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Some questions seem silly until people actually think about them. For example, the question “What is reading for,” borderlines the absurd. Obviously, reading is one method in which people gain information and communicate with other people. Therein lies the issue; how do people impact the way information is read? The cultural background and location of an individual will greatly affect how that individual understands what he or she is reading. A fair question is do people read to find truth. This short post is going to presume that most people do intent to find truth in reading educational literature. People will read for truth that matters to them. If that presumption is correct, then Christians have an obligation to challenge their readers to find absolute truth.

Writers put their thoughts and beliefs down on paper so that others can learn new information. Christian writers must put information down that will challenge all people to think and consider what their beliefs are, and are those beliefs true. The society in which an individual lives will impact their outlook on the truth in scholastic literature. The challenge for Christian authors is to find a way to connect the truth to the circumstances in which their reader finds him or herself. Many truths could challenge deep seated beliefs that began centuries prior in some cultures. Lyons stated that theoretical concepts, “…are based on observations of human behavior and of the ways in which human behavior has been represented over the centuries in mythology, folklore, and literature” (297). The truth that Christians bring forth about Jesus shatter the truths of mythology and folklore. Christianity puts forth a truth that contradicts every other belief system in the world. The Christian truth is not a “what” but a “who”. Truth is Jesus, and Jesus is truth (cf. John 14:6). The fact that Jesus is truth impacts every aspect of a Christian’s life. Since Christianity promotes transformation through salvation not by works, Christians must write to bring people to explore that truth.

From a critical standpoint, non-Christians might read literature written by professed Christians in order to dissect any truth out of their writings. Convincing people that their personal beliefs are wrong is no easy task. People will not believe in a different truth if the one they do believe in is still valid. Christian writers must write to lovingly destroy any false concept that contradicts the truth of Scripture (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Weele stated, “Alert to the importance of memory for reading and to the roles of public as well as private reading, theology challenges us to think of reading in terms other than those of textural dominance” (59). Scripturally sound theological writings help readers explore new concepts of truth in a nonaggressive environment. People can read the truths of Christianity without the fear of confrontation.  

            Reading is vital. Reading truth that leads people to explore the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is essential. Christian writers have no idea who is going to read the literature they put forth. Christian writers must write in a way that the reader feels challenged. All readers have the obligation to explore ideas and concepts to find truth. There is absolute truth, and that truth is Jesus.

Works Cited

Tyson, Lois. Using Critical Theory: How to Read and Write About Literature. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2011. Print.

Weele, Michael Vander. “Review Essay: What is Reading For?” Christianity and Literature, vol. 52, no. 1. Autumn 2002, pp 57-83. Liberty University: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/courses/ENGL603_D01_202020/What%20Is%20Reading%20For.pdf