Wide and "Crazy" vs Narrow Libraries

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

MJ. Smith

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I consider my "denomination" to be ACELO - (High) Anglican-Catholic-Eastern Orthodox-(High) Lutheran-Oriental Orthodox which my resources reflect with a bit of interfaith and perennial philosophy thrown in. However, I have been a customer for longer than there has been a serious foray into the Catholic and Orthodox markets so my collection also reflects the general Logos collections. I have supplemented with low level packages in each of the denominational packages so that I have a basis on which to comment on the beliefs of other denominations with some confidence that I am accurate. Note this use is OUTSIDE the FL forums.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

For research purposes, outside my comfort zone refers to methodology not content.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

The answer to this is a matter of location and availability of time. When I had reasonable access to a theological library, time was a serious constraint; now I have time but location has become a constraint.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

For nearly fifty years I attended a Dominican parish. Did you know that Dominicans do not take a vow of poverty? That is because they were traveling preachers who needed to take their books with them i.e. individually owned books rather than a monastery copy serving everyone. And books were so valuable they alone would have broken a vow of poverty. So my reaction was to laugh at the question. BTW a Dominican will inherit my collection.

However, you are not asking what is to me the most important question. I firmly believe that solid (academic) works on scripture are theologically neutral -- which is not to say they are neutral with regards to hermeneutics, critical theory, linguistic theory ... I throw books out of consideration based on poor scholarship not theological stance. I was taught Lutheran presses for Biblical studies, Anglican/Orthodox presses for liturgy and worship, Catholic/Orthodox presses for theology. While there are obvious exceptions, this basic rule has served me well in both dead-tree and electronic formats.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193650#Comment_1193650

MJ, thanks so much! That was really interesting to read and gave me a lot to think about!

Veli Voipio

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193652#Comment_1193652

I sometimes call myself "Tunnel-view-cryptobiblicist-Lutheran". While working for the Bible translation in Africa more than a decade when I was young I met many good people from many denominations and learnt a lot from them.

Buying books always supports someone else, hopefully the author. Surprisingly, a wide library seems to be useful, even when I don't agree with some statements in the books. My collection focuses on original languages and technical exegesis, and some study Bibles for small group work.

Graham Criddle

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I have bought packages from each denominational strand Faithlife makes available

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library?

Yes, I have done that when it added diversity to my librar

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

I wouldn't say it's essential but I find it very useful. One of the things I am engaged in is marking papers for online students at a Bible college and having my own access to (most of) the resources they might quote is really helpful

o you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

No - but I would personally not get into debt through purchasing books. And the heresy question is one of being discerning and evaluating what I am reading

Sean

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I am a Pentecostal systematic theologian of a neo-orthodox bent. I buy packages that give me the best bang for the buck in my areas of interest. Often that has been Reformed, even though I am not, because they dominate the field of systematic theology. I've also bought Baptist, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Catholic packages simply because of the resources available in them. It varies with each release of a new version of Logos, and I look forward to looking at the new packages that get rolled out even more than the new features. Conversely, for the same reason I have not yet bought any Pentecostal-Charismatic packages.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

I am hoarding books; I am not in debt, though the present legacy library sale is testing that; when I was in academia I quipped "I read heresy so that you don't have to." There is a very short range of books I would object to having in my library on principle, but I won't go into that on the forum.

In the past, I often wondered if buying so many books was a waste, especially back when I was a professor and my interests were narrower. I am now a megachurch pastor (long story!) and having a diverse library has helped me countless times that I never could have anticipated in my previous work. ("You liked that sermon? Thanks! I studied from about 30 books while preparing for it.") It's been a tremendous blessing to my ministry.

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

"The best theological library in a 300 mile radius"

DMB

I'm a 'narrow' Logosian. Strictly early sources of information. And Logos delivers (well, except early latin). Time and more guys don't improve the path to salvation.

Mike Binks

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

I buy resources I need when I need them.

I buy resources I want when I can afford them.

I gather resources that might simply help fill my search fields when they are a 'gift horse' that it would be a sin to 'look into the mouth' of.

It is important to me to know what I believe, and important to know about what I don't believe and why, eg, the 1D10T Cult might believe it.

Mattillo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193673#Comment_1193673

I look at the packages and if there are books I want in them, I usually just buy the package and snag the extra books. Whether I use them or not is up for debate but there have been instances where I read another book later on, saw a source, and wondered if I had it and yes I did because of a package buy

GaoLu

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

In short, "deep and wide, deep and wide..."[8][8]

I don't fit well into any denominational pigeonhole. I find value poking around in well-lit areas and deep in the dark under couch cushions. I buy books for a variety of reasons: some are essential resources, some are inspirational, some are to learn a new thing, some are to satisfy an immense curiosity, some are for entertainment. Others are so I can refute heresy![8-|].

Ruts are only for climbing out of. I despise ruts, though they likely serve some good purpose. I buy mostly what I specifically want. I never buy willy nilly. For me, a simple purchase can consume a lot of time. I don't consider anything a "crazy" unless it's an Amish romance. Buying broadly in Logos has increased my knowledge, decreased my critical spirit of others, and propelled me along a fascinating journey of delightful discoveries.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

I have wasted a few bucks broadening my library. Owell. I would rather those dollars went to an orphanage. That is hindsight. Everything else is either essential or of interest.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books?

My wife worries about my hoarding more than I do. But, yes.

Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

Nah, no sin. My reading has enriched me immeasurably. I am picky about how I invest the hours of my life and want those hours to worship God, to learn about God and His people, or to teach others about Him.

I don't read heresy to get confused by it, but to know what it is enough to rid the barnyard of it.

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

I pity anyone who has not traveled around the world or lived in multiple countries. Likewise, I pity anyone who does not have a broad Logos library.

Ben

Since my denomination is not allowed to speak for itself in Logos' selection of books, I buy widely. However, I would buy widely anyway, for two reasons. Philosophically and theologically, truth, insight, and inspiration can come from many sources. Since I am an academic, I have both motivation and innate interest in seeking multiple perspectives. My research focus ties together Hebrew Bible, Reformation, and American religious history, and those are the books I tend to buy.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193652#Comment_1193652

Wow!

It is so interesting to hear you all describe your libraries!

I guess with my recent purchases, this is my description of mine:

Student Gallimaufry

I am not even pretending to know what I am doing. At this point in my journey, a teachable spirit is more important that being a know-it-all.

David Ames

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

My own denomination but also from those 180 degrees away but not too many of the ones only 30 degrees away.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

Not totally “crazy” but looking beyond your comfort zone can be interesting

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Wide is essential.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

Not in debt now but have had problems in the past. Now my library is big enough so I don’t have to over spend.

As for books that are “heresy” – can I see where they went "wrong" in their thinking? Or do I just think that they are “wrong”? It is interesting to follow the logic paths to see how different groups got to different places. And without the books that explain how “they” got there and analyzing their thought path are you sure you are on the one and only correct path? [IMHO if you only see their results, for example a summary of their beliefs, you may be missing something - the how they got there is important.]

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

My collection might be called “Confused”. Have received calls from Logos sales representatives that are selling items from one of those denomination that are 180 degrees away from mine and been told that I am one of their best customers.

[[Please note that I am using 180 degrees as an exaggeration. The items we have in common often far outweigh our true differences]]

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193706#Comment_1193706

I don't buy libraries because of the denominational tag, but because they include books (general commentary series) that I'm interested in.

EastTN

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193709#Comment_1193709

I take what I'd describe as an intermediate approach. I've gone deep on the "Standard" packages over the last decade or so. I've also made some targeted use of the smaller denominational packages to fill out specific gaps in my library. So for instance, I've bought some of the Orthodox and Eastern Rite packages for resources on the church fathers, the Messianic packages for their unique resources, the Reformed packages for some of their theological resources, and the Baptist packages because I come from a similar background. On the other hand, I don't feel a need to have every possible confessional document, denominational history or denominational point of view represented in my library.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193706#Comment_1193706

Some of my questions are based on topics that I have heard OTHERS discuss. I wanted to prompt general discussion that will benefit as many people as possible, as much as I want to get specific answers for myself.

I'm not too worried about heresy, personally, for myself. As a student, I sometimes need to conduct literature reviews and I am not allowed to ignore opinions that I don't agree with. I must include a response to them. David Ames's comment about having more resources that are greatly different, than resources that are only a little different is interesting.

Each denomination has its strengths and weaknesses. The denominations that are farthest from our comfort zone often excel in the exact areas our own denomination is weakest, especially if the groups completely isolate from each other. Yes, we have more in common than we have that is different, and we miss out on things that we would certainly agree with, just because things have been forgotten by our group or were never introduced to our groups as the isolation lengthens.

I did do what GaoLu refers to as a "willy nilly", and I am glad that I did it. I don't know what I don't know, until it pops up in a search field as relevant.

Debt I am a bit worried about. Not so much that my debt is going to get me into secular trouble, but I just fear being out of God's will. I do not believe that my money is mine. I believe that I am supposed to spent it on what He wants me to spend it on. Sometimes I am afraid that I am being prideful about my academic papers, rather than using the least time and money required to write only what will directly further His agendas. Sometimes I do not know where the line is between pride and excellence.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193723#Comment_1193723

My strategy is to remain debt free. Others choose differently and have more stuff, but I have less stress to enjoy the stuff I already have too much of. Debt is possibly a meat issue, but since this is a FL forum and I don't have a Logos resource for that, I'd better leave the debt debate be.

Alexxy Olu

I am not sure which area I fit into.

Before the advent of denomination packages, I invested much into the standard packages.

Since the advent of denomination packages I have bought from most denominations at different levels.

I am much influenced to name a few, by:

The awareness that a percentage of what I believe is ill-informed. Though I can not say the exact percentage, I want to reduce it to as little as possible.
I need to know what I believe and why. Interactions with those I do not agree with frequently open fresh areas of my belief to further studies.
Understanding that those who believe what I don't believe are as convinced of their position as I am of mine, I want to know what they believe and why preferably from their own resources.
Oftentimes, I have discovered resources that initially seem not so relevant to later be very useful.
The bigger the library, the higher the potential for relevant information from a diverse range of views and positions.
Recommendations from the forum and respect others.

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193723#Comment_1193723

Sometimes I do not know where the line is between pride and excellence.

Excellence for His Glory or Excellence for Our Pride. It is a fine line at times.

Ken McGuire

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I am officially a Lutheran layperson. My official "flavor" of Lutheranism has its own church press where they seem to refuse to allow other distributers, be it Amazon or Faithlife to sell their material at a discount higher than they offer their own members via mail order. As much as I appreciate this as a member, it frustrates me that our stuff isn't in any of the Logos denominational base packages.

I have a wide enough understanding of Lutheranism that I do find much of value in various Denominational Base packages. The Lutheran packages have had some decent editions of Luther, as well as our Confessional writings and some very influential studies in Historical theology, as well as writings from influential Lutheran Theologians. Verbum Eastern and Orthodox have had quite good editions of influential Church Fathers. Regular Verbum has had some good dictionaries covering fields of interest, as well as the Papal Encyclicals, which at their very LEAST are informed and informative writings on many issues that face the church today. The Anglican libraries have been good at getting the works of NT Wright, who, even if I think he is misunderstanding some important things, is a major figure in NT scholarship today. In addition, they have some good works on worship. And with as influential as Calvin's Institutes has been, the McNeill/Battles edition is cheaper in many Reformed starter editions than separately.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

Less and less as I go on. I already have a fairly wide library, and have enough crazy already.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Have I wasted money on some resources? Yes. Have I been surprised at how some resources I would not have considered at first have indeed been useful? Yes. Is it essential for me to have as big and wide a library as I have? Almost certainly not.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

We should always be aware of what is good stewardship of what we have, and not just follow Faithlife marketing. How exactly you balance this is between you and your Lord - and the needy neighbors our Lord has given us. There is no simple answer to this, but the story of Mary and Martha suggests that carefully listening to our Lord is indeed important.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193735#Comment_1193735

Thank you everyone that is contributing. It is very interesting to see both the patterns in responses and the unique responses.

My strategy is to remain debt free. Others choose differently and have more stuff, but I have less stress to enjoy the stuff I already have too much of. Debt is possibly a meat issue, but since this is a FL forum and I don't have a Logos resource for that, I'd better leave the debt debate be.

You made me curious to see what would come up for a search on "debt". It is a preaching theme, and some scripture lists and dictionaries pop up. I am almost sure that I saw at least one monograph in one of my "willy nilly" packages on money. Okay, so, two monographs come up for "money", and one is definitely in the "willy nilly" package. Maybe that is the one I need most to read. Hmm.

Michael Kinch

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

I would say my library is primarily a Dalmatian with a bit of Beagle, a whole bunch of British Bulldogs and a herd of Great Danes and of course a flock of Teacup Yorkies to finish it off.

I have a wide selection of resources from numerous denominational packages. Not too long ago I realized that my library was short on Atlases so I did a bit of research on them and purchased what I thought were the best of them. I have a lot of commentaries, surveys and introductions but could use more monographs particularly relating to books of the Bible that will give me greater background and general interest information. I try to pick up things that will help me in my searches and factbook queries. I cherish the books that I have and spend most of my time in my Logos library. I judge the value of a potential addition to my library often by the number of pages. Sometimes I have to do a google search to find that info but it is worth it to me. I often read a book or commentary from cover to cover and if I find one new thought that challenges my thinking or leads me in a new path of discovery I consider my time well spent. I do not feel guilty about the money I have spent though it is an eye opener when I look at my purchase history. My library is essential for me, it provides me with both information and inspiration. I will probably not travel very widely, and there are a lot of things that I cannot do but with my library resources and mobile ed courses I can sit down with leading scholars and gifted authors from a wide range of perspectives and learn from them. When I am in one of my "crazy moods" I can dig into those crazy purchases and feast to my hearts content. That happens fairly frequently.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193778#Comment_1193778

I would say my library is primarily a Dalmatian with a bit of Beagle, a whole bunch of British Bulldogs and a herd of Great Danes and of course a flock of Teacup Yorkies to finish it off.

....

I will probably not travel very widely, and there are a lot of things that I cannot do but with my library resources and mobile ed courses I can sit down with leading scholars and gifted authors from a wide range of perspectives and learn from them.

You are funny!

Books do substitute for travel, don't they.

A friend without family told me that certain books were her family, and that one in particular had reared her.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193780#Comment_1193780

Hope this isn't off topic, but concerning debt, check this out:

https://www.logos.com/search?query=debt&sortBy=Relevance&limit=60&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=availableToMe

David Wanat

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193745#Comment_1193745

My own focus is Catholic, so that takes priority in my library. But with so much misunderstanding between different denominations, I think it is important to have the essential works of other denominations rather than just what others have told me about them in order to avoid rash judgment. So I’ve tried to go at least one tier into each package.

Aside from that, I’ve found the Orthodox packages to be useful in reinforcing my Patristics, and the Lutheran + Anglican sets for wider information on the Reformation.

The drawback is, at 9500+ books, it’s sometimes a chore to find a specific reference I’m looking for

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193812#Comment_1193812

The drawback is, at 9500+ books, it’s sometimes a chore to find a specific reference I’m looking for

You need the Logos Doggie Feature Set (the Beagle is especially good).

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193811#Comment_1193811

Hope this isn't off topic, but concerning debt, check this out:

https://www.logos.com/search?query=debt&sortBy=Relevance&limit=60&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=availableToMe

Not off topic at all. I have been spending the morning studying debt in Logos. I had to widen the study to "money". The most useful things that I have are some SDA tracts that I bought "willy nilly" and caution me against further "willy nilly" purchases. LOL. On a serious note, the advice is specifically on the topic of investing money in something with hope to later give to the church, but that in the short-term is "buried" money that is not immediately accessible to the church.

https://www.logos.com/product/179113/the-unwise-use-of-money-and-the-spirit-of-speculation

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193812#Comment_1193812

... I think it is important to have the essential works of other denominations rather than just what others have told me about them in order to avoid rash judgment. ...

...I’ve found the Orthodox packages to be useful in reinforcing my Patristics, and the Lutheran + Anglican sets for wider information on the Reformation.

I am pretty much done with resources ABOUT another group, instead of resources BY them.

It is so interesting to hear the general strengths of each denominations packages. Sometimes the conclusion is applicable to people themselves.

I wonder how much of an impact wide package buying in Logos has on a user's beliefs about other groups.

Michael Kinch

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193817#Comment_1193817

The drawback is, at 9500+ books, it’s sometimes a chore to find a specific reference I’m looking for

You need the Logos Doggie Feature Set (the Beagle is especially good).

For sure. It is a little bit short but has a good bark [;)]

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193835#Comment_1193835

You all are so funny!

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193828#Comment_1193828

Hope this isn't off topic, but concerning debt, check this out:

https://www.logos.com/search?query=debt&sortBy=Relevance&limit=60&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=availableToMe

Not off topic at all. I have been spending the morning studying debt in Logos.

Search idea for debt application:

([field heading,largetext,surface] debt) AFTER 88 WORDS ([field heading,largetext] action, activity, application, assignment, characteristic, community, concept, conclusion, consider, contemporary, credential, devotion, digging, discussion, effective, exercise, experiment, guideline, goal, heart, homework, key, idea, important, issue, message, practical, principle, priority, purpose, question, reflection, reshape, revelation, "secret place", step, study, think, tip, "to life", "to live", truth, understand, walk, ”ways to”, "what to", wisdom)

Bookstore section of search shows resources to prayerfully consider for purchase.

I had to widen the study to "money".

Expanded search by adding "money"

([field heading,largetext,surface] debt,money) AFTER 88 WORDS ([field heading,largetext] action, activity, application, assignment, characteristic, community, concept, conclusion, consider, contemporary, credential, devotion, digging, discussion, effective, exercise, experiment, guideline, goal, heart, homework, key, idea, important, issue, message, practical, principle, priority, purpose, question, reflection, reshape, revelation, "secret place", step, study, think, tip, "to life", "to live", truth, understand, walk, ”ways to”, "what to", wisdom)

Keep Smiling [:)]

David Wanat

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193817#Comment_1193817

The drawback is, at 9500+ books, it’s sometimes a chore to find a specific reference I’m looking for

You need the Logos Doggie Feature Set (the Beagle is especially good).

I think this one went over my head [;)]

xnman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193857#Comment_1193857

The drawback is, at 9500+ books, it’s sometimes a chore to find a specific reference I’m looking for

Which is why we need more work done on the "Guides--->Cross References". Vote for that here!!!

I believe truth is objective... not subjective and I believe truth can be proven, even Biblical truth... so....for that reaon...I buy books that are seeking and promoting truth....

I will ask opinions... do research on internet... ask friends about an author... and if I can... I will visit a library to try to read some of his works.... before I buy.

"Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding." - Proverbs 23:23

But.... I have a wide varity of books in my Logos library... which shows to go you.... that I am really one messed up guy that's trying to straighten his life out... lol

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193857#Comment_1193857

I think this one went over my head

Michael, above, compared his library to a series of cute dogs. Large libraries need to extra-special dogs.

Dave Hooton

Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

No and my Library is only 2550, carefully expanded from a base Silver library some years ago. Gold has too much fluff for my studies. I buy selected libraries like Academic, Pentecostal & Charismatic that offer a good deal for books I am interested in. A Gold Legacy libary is attracting my interest, but the fluff is holding me back.

SineNomine

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I don't understand myself as belonging to a denomination, but I have bought many products by authors from churches and ecclesial communities/denominations other than my own.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library?

Not I. I don't buy collections that I don't have a preexisting reason to value at or above their cost to me. That requires having at least some minimal degree of familiarity with some portion of their contents. However, I don't mind having 'fluff' in my library, so I do have lots of stuff that I don't care for.

Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

I don't have a comfort zone.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Most of the resources in my current Verbum library that I might label essential (such as the ones I consult most often or have read most/all of) are Catholic, as I would label them (so including the Church Fathers). But a minority are Orthodox, ecumenical/secular, Anglican/Protestant, or Jewish. Some Protestant theological traditions appear more frequently than others.

Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because [...] you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

No. Sometimes I go out of my way to acquire works I believe to be heretical.

Bruce Dunning

What a great conversation. Thank you for starting this Kathleen.

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I purposefully choose from a wide variety of traditions and I take time to tag each author as to what their theological background might be. That way when I read something from that resource, it helps me to understand their perspective.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Essential, given the reasons I expressed above.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

I think it is always wise to pass our purchases through the filter of whether they might be excessive. To me it would be worse to have any library in Logos and not use steward this resource. I think we are accountable for everything we have in life including Logos resources. From another perspective I think that it is also good to carefully consider who we give our libraries once we pass as this is all part of stewarding what we have been given.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194006#Comment_1194006

I think that it is also good to carefully consider who we give our libraries once we pass as this is all part of stewarding what we have been given.

Someone recently showed me how to see the total worth of my Logos library. It is my single earthly treasure of any value, and if I were to pass soon, it is worth something. I had assumed at some point to lose it, like I eventually lose everything. I have never tried to pass ownership of a digital resource, but have lost some through corrupted storage and companies that went out of business and some that I had to abandon (story for another day). I just started living for today with my digital resources.

But this is worth something, and more than it was worth a few months ago.

Despite owning this, I cannot afford a will or anything like that, on top of the debt I have accumulated buying it. LOL. So, is there anything set up that is a free and easy way to make sure a library goes somewhere instead of just becoming the equivalent of rust and moth-food?

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1193873#Comment_1193873

I was really worried about fluff, and was avoiding a certain package to prevent downloading fluff. And then ... I did the willy nilly because I was curious to see what that fluff would do to my search fields. I am very pleased with the results. I didn't know what I didn't know.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194039#Comment_1194039

Despite owning this, I cannot afford a will or anything like that, on top of the debt I have accumulated buying it. LOL. So, is there anything set up that is a free and easy way to make sure a library goes somewhere instead of just becoming the equivalent of rust and moth-food

There are a number of free online sites that allow you to write a will for free. You can even do it without their help - just make sure you have a couple of witnesses sign it. The only advantage of the online sites are they speak legalese ... useful if the will is contested.

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194042#Comment_1194042

Despite owning this, I cannot afford a will or anything like that, on top of the debt I have accumulated buying it. LOL. So, is there anything set up that is a free and easy way to make sure a library goes somewhere instead of just becoming the equivalent of rust and moth-food

There are a number of free online sites that allow you to write a will for free. You can even do it without their help - just make sure you have a couple of witnesses sign it. The only advantage of the online sites are they speak legalese ... useful if the will is contested.

Thanks! I will take advantage of this opportunity to do something. I am not sure what, yet.

SineNomine

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194041#Comment_1194041

I was really worried about fluff, and was avoiding a certain package to prevent downloading fluff. And then ... I did the willy nilly because I was curious to see what that fluff would do to my search fields. I am very pleased with the results. I didn't know what I didn't know.

If I don't want a particular resource clogging things up... I don't download it (or I remove it). And if I really don't want it, I'll hide it. I don't have any interest in missing out on good deals because of extra stuff I don't care for.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194173#Comment_1194173

I look at each base package, figure up all of the resources that I really want to have, and if the cost of the base package is less than the books I want, then I purchase it. I don't worry about the denominational title. This usually means I eventually get most levels of every base package except SDA and Pentecostal & Charismatic, since the crossover usually captures any resources I would want from those packages.

I know some people see the extra resources as clutter, but I see them as another link that will lead somewhere when I come across a reference.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194042#Comment_1194042

Despite owning this, I cannot afford a will or anything like that, on top of the debt I have accumulated buying it. LOL. So, is there anything set up that is a free and easy way to make sure a library goes somewhere instead of just becoming the equivalent of rust and moth-food

There are a number of free online sites that allow you to write a will for free. You can even do it without their help - just make sure you have a couple of witnesses sign it. The only advantage of the online sites are they speak legalese ... useful if the will is contested.

I was just going to respond to say the same thing. Not only are there ways of creating a will that are free on-line but many lawyers will offer simple will for very little cost with the hope that they will get your business in the future. When I turned 18 my dad made me get a will and I'm pleased that he did. I'm a bit believer that we should all have a will even if we don't think we own much. It is an act of love toward those who follow to help make things easier for them.

Simon’s Brother

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

While I attend a church of a particular denomination I don't assign a denominational label to myself. If I did I would have had to change that label a number of times over my life. For me what's important is that it is local and presents bible base teaching centred on the gospel.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

My library has always been a Blend 43 so getting into a rut and not looking beyond my comfort zone has not been an issue.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

For me I don't see it as a waste of money. Whether it is essential depends upon the individual, there maturity in the faith and their needs.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books?

No. They are digital and take up only virtual space. Over the years I have decrease the size of my print library and rarely buy a print book.

Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

I don't have a concern with a book that I might think are a heresy. But I might not necessarily recommend them for everyone, we are each at a different point in our faith and for some people they might not be helpful. As for debt at times I admit I have spent too much on books to the detriment of other responsibilities in my life and so yes that has been a sin on those occasions. I don't think though having a large or wide library is a sin provided you don't make an idol out of it or continually expanding it beyond your financial means or have pride in the size of your library etc. Having a large library, you won't read every resource cover to cover, some you may end up not ever opening. The ones you end up never opening some call fluff but I'm fine with fluff, some of it will turn up in search results and you discover a useful perspective or information about the topic you are studying / researching that you otherwise wouldn't.

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a brief description for your collection of Logos books.

As I hinted at earlier, I would call it my "Blend 43" Library.

Mike Childs

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I buy widely from multiple denominations. My denomination and theology is Methodist / Wesleyan. For 45 years I was a United Methodist pastor. My Congregation and I are still Methodist, but no longer United Methodist. Some of my favorite writers are Calvinists, such as Spurgeon, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and others. I am more interested that a writer has a "heart for God" than whether or not the writer parrots my beliefs. I also love the Church Fathers. I can hold to what is good in a writer while discarding the rest.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library? Have you ever gotten into a rut in your research, and only then looked beyond your former comfort zone?

No, I usually buy books related to something that I am interested in.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

An essential.

Do you worry that you are hoarding books? Do you worry that your purchases might be a sin, because you are in debt, or you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

I do not worry about hoarding books. Most of my ministerial books for last 30 years have been in the form of Logos books. However, I have several thousand paper books of all types. At one time my purchases were likely a sin, as I went into debt to buy books. However, that has not been the case for years now. I will not go into debt to buy a book. As for reading heresy, I still have enough brain power to separate wheat from chaff when I read. I recognize heresy when I read it, but I do not consider everyone who disagrees with me doctrinally to be a heretic. Some of them are merely mistaken

If you are feeling playful and creative: Create a title and a short description for your collection of Logos books.

"9045 of my Closest Friends".

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

Buying widely allows many searches to find results for forum discussion examples.

Does anyone ever buy the most unfamiliar and "crazy" collection you can find, to diversify your library?

Depends on collection pricing since seldom spend more than $10 for an individual resource license. Overall, my average is $ 2.20 per resource.

Is a wide library a "waste" of money or essential for you?

Essential

Do you worry that ... you are reading books that you think might be heresy?

Noticed degree of heresy & truth varies among humans, which can be an intriguing/puzzling mix. Most amazing to me is the greatness of God's Holy Love.

Thankful for many friendly forum & Faithlife discussions: have learned a lot plus have a lot to learn.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Greg

Do you only purchase books within your own denomination, or do you buy widely from multiple denominations?

I mainly use Logos for daily Bible reading and meditation.

My beliefs are: Conservative, literal Interpretation of the Inerrant Bible, Baptist, Reformed (which intersects with some Presbyterian/Lutheran/etc doctrine and commentaries but does not agree with all Presbyterian/Lutheran/etc doctrine for example)

I trust, value, and buy books within those types of doctrines. I seek to identify false doctrine and keep the correct doctrine. I make "notes" when I identify false doctrine and false teachers and authors using the notes function in Logos. If the author is overall false I hide those resources by those authors within Logos (Library, Select Resource, Control+RightClick+Hide) because I don't want false ideas polluting or defiling my meditation of the literal interpretation of the Inerrant Bible.

I desire to be careful to heed the following verses

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good - Romans 12:9
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Verses like this impact how I use Logos

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194574#Comment_1194574

I mainly use Logos for daily Bible reading and meditation.

... If the author is overall false I hide those resources by those authors within Logos (Library, Select Resource, Control+RightClick+Hide) because I don't want false ideas polluting or defiling my meditation of the literal interpretation of the Inerrant Bible. ...

Forgive me for the truncations, but I really wanted to single out this very interesting point.

For me, meditation is such a very different activity than academic paper writing.

I still find myself resorting back to other software for my devotional time. At first I thought I just needed more training so that my Logos time was more effortless, but I am realizing that even having some of my school resources in my sight is intrusive into my private time. And I don't want the same things "preferred".

Greg

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194589#Comment_1194589

For me, meditation is such a very different activity than academic paper writing.

I still find myself resorting back to other software for my devotional time.

At first I thought I just needed more training so that my Logos time was more effortless,

but I am realizing that even having some of my school resources in my sight is intrusive into my private time.

And I don't want the same things "preferred".

Logos Layouts lets you set up multiple custom layouts for different purposes. I only have one custom layout I named "Greg's Bible Reading Layout".

But I don't think you can have multiple prioritizations of resources. That would be helpful to academics who want to also use Logos to deepen their Love for God daily.

I mainly use Logos to deepen my Love for God daily. Its wonderful to search maps, Bible dictionaries, Hebrew and Greek definitions, pronunciations, and commentaries to hear God speak his deep love into my heart. The resources I just mentioned make the Bible understandable, deep, and rich.

Without Logos I can't find all these insights efficiently and I just settle for a quick understanding, sometimes with multiple physical study Bibles and commentaries, maps, and dictionaries, and a concordance stacked up on my coffee table or kitchen table sometimes.

I know friends who get distracted with digital Bibles and books, during their meditation on the Bible, but much more often it deepens my Love for God by knowing and hearing so much more about exactly what God is saying to me today. Its a sweet time with the Lord together.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1194589#Comment_1194589

You can have more than one Faithlife account with

A) more than one LOGIN and/or

totally different installations on the same computer.

Use your broad library for academic research. Use a narrow one with a different setup for devotions.