LLLV18 9-17-2018 Erasmus, Adler, and Larry on Books
Many of my friends are lovers of books. They read and read and then read some more. Several of these friends are prolific writers and help many via their writing.
Just the other day I visited the office of a fellow Soldier of the Cross. I commented on his extensive collection of books. He shared with me that the bulk of the “books” were mere nicely fashioned cardboard covers with nothing inside the cover. Much like the ones saw behind a pitchman on TV. I asked why? He said; “I do not have time to read, but the “books” keep people from asking me too many questions!” Wow!
The exchange brought to mind a statement I read just the week before from Erasmus, the “interesting” Monk from the 14th-15th Centuries of Bible translating note.
“Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.” The Collected Works of Erasmus 1974.
Back in the day before Dr. Phil Stringer was enjoying his current celebrity, he and I often would visit used bookstores. I was amazed, as was Dr. Stringer, at the plethora of great tomes, by widely acclaimed authors that we found in such stores, which had never been read or even opened, a treasure trove of informative wisdom. I once bought the entire set of Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions for $6.00.
Mortimer Adler, the founder of the Institute for Philosophical Research, made a remarkable statement we Bible readers and witnesses should hide deep in our spirit:
"In the case of good books, the point is not how many you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you."
Dr. Adler’s statement is wise and may I ask those who run around bragging about having read through the Bible 25 times so far this year, did any of it get through to you?
In the waning days of his life, while serving Jesus in chains at the Mamertine prison, Paul wrote to Timothy imploring him to bring some important things to him. This request may be the most unusual in history:
2Timothy 4:13 “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come--and the books, especially the parchments.”
Paul was one of the most well-read men in history, and it is evident that much of the material got through to him.
Copyright © 2018 Larry Lilly
Wise IT Work. Oral Deckard
Many of my friends are lovers of books. They read and read and then read some more. Several of these friends are prolific writers and help many via their writing.
Just the other day I visited the office of a fellow Soldier of the Cross. I commented on his extensive collection of books. He shared with me that the bulk of the “books” were mere nicely fashioned cardboard covers with nothing inside the cover. Much like the ones saw behind a pitchman on TV. I asked why? He said; “I do not have time to read, but the “books” keep people from asking me too many questions!” Wow!
The exchange brought to mind a statement I read just the week before from Erasmus, the “interesting” Monk from the 14th-15th Centuries of Bible translating note.
“Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.” The Collected Works of Erasmus 1974.
Back in the day before Dr. Phil Stringer was enjoying his current celebrity, he and I often would visit used bookstores. I was amazed, as was Dr. Stringer, at the plethora of great tomes, by widely acclaimed authors that we found in such stores, which had never been read or even opened, a treasure trove of informative wisdom. I once bought the entire set of Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions for $6.00.
Mortimer Adler, the founder of the Institute for Philosophical Research, made a remarkable statement we Bible readers and witnesses should hide deep in our spirit:
"In the case of good books, the point is not how many you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you."
Dr. Adler’s statement is wise and may I ask those who run around bragging about having read through the Bible 25 times so far this year, did any of it get through to you?
In the waning days of his life, while serving Jesus in chains at the Mamertine prison, Paul wrote to Timothy imploring him to bring some important things to him. This request may be the most unusual in history:
2Timothy 4:13 “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come--and the books, especially the parchments.”
Paul was one of the most well-read men in history, and it is evident that much of the material got through to him.
Copyright © 2018 Larry Lilly
Wise IT Work. Oral Deckard