CHOOSING BOOKS WISELY
Excerpts from Roy J. Cook's collection of 101 Famous Poems
(Not included in the reprint)
"Read your children's books yourself. Or better still, get your boy or girl to read them aloud to you.
Ask yourself during the reading:
- 'Does this book lay stress on villainy, deception or treachery?'
- 'Are all the incidents wholesome, probable and true to life?'
- 'Does it show young people contemptuous toward their elders and successfully opposing them?'
- 'Do the young characters in the book show respect for teachers and others in authority?'
- 'Are these characters the kind of young people you would have your children to associate with?'
- 'Does the book speak of and describe pranks, practical jokes and pieces of thoughtless and cruel mischief as though they were funny and worthy of imitation?'
- 'Is the English good and is the story written in good style?'
Although the above was written in 1916, how valuable, scriptural, applicable and worthy of consideration are these rules for Christians today. Harry Potter books or even the Narnia books by C. S. Lewis, for example would fail. We carry the complete and unabridged reproduction of 101 Famous Poems
In examining books for our children, the table of contents should be our first peek. The chapter titles and descriptions often convey the heart of the book. The preface or introduction is usually our second glimpse into the book. But most important is to be led by our own convictions. As Christians we should use our discernment and we will also have a peace if the book is acceptable. If you have not experienced the wealth in vintage books, (books published over 50 years or more), you are in for a pleasant surprise. Older books offer much richer language and are far above the standard in morals
and values in their writings. Many original classics that are "complete and unabridged" and have not been rewritten or watered down offer greater quality reading than what is considered the norm for today's modern day readers.
When updating our new web pages we did not include the visitors comments as before. Many wrote in to say they read certain books, i.e. the Narnia series and it didn't hurt them. Another wrote in to say that it is people like me that advocate the burning of books. In reply to these visitors and others who may agree with them we would just like to say be careful in what you choose for acceptable reading material for your precious children. If you are a Christian, the most important point to consider would be the subtle seeds that are planted and how your children may receive them. Since we are not God, we do not know the effects, nor the power, of words, nor how each person is effected by them because we all are different. How will what they are reading help shape their view of the Father? What can we know about everything that may have hindered our relationship with God? Can we honestly say that we walk in the Spirit and communication with Him as we should? Can we say that what we were or were not exposed to, as a child, helped or hinders us?
Teach your children from the Bible about magic or witchcraft. Teach them the difference between a harmless card trick verses the magic taught in books. Use a Bible search link to look up words in the Bible if you need to. Our other articles and reviews on Narnia may be helpful to you. These words remain our personal convictions. We hope you feel challenged for excellence in your book choices.
On one visitor email comment, a man was quite rude and boisterous concerning our Narnia article, yet he claimed to be Christian. I replied that each of us must decide to what degree or quality of relationship, between ourselves and the Lord, and our children's relationship and the Lord, that we are aiming for. We set the mark. We set the standards. We are responsible for what we allow in our homes and allow our children to be exposed to. I read one email claiming all wizardry and such, is just fantasy and they they didn't believe in it. I think there are many "christians" who also claim to "not believe in such as witchcraft". The problem there is IF you are a christian, how can you say you do not believe in witchcraft or wizards, yet claim to believe in God! That is just another example of the "pick and choose" doctrine, which leaves out scriptures and things the Bible is clear about just because they do not want to accept the fact that satan- the devil, witchcraft and wizards ARE as real as the Lord himself. Choosing to not believe in them, does not make it not real, nor does it make it any less effective or influential in your life or the lives of your children. If satan can continue to deceive people into thinking he is not real and that witchcraft and casting spells or curses has no power or effect over christians, then they will continue to be deceived and ignorant of his devices against them. The ostrich position is dangerous. For your children's sake it is important to read the Bible and KNOW what is says about the subject. Philippians 4:8 is a powerful scripture to memorize and use as our standard for choosing good books.
©Caren Cornell
www.hstreasures.com
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