Is it okay to learn from a book if author has beliefs we’re not sure are Biblical?
I often refer books to my friends even though I have yet to read a book where I fully agree with the author. I can’t promise that they won’t need discernment as they read the books I suggest, but there are a few thoughts I try to keep in mind that I believe can help all of us test authors in a healthy way.
1. Just because he uses scripture to make his points, doesn’t mean he uses scripture accurately.
Evaluate the passage yourself. Did he take it out of context? Did he use it within context? Is he neglecting other scriptures that would emphasize a balancing perspective? Ask other’s about it. We are not the authority on scriptural context, either, so get the counsel of trusted friends and mentors. They’ll give great insight!
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2. Just because he’s wrong in some areas doesn’t mean I can’t learn from him.
Let’s hold people with respect, not critique. We can all learn something from everyone. It’s pretty arrogant to hold a position that, unless we trust the author will be completely accurate, we shouldn’t read his book. We’re not that perfect, so why should we expect others will be?
3. Just because he is right in some areas (or many areas) doesn’t mean he’s infallible.
At th same time, we are all human. Even the most accurate Bible teacher will error at some point. You and I error. We even error in our evaluations. Let’s not idolize people. If we do, we’re likely to over-condemn them when they do show themselves fallible.
4. Just because he doesn’t believe exactly as I do, doesn’t mean he can’t help me grow.
God directs us to submit to each other. In other words, I trust that you as a brother in Christ are as filled with the Holy Spirit as I am, so I’m not going to act as if I’m more in-tune with God than you. I’ll respect your opinion. I’ll hear you out. I’ll pray about it. I’ll study God’s word. I might even come to realize I’m wrong and change; but even if I don’t change, at least I didn’t jeopardize the testimony of Jesus Christ by writing someone off who carries His Spirit. Let’s be humble.
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5. Just because I read it, doesn’t mean I believe it.
I know some people who live in fear, fearing that if they listen to the wrong music, even for a moment, they’ll be filled with the devil. Or if they read something that isn’t Biblical, they’ll be lead astray. Paul tells us that we are sealed in Christ. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as a counselor. If the book I’m reading has fault in it, He’ll point it out. Let’s be discerning.
There is wisdom in evaluating why we’re reading an author.
As young adults, while still forming beliefs and understanding of God’s Word, there is wisdom in being careful who and what we read.
I think part of a healthily shaped theology is reading a variety of authors, but if we are reading because we are searching for answers, we want to make the author is well grounded int he Word of God, or else he could direct our thinking in dangerous ways. However, if we’re not necessarily looking for answers, but what to be familiar with different thoughts out there, reading that same author along with a countering author to evaluate the wisdom of what is being said could be a helpful exercise.
One Final Thought
There is nothing worse then someone condemning a book who has not actually read it, or is not familiar with what the author teaches. Unless the author or speaker makes a significant theological or doctrinal error in his teaching, I think we benefit from hearing what they have to say.
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Every book should be evaluated in light of the Bible, though (and it is infallible!). Read it. Study it. Pray it. Memorize it. Move so deeply into it that you live a relationship with its Author. Follow the Author. Listen to the Author. Trust the Author. And you will hear a voice in your ear saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
