Disclaimer
As a Dad I think it’s important to make informed decisions about what I allow my kid’s to be exposed to. As a result I sometimes read what my daughters are reading and sometimes read what they’d like to read to decide if it’s appropriate. Sometimes it’s not just for them but other books that are culturally relevant. My concern is that a fellow Believer take offense at my choice of what to read.
Howerver, Paul writes that “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12). It is in light of this verse that I make my decisions about what to read. I trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in an understanding of what material is unsuitable for me as a Christian and what is in fact beneficial. Paul’s choice of words is interesting here…”I will not be mastered by anything.” To me, this is reflected in the heart and attitude that one enters into something like a book. Do you approach with caution and an eye on what intellectual dangers exist, or does it master you, pulling you into the plot where your guard is lowered?
Additionally, I am bound by the warning not to let my freedom cause a brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 10:23-31). With this in mind I must ask all of my Christians brothers and sisters to listen the urging and conviction of the Holy Spirit in their own heart regarding what they choose to read; please don’t take my reading list as an endorsement of what is appropriate for all.
