In Reading for the Love of God, award-winning author Jessica Hooten Wilson does just that--and then shows readers how to reap the spiritual benefits of reading. She argues that the simple act of reading can help us learn to pray well, love our neighbor, be contemplative, practice humility, and disentangle ourselves from contemporary idols.
Accessible and engaging, this guide outlines several ways Christian thinkers--including Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Frederick Douglass, and Dorothy L. Sayers--approached the act of reading. It also includes useful special features such as suggested reading lists, guided practices to approaching texts, and tips for meditating on specific texts or Bible passages. By learning to read for the love of God, readers will discover not only a renewed love of reading but also a new, vital spiritual practice to deepen their walk with God.
Contents
1. What Kind of Reader Are You?
2. Why Read Anything but the Bible?
Bookmark 1: Reading like Augustine of Hippo
3. What's the Difference between "Use" and "Enjoy"?
4. Do Good Books Make You a Good Person?
Bookmark 2: Reading like Julian of Norwich
5. What Does the Trinity Have to Do with the ART of Reading?
Bookmark 3: Reading like Frederick Douglass
6. Why Do We Need Four Senses to Read?
7. How Can You Remember What You Read?
Bookmark 4: Reading like Dorothy L. Sayers
Conclusion
Appendix A: Twofold Reading of Flannery O'Connor's "The River"
Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix C: Reading Lists of Great Books
My Thoughts:
Reading for the Love of God by Jessica Hooten Wilson
starts off with descriptive imagery of the Apostle John in Revelation as he
consumes a book. I continue to sit with this depiction after finishing Reading
for the Love of God because it arrested my attention and Wilson’s related
thoughts are incredibly applicable to reading most any book. The rest of Reading
for the Love of God is just as interesting and challenging as the start.
Reading for the Love of God is academic in tone, style, and complexity. Wilson often refers to ancient literature and medieval monastic practices as she explains how to consume great literature and apply its lessons to a modern spiritual life. I confess, I did not completely understand “use” and “enjoy” in chapter three, but that is simply a reason to reread and learn. My favorite chapters were “Reading Like Frederick Douglass” and “How Can You Remember What You Read”.
I recommend Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice by Jessica Hooten Wilson to Christian readers who desire to learn from great works of literature and apply those lessons to enhance one’s spiritual life. Naturally, Wilson stresses the importance of regularly consuming Scripture as well as literary works. A list of suggested reading for all ages is included. Four stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This is interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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