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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