http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-reasons-pastor-theologians-should-read-fiction
Thanks Floyd for bringing this to our attention. I have a confession to make. I do a lot of reading but I don't read much fiction. That being said, I know it is good for me so I "force myself" to do so and some of my reasons are articulated in the blog you highlighted.
But I'm quite picky at what I read and only will read what comes highly recommended from people I trust. Actually I'd be interested in hearing from people on this forum what they think are the best fiction books they have read and why they would recommend that book. If Faithlife carries them that would even be better.
I don't think I've ever read a single example of literary fiction that I've enjoyed or found helpful (unless 1984 and Animal Farm counts). On the other hand, I quite enjoy adventures by authors like Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, John le Carré and Robert Harris.
I don't think I've ever read a single example of literary fiction that I've enjoyed or found helpful
I'm on the opposite side of the fence e.g. Class Trip by Emmanuel Carrere makes one consider the plight of a criminal's son; The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes covers the clash of cultures, The Three-Arched Bridge by Ismael Kadare on the border between Muslim and Christian cultures, ...
One more reason, though parallel to those listed here, is that it may help us understand our parishioners. Whether it is Christian fiction or not, the fiction of the culture often reflects what it is or what it is becoming. Knowing either of these allows us to better prepare our people for the challenges they may face.
Some more recommendations, Christian and secular mix
* C.S. Lewis Space trilogy
* Ben Hur
* Dr Heiser's Façade and Portent
* Day of the Triffids
* Pilgrim's Progress
* Hamlet
* Sherlock Holmes
Some more recommendations, Christian and secular mix Dr Heiser's Façade and Portent
Dr Heiser's Façade and Portent
Mike's books are on Vyrso :-)
I think you're probably displaying your "Britishness" there Mark - my list would be almost the same, although I'd probably add some of G K Chesterton's work and I've particularly enjoyed some of le Carre's later "angry" novels (the Constant Gardener, Absolute Friends, the Mission Song) having been thoroughly put off literary fiction at school over 40 years ago by being force-fed Graham Greene and Shakespeare.
