Sundoulos

From the Editor

“Never read a good book—there are too many great books!”

I can’t recall where I first heard this advice; perhaps it was a paraphrase of C. S. Lewis in his essay “On the Reading of Old Books” (first published as the Introduction to a translation of St. Athanasius’ treatise, On the Incarnation), perhaps not. At any rate, like most maxims, it prods us to ask if it is really wise advice.

There is so much to keep up with these days. The typical pastor’s active reading shelf is crowded with the latest books on church growth, management, church law, financial planning, homiletics, and perhaps a commentary or two. Time for Calvin or Luther? Or Augustine, Athanasius, Clement, or the Gregories (Nyssa and Nazianzus)? Hardly!

Not so fast, say our two authors this month. Alan Gomes and Ashish Naidu teach historical theology at Talbot, and they make a solid case for revisiting the great works that have been used by the Holy Spirit to teach the church for two thousand years.

So if the oldest thing you’ve read recently is a three-month-old issue of Time in the dentist’s office, my prayer is that this issue of Sundoulos will motivate you to do more.

Years ago I was at a pastors’ conference where Dr. John Stott was asked how he found time to read as much as he did. His reply became a guideline I’ve tried to follow: “I try to read one hour a day, one day a month, and one week a year—reading not in preparation for my sermon this Sunday or a book I’m currently writing.” Perhaps something like that will work for you.

Your Fellow-servant,
Garry DeWeese
Editor, Sundoulos