In Defense of Reading

Since this is my first blog post for the 2012-2013 school year, and since my blog has a heavy emphasis on the topic, I decided the most appropriate topic for my first blog should be reading.  I'll admit, I'm a bookworm. (this is not a surprise to most of you.) But don't dismiss me just yet; don't assume I'm just going to say everyone should love reading because I do. (...although that's not a bad reason)

Reading is central to communities of learning.  While there are other methods of learning (lectures, demonstrations, etc) none is more critical for life-long learning.  One of my primary goals for our seniors is that they exit our halls with a love of reading.

Reading creates a deeper experience of life, no matter what age you are.  It sparks our imagination, expands our understanding, and refines our decisions.  It teaches us history, shapes our views on culture, and equips us to try new things.   It informs our leadership, instructs our ignorance, and emboldens our beliefs.  But reading also deepens our experience beyond just ourselves - it deepens our community.

Reading deepens dialog.  So much of our culture is just fluff - conversations are often reduced to trite topics and meaningless gossip.  Being a reader gives you an opportunity to engage in conversations with others on meaningful topis and insights from books you have read.  This in turn can deepen our relationships with each other and create more significant bonds between brothers and sisters in Christ.

Reading also deepens faith.  Christianity is a shared faith, it's not just me and God - it is us (the church) and God.  Reading connects us to the world-wide church and those who have lived generations before us.  Our faith grows as we connect with the stories and insights of other Christians.  And let's not forget that our faith centers around Jesus - who we learn about through a book!  Many Christians struggle with Bible reading for one simple reason, they haven't trained themselves to be excellent readers.  Reading widely and reading often will help you to engage and understand the most central text of humanity - the Bible.

So Berks Christian School family, I challenge you.  Pick up a book, and start building the habit of reading into your life.  Start anywhere, read what interests you.  If you aren't sure what to read, start with any of my suggestions.  (Links at the top)

Grace and Peace my friends! (and welcome to the 2012-2013 school year!)
Mr. Warner