What is it about some books that frightens people? In a recent conversation with a good friend I stated that, while you should be very aware about how a book makes you think and how it may change your beliefs and actions, there is nothing inherently bad about any book. I believe that is a totally true statement. I further believe that folks are frightened because they don’t know themselves well enough to be assured that what they read will not insipidly alter the truths God has written on their hearts.
Now, before you start yelling at me (and you computer screen) and trying to get out a “but”, let me validate what I’m saying with some scripture and further explain how this very question has affected my life. I’ll also say that I’m not trying to offend anybody or start an argument… well reasoned or even plain ol’ “I believe” statements in the comments are welcome and encouraged, though. For a list of some of the things I have read, check out my Book Bliss page. All scriptures are from the NIV.
Psalms 56:13 ~ “For you have delivered me (or my soul) from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life” (light being referenced back to 36:9 meaning life in it’s fullness as it was created to be).
Romans 14: 13-23 Tells me to not judge anyone else or their beliefs, not to make someone do something that is against their belief, that things (in this passage food) are not in themselves unclean and to be aware of how my freedom in regards to this belief affects those around me. Also, “Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (So, this post is not meant to try to change your beliefs about any particular book, but to try to explain my own freedom in this matter and provide the reasons I believe scripture gives me for this freedom. You are, of course, free to search the scriptures yourself and decide the boundaries of your own freedom.)
1 Corinthians 8: 4-9 Culminating in “But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 ~ “…” My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses… For when I am weak, then am strong.” and Ephesians 3:16-17a ~ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” and Philippians 4:13 ~ “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Hebrews 8: 10b ~ on the new covenant of Christ… “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.”
Hebrews 10:39 & 11:1 ~ “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
My faith is in Christ Jesus and my salvation through Him. There is nothing else that is more powerful than that. There is nothing that can change that for me unless I am being a lazy Christian and not paying attention to how Satan uses things. That is the witness I want to be. I also struggle to take myself out of situations where I might try to shove my freedom down someone’s throat or be their stumbling block. The millstone being put around my neck is what makes me try to be constantly aware. Sometimes I fail. He does not.
And what about children’s books? Don’t we have an obligation to prevent our children from reading things that would harm them? For me and mine, I believe my greater obligation is to prevent them from assuming a spirit of fear. To be strong in their freedom and discerning of everything, not being spoonfed my own discernment and “protected” against things that have no power over us if we put our faith in Christ. That does not mean that there aren’t things I would not suggest they read. Some recent anthologies I have read spring to mind. Books of short stories wherein much was engaging and entertaining, but some contained images that were not necessary to the story (where the author felt compelled for shock value, I guess, to include sexual comments and the like). I told S and P that the stories were mostly good, but some of them I did not care for, pointed out the good ones and let them ask about the ones I left out. That opportunity I took to explain to them the reasons I didn’t particularly care for those stories, exactly as I just did here. Did they read them anyway? I don’t think so, but I didn’t stop them by my words; I may have stopped them by my example.
And as for Harry Potter books and the like… if the problem with them is the children’s apparent flaunting of adults and their rules, then fine. I get that. What I don’t get is having a problem with the witchcraft and wizardry in the books. These are fantasy books, after all. The books aren’t meant as textbooks to teach witchcraft, although in the early days of the series I believe there were reports of many children who did view them as such. My question has always been “where are the parents?” If parents were there to guide their children, to ask the questions (is magic real? no it’s not) and to monitor how the books were impacting their children’s lives, they could have proven to be the explanation for their young readers as to why God is greater than everything and His power alone will triumph. Instead, by not providing that, or by “protecting” them from the books, well meaning parents give the accuser another tool ~ fear and ignorance. I still am not saying everyone should read these books; I am saying, know exactly why you do or do not, so that you can relate that information to the children, giving them tools to fight their own battles.
I was a member of my last church for some time before a new pastor took over. The first pastor’s wife had problems with the Star Wars movies and this idea of “the force”. Her reaction was to give voice to her concerns that people got lost in the ideas of “the force” instead of God whenever the movies were brought up. She did not try to persuade anyone to her fears, but instead warned and provided reasons for her warnings. The second pastor (whose wife used images of Star Wars to make some scripture come to life for her listeners) came in with “guns a’blazin’”, preaching from the pulpit how anyone who read these books or allowed their children to read them were fooling themselves into damnation. Never mind that his own children were full grown and he himself had never read one of the books. Now, these were his convictions and he is welcome to them. I always wondered though, if he really believed that the best way to convince his flock of this was to yell, spit and pound his fists on the pulpit. My impression of him as a leader of the church was not helped by this. I struggle to get over that. I delight to know that, in the end, our differences on this topic will not matter ~ I’ll be at the same table he’s invited to. 
For me it’s kind of what you want to spend your time and money on. What you find to fill your mind with and what takes priority. Now, that being said, how many hours have I spent watching House or The Office or even Friends. I guess it’s all in the perception and conviction of your heart.
Yeah, I see your point and I’ve put things aside as well because I was giving them too much thought and time. If it’s a stumbling block for you, you should get rid of it.
I think my problem is more with folks vehemently arguing against a book and pointing to this, that or the other sinful thought or action that’s in the book and seeming to assume that said sinful act is going to overwhelm me and become me because I read about it. And I have a hard time understanding how children are to grow up able to fight things if they are not aware of them within the protection of their families.
Thanks for your comment. This one sticks in my craw a bit cause I read so much and education is kind of a biggie for our family. Sometimes I just have to open my mouth about it and re-evaluate where people are coming from!
I think it is always much more meaningful to engage with the book, and with your children, than it is to avoid certain books without even reading a bit of them yourself. If you don’t like the content, use it as a springboard for a discussion. Some wonderful books are avoided because of nothing more than a few words used – To Kill a Mockingbird is an example. What a wonderful book about tolerance, that is frequently banned for racist language!
There is no book that I won’t allow my children to read. The important thing, to me, especially if I’m not so thrilled with the book, is to read it also and to talk about it. To discuss different choices, alternative endings and whatever lesson happens to be in the book. (there always seems to be one) I think it’s important for my kids to be exposed to as many different things as possible while I still have them and can influence their choices. They are growing up so quickly and I want them to be prepared for whatever the world dishes out to them.
I agree that so much is in how we present it to our children. I talk alot about why this or that is or is not appropriate, and why it may go against the Lord’s ways, but not censorship at all costs. I believe on the one hand it is our responsibility to protect our children’s minds and hearts, but also to help them learn how to protect them by themselves as well. For them to understand what they need to protect themselves from.
p.s. I love the children’s bill of rights!
My take on this is very similar, though I will say “No way” to certain books coming into the house & will explain my reasons to the kids. But I really try to make informed decisions, instead of just listening to other’s warnings; “Harry Potter” was a perfect example- I was told it was full of witchcraft (which I object to as a Christian), but I figured I should read it myself before saying “Yea” or “Nay” to the kids. What a difference there would have been in our lives- Sam is dyslexic & avoided reading, but simply devoured these books & has discovered that it is worth the effort to receive the enjoyment. I’ve told them my objections to certain content & cautioned against allowing “trash” to go into their minds (Phil 4:8), but ultimately, they have had to make their own choices.
I keep forgetting you have this space Tammy
sorry not to have been around lately .
I agree with you about the fantasy of such books as Harry Potter and feel that it is good for children to know the difference between truth & fiction ! the only way they can do this is by reading both …good on you for being brave enough to post this
love and blessings