, highlighting in particular the need to avoid providing relief when longer term solutions are needed.  Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the need to avoid doing for the community what it can do for itself; the authors strongly urge participatory approaches to building relationships with poor communities.
     In the remaining chapters of the book, the authors discuss specific situations and approaches to poverty alleviation, including short-term learning trips, community savings associations, and strategies for building community organizations and supports for those experiencing material poverty.
     When Helping Hurts is a necessary corrective to many well-intended practices that unintentionally hinder poverty alleviation.  Despite the weaknesses of many Western efforts, the authors do not discourage their readers from being involved with the materially poor; rather, they urge involvement in a way that works towards restoration of relationships, rather than simply providing additional resources to the materially poor.  They write, "our basic predisposition should be to see poor communities—including their natural resources, people, families, neighborhood associations, schools, businesses, governments, culture, etc.—as being created by Jesus Christ and reflective of His goodness. Hence, as we enter a poor community, there is a sense in which we are walking on holy ground, because Christ has been actively at work in that community since the creation of the world! This should give us an attitude of respect and a desire to help the community residents to discover, celebrate, and further develop God’s gifts to them" (Kindle location 2012).
     When Helping Hurts is highly recommended.  The book is convicting and challenging, but also practical in its approach.

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself