Well, I finished reading "The Dumbest Generation" and it was very informative, interesting and of course, sobering.
One of the main points of the book is that younger generations are descending into an almost "anti-literacy" mindset. This comes in several different forms:
1) The younger generations only read books and periodicals that will keep them in tune and in touch with their own peer groups, i.e. teen magazines, Harry Potter books, etc.
2) The younger generations do not read for the sake of reading (and learning). They will read only what gets them by on a test. They will only read classic literature if they have to in school.
3) The younger generations aren't interesting in learning facts and memorizing historical data; after all, if the information is at a click of a mouse (Wikipedia), why keep that stuff in your head? You can find it just as quickly on the computer.
I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on this topic in the future, but for now, I'll focus on a great article from BreakPoint WorldView magazine on why Christians should read fiction. Unfortunately, a lot of Christians shy away from reading fiction (which the author of this article gives several pushbacks that Christians use), or they read really bad fiction pushed on them (like the Left Behind series). Here are the ten reasons she gives for reading fiction - you can read the descriptions for each in her article.
1. Our view of the world beyond our door widens.
2. We learn empathy as you walk in a character’s different-sized shoes.
3. God uses stories to heal.
4. Fiction unmasks us.
5. God’s redemptive story permeates.
6. Novels allow for paradox, causing us to ask the kinds of questions that help us search for God.
7. Reading novels critically helps us navigate the Scriptures better.
8. Reading a novel connects us to the Creator
9. Reading a novel builds community.
10. Reading stories brings us face to face with Jesus, the grand storyteller.
4 comments:
That's a really good article.
I try to read both fiction and nonfiction. I like fiction because I feel like I totally escape into a different world. It's also a stress reliever.
It opens my mind to be more creative. I love when I find an author who writes a series of books. I love suspense and mystery.
I'm getting ready to do a book review for an author who writes about the Amish experience in a fiction story. She was recently on ABC Nightline.
That sounds good. Let us know how it is!
Great post Adam. Thanks for your insight and justifying one of my favorite things.
Thanks for posting this Adam...i like to read fiction b/c as Rochelle said I can escape into a different time, era, or race...pretty cool, huh?
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