Benefits and Dangers of Reading Old Writers
In this week’s episode, Jeremy Walker joins John Snyder to discuss the benefits and dangers of reading the old writers.
Where should you start? Here are some of John and Jeremy’s suggestions:
One danger is to read these simply to say you have read them, rather than reading for the benefit of your soul to draw near to God. Another is that you read and look to old writers so much that they supplant Scripture. Outside of the Scriptures, every book has its benefits but is limited.
Why read the Puritans? How can you choose good older writers if you don’t have anyone to ask or to direct you? Look at good publishers: Banner of Truth, Reformation Heritage Books, and others. Read the men that benefit your current favorite authors. Drink from the well they drank from. Charles Spurgeon read the Puritans, George Whitefield, and others.
When reading an author you’re not used to, don’t give up in the first three chapters. Any new author takes time to adapt to—no matter the century they’re writing in. If you’re struggling to understand these old writers, it may help to read them aloud. Many of them were written as sermons and written to be spoken.
Ultimately, we want to encourage you to read the men or women who are taken up with Christ.
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