Church "Library" books

[annie1speed]

Our congregation will soon be adding some books to our 'library', which currently consists of a couple of shelves of mainly commentaries. If you wanted to build a pretty good library for religious study, what book(s) would you consider essential? -AND - :D What are your opinions on including books that include other religious points of view?

[HeyHomie]

Anything by James Dobson, particularly his book Dare to Discipline. You should see how some of the kids in my church behave :sick: !

Besides commentaries, any Christian library should have some books by Christian authors about family life, financial management, dating and marriage, Christian history, biographies of Christian leaders, and books about overseas missions, to name a few.

[annie1speed]

Thanks! Any particular titles that you have in mind?

[ParsonJefferson]

Annie;

It depends partially on what you're hoping to achieve with your church library.

If you want children to use the library, you'll need some good children's books and videos.

If you want women to use the library, you might want to consider some Christian romance books (or something of that genre). Jeanette Oakes was popular at the church I used to serve.

I'd suggest just about anything by James Dobson, CS Lewis and Max Lucado (various styles and levels of difficulty in reading). Get some books by Ravi Zacharias too. Very good apologist. If you want some slightly off-beat, but thought-provoking books, get a couple Donald Miller books - Blue Like Jazz being one of them.

Just some thoughts... But again, it really does depend on what "direction" you want your library to go.

[annie1speed]

Thanks Y'all,

As for the direction I'd like for the library to go in, I'm really interested in good references for good, deep Christian study. Not so much for fiction.

[crawfish]

Two books that I've found particularly valuable in my study of late are:

"How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" and "How to Read the Bible Book by Book", by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stewart.

[DanielRB]

Peace, annie1speed :wave:

Thanks Y'all,

As for the direction I'd like for the library to go in, I'm really interested in good references for good, deep Christian study. Not so much for fiction.

For deep study, I would suggest some good interlinear tools, such as these:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=3206&netp_id=135403&event=EBRN&item_code=WW

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=639804&netp_id=323021&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=2280&event=1017SPF

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=2324&netp_id=158914&event=EBRN&item_code=WW (VERY deep)

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=3133&netp_id=131772&event=EBRN&item_code=WW

I would scan the CBD website; there are some excellent tools out there.

A cheaper alternative might be, in the long run, to buy a computer and load a lot of software on it (if the reference works will be used in the library). I would recommend http://www.logos.com/. The price per book is a lot less expensive electronic than in paper.

In Christ,

Daniel

[SimplyHisChild]

Josh McDowell's "More Than a Carpenter", "Evidence That Demands A Verdict", and "More Evidence". All are great for helping us to defend our faith in a risen Lord.

[JDIBe]

Here's a rather "non-flashy" suggestion...

"Handbook of American Denominations"

It would give someone who is speaking with another outside your church a starting point as to an idea of what they believe in.

Other than that, just about anything by C.S. Lewis (start with "Mere Christianity") and possibly some how-to books on personal evangelism.

[WesWoodell]

An Anchor Bible Dictionary would be good to have, and I'd also recommend the College Press Commentary series, and the International Critical Commentary series.

All of this will cost you a bit of money, but its well worth it if you want a good study library.

You also can't go wrong with anything by Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ, Case for Faith, Case for Creation, etc.), and Josh McDowell's book on Christian Evidences in a must have.

[ChristianGuy1125]

Hi I'm new

[annie1speed]

Welcome! Make yourself at home. What book(s) do you think a church library should have?

[Amisk]

May I slip in a word here as well?

Over the years in our church life, in several different denomination, I have noticed that many church libraries are full of doctrinal and commentary type reading material. Good references for the pastor but material which in many cases never gets read, because most folks in our day are not interested in reading anything let alone heavy material. While there should always be some commentary material in every church library, it needs to be limited to that which strongly backs Biblical and church doctrine.

Most folks who do read are looking for light reading, biographies, and fiction with or without a message.

Due to my interest in writing and reading, I have checked the libraries in most churches which we have attended. Over the years I have found books which spouted much heresy. Books written by authors like Herbert W. Armstrong, and other writers of cult material. A lot of these books got left at the library, because some one thought it was a good place to dump books they found taking up space at home.

The last thing that a church library needs are books propagating hersey. We have enough of that mixed into Christian thinking today without giving the devil a helping hand by putting it in our homes or church libraries.

There ought to be in every church a librarian with a good strong knowledge of true Christian teaching. He or she ought to be given church board and pastoral authority to bar from the library any book that he or she has not personally critiqued or has found to have false teaching in it. He or she needs to trash anything that tends "to teach a different a gospel".

A librarian needs to remember than many of those using the church library are young in years or in the faith and they don't often question the message of authors found in the church library, no more than they question what comes over the pulpit. If the message is false these young Christians find themselves floundering in a sea of hersey, and some even loosing their faith altogether.

The position of the librarian in every church is second only to the church pastor. It is as important that they be as well founded in the faith as any person taking a Sunday School teacher's roll. One misguided book, like a misguided Sunday School teacher can send a soul to hell.

[spiritfilledjm]

Well, if you're looking for Bible study things, you should probably get a Strong's Concordance. I saw them for $19.99 and $29.99 (for the version with Vine's translation of Greek and Hebrew) at Barnes and Noble. Which I tend to go there for everything because a lot of the Christian Bookstores in my area are overpriced.

[annie1speed]

Thanks Amisk,

You are the first person to address the aspect of my question concerning reading material that doesn't follow church doctrine. :) I have thought about both sides of the issue and wanted to hear some other points of view.

I can see how books that have been donated can be left on the shelves for people to find and be led astray. We should certainly know what we have on the shelves.

But there is also the argument that our children and we adults should know what is out there as far as other beliefs are concerned, so we may know how to give an answer to people of other faiths. Perhaps if we kept those books off to the side for those who are really interested in that topic.

Sometimes I feel like I am cursed with the ability to see both sides of an issue. :sigh:

[Amisk]

Thanks Amisk,

You are the first person to address the aspect of my question concerning reading material that doesn't follow church doctrine. :) I have thought about both sides of the issue and wanted to hear some other points of view.

I can see how books that have been donated can be left on the shelves for people to find and be led astray. We should certainly know what we have on the shelves.

But there is also the argument that our children and we adults should know what is out there as far as other beliefs are concerned, so we may know how to give an answer to people of other faiths. Perhaps if we kept those books off to the side for those who are really interested in that topic.

Sometimes I feel like I am cursed with the ability to see both sides of an issue. :sigh:

I read some place that the Grahams were at a big dinner with a lot of dignitaries. Mrs. Graham happened to be seated next to a gentleman. During conversation she found out that his work was looking for counterfeit money.

Mrs. Graham was said to have remarked that he must have to study a lot of counterfeit money in order to know what fake money was like.

The gentleman replied, "No, I just have know what the good bills are and anything that doesn't match up to that is counterfeit".

That is the way it is with the true Gospel. We don't have to know anything about phony religion, all we need to know is the real thing. All else is a dud.

Statistic-wise, 55% of Jehovah Witness are said to come from other churches. People often say to me, "well they quote so much scripture" and "It sounds so real."

The true of the matter is they didn't know the "Real Thing". Had the known the "Real Thing" they never would have needed to compare the two.

To many Christians get dragged away from the "really" when they start studying the phony, that is why it is not wise to encourage people to start looking at these false cults. Always remember that if you play with fire long enough you are going to get burned. Many a well educated man has been dragged down when he thought he was strong enough to with stand the enemy. No church should have phony stuff in their libraries encase they cause weaker Christians to stumble.

[Splayd]

But there is also the argument that our children and we adults should know what is out there as far as other beliefs are concerned, so we may know how to give an answer to people of other faiths. Perhaps if we kept those books off to the side for those who are really interested in that topic.There are a lot of differing opinions out there about this matter. Personally, I like to know a little about the other religions, cults etc... BUT I think we need to be careful with which resources we use. I'd never include tracts, pamphlets and pro-cult books in a church library. I'd probably include an informational book which gives an outline of the different religions though. I may include biographies from Christians who have come out of other religions and cults too.

Peace

[DanielRB]

Peace, Amisk :wave:

May I slip in a word here as well?

Over the years in our church life, in several different denomination, I have noticed that many church libraries are full of doctrinal and commentary type reading material. Good references for the pastor but material which in many cases never gets read, because most folks in our day are not interested in reading anything let alone heavy material. While there should always be some commentary material in every church library, it needs to be limited to that which strongly backs Biblical and church doctrine.

Most folks who do read are looking for light reading, biographies, and fiction with or without a message.

Due to my interest in writing and reading, I have checked the libraries in most churches which we have attended. Over the years I have found books which spouted much heresy. Books written by authors like Herbert W. Armstrong, and other writers of cult material. A lot of these books got left at the library, because some one thought it was a good place to dump books they found taking up space at home.

The last thing that a church library needs are books propagating hersey. We have enough of that mixed into Christian thinking today without giving the devil a helping hand by putting it in our homes or church libraries.

There ought to be in every church a librarian with a good strong knowledge of true Christian teaching. He or she ought to be given church board and pastoral authority to bar from the library any book that he or she has not personally critiqued or has found to have false teaching in it. He or she needs to trash anything that tends "to teach a different a gospel".

A librarian needs to remember than many of those using the church library are young in years or in the faith and they don't often question the message of authors found in the church library, no more than they question what comes over the pulpit. If the message is false these young Christians find themselves floundering in a sea of hersey, and some even loosing their faith altogether.

The position of the librarian in every church is second only to the church pastor. It is as important that they be as well founded in the faith as any person taking a Sunday School teacher's roll. One misguided book, like a misguided Sunday School teacher can send a soul to hell.

All excellent points.

I wonder if we can (assuming we should) change people's desire to seek more meaty reading than the popular fluff. How best can we do this?

In Christ,

Daniel

[Amisk]

Peace, Amisk :wave:



All excellent points.

I wonder if we can (assuming we should) change people's desire to seek more meaty reading than the popular fluff. How best can we do this?

In Christ,

Daniel

Good Evening Daniel!

I don't know where you are located. I hope if you are U.S. side of the border that you missed the storms. Here on the north side of the 49th and east of Lake Erie it has rained most of the day.

Well in answer to your enquiry I can only suggest that likely the best way is to tuck it neatly into the type of material they are reading. Good examples of this Grace Livingston Hills' or Len Colp's fiction type of books with a gospel message woven into the story.

God bless :thumbsup:

[DanielRB]

Peace, Amisk :wave:

Good Evening Daniel!

I don't know where you are located. I hope if you are U.S. side of the border that you missed the storms. Here on the north side of the 49th and east of Lake Erie it has rained most of the day.

I'm in sunny New Mexico (at least it's sunny today...we have been having some snow storms on and off...April can be wintery or summery here.) Hope you and your family are safe and dry!

Well in answer to your enquiry I can only suggest that we could likely the best way is to tuck it neatly into the type of material they are reading. Good examples of this Grace Livingston Hills' or Len Colp's fiction type of books with a gospel message woven into the story.

I'm not familiar with much Christian fiction. I'm mostly reading Dr. Seuss and Disney books now (I have a 3 year old and an 11 month old ;) ), and when I can read on my own I usually read non-fiction. I might have to check these out.

God bless :thumbsup:

You too!!!

In Christ,

Daniel

[WesWoodell]

A bit of advice since someone else mentioned this - don't buy anything put out by Vines.

A lot of his stuff regarding Greek is simply incorrect.

If you'd like some good Greek resources I can point you in the right direction, but please, do your church (and your preacher) a favor and don't use Vines as a source.

[Amisk]

Oh, no I did it again. Double posting.

Well Dan. We have nice weather today. Thanks for sending the Canada geese home to us. They always mark the first of spring here.

[ozmum]

Bible Studies To Do At Home by David Sims is a must for a church library.And it is inexpensive too
Also Enrich your Prayer Life available from the same place as the above.
Go to www.homechurchresources.com (http://www.homechurchresources.com)
and if you go to the contact page ,you can order these.

For just good reading I recommend
Ten Peas in a Pod.-Great story ,its true and inspiring.

Desire of Ages by Ellen White is an excellent read as well.

[DanielRB]

Peace, Ozmum :wave:

Bible Studies To Do At Home by David Sims is a must for a church library.And it is inexpensive too
Also Enrich your Prayer Life available from the same place as the above.
Go to www.homechurchresources.com (http://www.homechurchresources.com)
and if you go to the contact page ,you can order these.

For just good reading I recommend
Ten Peas in a Pod.-Great story ,its true and inspiring.

Desire of Ages by Ellen White is an excellent read as well.

As a former Adventist, I personally would not want any Ellen White in a Church library, unless it is clearly put in a shelf with the Book of Mormon, the Qu'ran and the Vedas as "non-biblical religion." Adventists consider Ellen White to be propheticially gifted and effectively elevate her writings (which contain quite a bit of plagerism, by the way) to the level of Scripture.

In Christ,

Daniel

[annie1speed]

Thanks Daniel,

I recognized the title of the book. Part of my question was about what to do with books that are from a different belief. I would not feel comfortable leaving those books on the general bookshelves, but maybe in a place for folks who are interested in or have friends with those beliefs.

Annie

[DanielRB]

Peace, Annie1speed :wave:

Thanks Daniel,

I recognized the title of the book. Part of my question was about what to do with books that are from a different belief. I would not feel comfortable leaving those books on the general bookshelves, but maybe in a place for folks who are interested in or have friends with those beliefs.

Annie

It's a tough question. In my personal library I have quite a few religious texts from other religions and sects, but I exercise discretion in who I'll loan them to. The "safest" course is to not have them at all. I think the mature believer who wants to be equipped to minister to people of different beliefs should have access to these works, however.

Please note: I would never suggest that public libraries should ever censor any works. However, a Church library is not a public library; it's to serve the mission of the Church.

In Christ,

Daniel

[Loveaboveall]

Well... if you are considering putting any books on your shelf that are not written by Restoration authors than you must be very careful. Especially if young people will be reading them. But, I would use this criteria: Does the author uplift Jesus as our saviour? If the answer is yes than there is probably some benefit that can be found in the book. Many authors of other churches can have a wonderful relationship with their saviour and when you read an author with a relationship like that you can't help but be uplifted and maybe learn something also.

Daniel, you may be a little harsh on those adventists and Ellen White. Have you read her book Steps to Christ? It is a wonderful book that you can't help but be uplifted and yearn to learn more of your saviour after reading that book. Sometimes it is better to judge what is said in the book instead of what other people say about the book or the author.

[DanielRB]

Peace, Loveaboveall :wave:

Well... if you are considering putting any books on your shelf that are not written by Restoration authors than you must be very careful. Especially if young people will be reading them. But, I would use this criteria: Does the author uplift Jesus as our saviour? If the answer is yes than there is probably some benefit that can be found in the book. Many authors of other churches can have a wonderful relationship with their saviour and when you read an author with a relationship like that you can't help but be uplifted and maybe learn something also.

Daniel, you may be a little harsh on those adventists and Ellen White. Have you read her book Steps to Christ? It is a wonderful book that you can't help but be uplifted and yearn to learn more of your saviour after reading that book. Sometimes it is better to judge what is said in the book instead of what other people say about the book or the author.

I agree about "Steps to Christ." However, it again was an example of plagerism (or more accurately in this case, "ghost writing.") It was basically written by her secretary, Fannie Bolton.

It's not just what others say about her books or her; its what she said about her self as well. When asked if she was a prophet, she said she was "greater than a prophet."

Though false prophets can and do say and write many wonderful things, a little leaven can leaven the whole batch.

All this said, I know some wonderful advenstists who I consider my brothers and sisters in Christ. However, I think that they are deceived if they believe that E.G. White was a prophet or "the spirit of prophecy."

In Christ,

Daniel

[ProfessorJ]

Some excellent books have already been mentioned, like Strong's, books by Max Lucado, those by Lee Strobel, CS Lewis, and so on. It is sometimes harder to know if the lesser-known authors are being true to the Word, so you will have to do alot of research. Good luck with this endeavor, though