Why Study Literature?
The
study of literature, particularly classic literature, is important for human
development and essential for a complete education. Literature is part of the
record of mankind; it preserves our history, cultures, adversities, triumphs,
and imagination. The study of good literature is particularly important,
writing that has stood the test of time and exerted significant influence. Good
literature challenges the reader. It stretches the mind, broadens the horizons,
increases the vocabulary, improves verbal and written articulation, and
inspires the imagination. No student can expect to achieve her potential or
accomplish a significant and balanced education without developing the practice
of intentional, disciplined reading.
It
is important for Christians to include secular literature and works of
non-Christian faiths in their reading. The apostle Paul was acquainted with the
secular and pagan literature of his day, and he quoted from it in both his
writing (Titus 1:12) and his preaching (Acts 17:28). Familiarity with secular
and non-Christian literary sources is important for several reasons. First, it
challenges the believer’s worldview, compelling her to weigh what is believed
against dissenting worldviews and contrary evidence. A faith which cannot
survive such testing is either immature or seriously lacking in apologetic and
rational support. Second, familiarity with secular literature provides a bridge
to unbelievers in the world. Reading widely allows the believer to discover
points of commonality between Scripture and the surrounding culture. These
similarities can become opportunities to introduce the Christian faith to
outsiders and to share the gospel. Third, believers should read outside their
own faith to be truly honest in their life and confession. Christians expect
non-Christians to be willing to consider the evidence for Christianity; shouldn’t
the followers of Jesus be willing to do the same by reading the literature of
and considering the evidence for atheism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and
materialism? Reading a book written to refute non-Christian values is not the
same as reading the original sources. Believers would not want unbelievers to
form their conclusions about theism simply by reading Richard Dawkins, but
Christians are sometimes guilty of doing largely the same. Finally, reading
broadly is important for Christians who believe all truth is ultimately rooted
in the person, work, and revelation of God. The truth which originates with God
can be discovered in all kinds of literature beyond the explicitly spiritual.
Good literature invites the believer to see the Bible’s assessment of the human
condition and quest is, indeed, accurate. The Scriptures may inspire and
instruct faith, but secular literature can reinforce what was first learned in
holy writ.
--Joel M. Ellis, Jr.
October 2012
