Dan Reid has offered some great lines to be used when trying to justify the purchase of books to one's "nonacademic spouse." This is very witty! I think that I've used many of these lines already.Well, this list has been a hit around the blogosphere and you've probably already read it, but here is a link for our records. Top Ten Things to Say on Returning Home with Conference Book Plunder
Books truly are tools of the trade! They are necessary for Bible students and pastors!
On a recent visit to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forrest, NC) I had the opportunity to attend a reception in the home of Dr Daniel Akin. A group of us gathered around him in his personal library and tossed out questions for him to answer. One person asked him how he was able to build such a large library (about 15,000 volumes). I was intrigued to hear that he had decided while he was a student to spend $1,000 per year on books. After he married his wife they agreed to continue this practice. He said this with all seriousness and encouraged us to consider doing something similar. His purpose in doing this was because he had a clear sense of calling.
Every laborer needs to be well equipped to perform effectively. Formal training is important and so is ongoing training. I'm convinced that an effective pastor is a growing pastor--growing spiritually and academically. A well-selected library, if attainable, should be sought after. Spurgeon believed that power in the pulpit can be improved when a preacher is well supplied with books (see here).
Our burden with TheoSource is to encourage Christians, laymen and ministers alike, to grow in the faith and to point out resources that will aid them in this endeavor. The goal is to become better students of the Word. No other book can replace or supersede the Word of God. If we can do no better than a few books, we would do well to master them. Spurgeon said elsewhere, “In reading books let your motto be, ‘Much, not many.’” Above all, let us master the the Word. When other books help us to achieve this goal they serve us well.
The most amazing thing about his library is that if he has been spending at that rate for 30 years, then he is averaging only $2 per book!
ReplyDeleteAs far as what to say to your wife when you come home from conferences with books or the odd Amazon.com package shows up on the front porch, I just remind her of the grand piano that I bought for her, and make sure there is an occasional book in the box for her, too. :)
Andy,
ReplyDeleteI tried to do the math, too, and I can't imagine that he only spent $2 per book. That would be phenomenal. I couldn't imagine that you'd even have to think of explaining yourself to your wife with a deal like that!
My only guess is that he exceeded his $1,000 budget many years. Maybe the moral of the story should be, "Spend at least $1,000 per year." I like that. :)