"The Value of Books" The President's Blog for July 24, 2009
The Value of Books
It was William Ellery Channing who penned "In the best books, great men talk to us, give us the most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours. God be thanked for books. They are the voices of the distant and the dead, and make us heirs of the spiritual life of past ages. Books are true levelers." Indeed Channing is correct as good books enlighten and
refresh the soul.
Accordingly, I seek to share some short reviews of some books I have read recently that I believe will be of great benefit to you as elders and church leaders. Most of these are available at our local Adventist Book and Nutrition Center (ABNC). When I spoke with the ABNC manager just a few days ago, she assured me that a shipment will arrive shortly with the first book that I recommend. I strongly urge that you look with favor in securing most if not all of these. You may wish to create a local church library. Also, it is possible that there may be some books you would wish to recommend that I read. Feel free to share.
How to Kill Adventist Education
The author, Shane Anderson, a pastor, lists some perceived factors that we might have heard about that are believed to be affecting Adventist Education. However, based on his research, he shares in this volume some six factors that are the causes for destroying Adventist Education. Nevertheless, Shane’s work seeks ways to give Adventist Education a fighting
chance to survive. As such, I strongly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. In fact, since reading this book comprising less than 200 pages, I felt the urge to re-read Education by Ellen White; and thus I list it now.
Education
This volume, though written in 1903, is very much relevant. In reading it, one is sure to get the impression that the author had an insight into today’s concerns and issues regarding Adventist Education. Having read this book in 1977, I wondered how I missed so much. It is possible that back then I sought just to fulfill an assignment, but now I seek to understand God’s will regarding education. It is possible that this one is in your library. I would encourage you to dust it off and read a chapter or two daily, or as time permits. You will end each session declaring that “Mrs. White was inspired.”
While talking about Ellen White, I would also recommend Counsels on Diet and Foods, which the staff at the Conference Headquarters is reading for devotion before beginning the work day.
Embrace the Impossible
Penned by William G. Johnson, who is best known as the longtime editor of the Adventist Review, this book provides a solid insight into the life of the Adventist church and some of it leaders. As editor for the official organ of the church, William worked closely with the last three presidents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists before his retirement. He shares some of the difficult issues the church faced over the years. Also, he devotes an entire chapter to “Women in Ministry.” You will find this very insightful coming from one who was exposed to all the debates regarding the subject of the
ordination of women for ministry. Elders, this is a must!
The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism
In this book comprising of 100 pages, George Knight, one of my favorite Adventist authors, addresses the question: “Are we erasing our relevancy?” In fact, many of you have purchased this book and have indicated your pleasure in reading the same. As I am referring to George Knight, I remind you to dust off and read, if you haven’t done so, the books given out at the last Conference Session: A Search for Identity and Organizing to Beat The Devil. If you were not a delegate you can find these at the ABNC.
Coming of the Comforter
Given to me by our Ministerial Secretary, Pastor Peter Joseph, I am currently reading this volume. A classic study on the Holy Spirit, it is divided into four sections. They are: The Promise of the Spirit; The Coming of the Spirit; The Filling of the Spirit and Symbols of the Spirit.
Admittedly, I might have come across as a salesman or colporteur, but really I feel the need for us to exchange information about works that inform, inspire, educate and draw us closer to Christ and the church He has established. This list is in no way exhaustive; and hopefully, later I will share some others with you, inclusive of non- Adventist authors. Also, I would encourage you to read the church magazines that are distributed regularly, as they contain relevant and helpful articles. Again I trust that you will share the titles of some of your reading as together we grow in our walk with the Lord.
Thought to Ponder:
"Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill." Barbara Tuchman
Thanks for Supporting Bahamas Academy
It was William Ellery Channing who penned "In the best books, great men talk to us, give us the most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours. God be thanked for books. They are the voices of the distant and the dead, and make us heirs of the spiritual life of past ages. Books are true levelers." Indeed Channing is correct as good books enlighten and
refresh the soul.Accordingly, I seek to share some short reviews of some books I have read recently that I believe will be of great benefit to you as elders and church leaders. Most of these are available at our local Adventist Book and Nutrition Center (ABNC). When I spoke with the ABNC manager just a few days ago, she assured me that a shipment will arrive shortly with the first book that I recommend. I strongly urge that you look with favor in securing most if not all of these. You may wish to create a local church library. Also, it is possible that there may be some books you would wish to recommend that I read. Feel free to share.
How to Kill Adventist Education
The author, Shane Anderson, a pastor, lists some perceived factors that we might have heard about that are believed to be affecting Adventist Education. However, based on his research, he shares in this volume some six factors that are the causes for destroying Adventist Education. Nevertheless, Shane’s work seeks ways to give Adventist Education a fighting
chance to survive. As such, I strongly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. In fact, since reading this book comprising less than 200 pages, I felt the urge to re-read Education by Ellen White; and thus I list it now.Education
This volume, though written in 1903, is very much relevant. In reading it, one is sure to get the impression that the author had an insight into today’s concerns and issues regarding Adventist Education. Having read this book in 1977, I wondered how I missed so much. It is possible that back then I sought just to fulfill an assignment, but now I seek to understand God’s will regarding education. It is possible that this one is in your library. I would encourage you to dust it off and read a chapter or two daily, or as time permits. You will end each session declaring that “Mrs. White was inspired.”
While talking about Ellen White, I would also recommend Counsels on Diet and Foods, which the staff at the Conference Headquarters is reading for devotion before beginning the work day.
Embrace the Impossible
Penned by William G. Johnson, who is best known as the longtime editor of the Adventist Review, this book provides a solid insight into the life of the Adventist church and some of it leaders. As editor for the official organ of the church, William worked closely with the last three presidents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists before his retirement. He shares some of the difficult issues the church faced over the years. Also, he devotes an entire chapter to “Women in Ministry.” You will find this very insightful coming from one who was exposed to all the debates regarding the subject of the
ordination of women for ministry. Elders, this is a must!The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism
In this book comprising of 100 pages, George Knight, one of my favorite Adventist authors, addresses the question: “Are we erasing our relevancy?” In fact, many of you have purchased this book and have indicated your pleasure in reading the same. As I am referring to George Knight, I remind you to dust off and read, if you haven’t done so, the books given out at the last Conference Session: A Search for Identity and Organizing to Beat The Devil. If you were not a delegate you can find these at the ABNC.
Coming of the Comforter
Given to me by our Ministerial Secretary, Pastor Peter Joseph, I am currently reading this volume. A classic study on the Holy Spirit, it is divided into four sections. They are: The Promise of the Spirit; The Coming of the Spirit; The Filling of the Spirit and Symbols of the Spirit.
Admittedly, I might have come across as a salesman or colporteur, but really I feel the need for us to exchange information about works that inform, inspire, educate and draw us closer to Christ and the church He has established. This list is in no way exhaustive; and hopefully, later I will share some others with you, inclusive of non- Adventist authors. Also, I would encourage you to read the church magazines that are distributed regularly, as they contain relevant and helpful articles. Again I trust that you will share the titles of some of your reading as together we grow in our walk with the Lord.
Thought to Ponder:
"Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill." Barbara Tuchman
Thanks for Supporting Bahamas Academy
Comment
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Comment by Serkeitha Meadows on July 25, 2009 at 8:52pm - Very relevant and extremely timely Pastor. I will share this with young people because reading sometimes appears extinct as videos and games take front seat in the theatres of many people minds.
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