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Book (Reading) Club Experience?

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
February 10th, 2011
72 Comments » 

Photo by: Bob AuBuchon

I have some questions about how book reading clubs work and am hoping that some of our friends may have had experiences in them that might throw some light on how we read the Bible.

If you’ve ever participated in a book club that has gotten together to discuss books (not a Bible study), I wish you’d take a few minutes to answer one or more of the following questions.

How did your group work? Did you read a whole book first and then get together to discuss it? Or did you read a few chapters and then discuss what you were reading? Did it make a difference whether you were discussing fiction or non-fiction?

Photo by: Steven Coutts

Did you read on your own and then come together to discuss, or did you take turns reading aloud and then talking about?

Did you discuss fiction, mysteries, romance, tragedy, etc prior to getting to the end of a book?

Do you think your experience taught you anything about reading and talking about the Bible?


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72 Responses to “Book (Reading) Club Experience?”

  1. rcknrbn2559 says:
    February 10, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    I belonged to a book club for a long time and we would take a book read a few Chapters and talk about it and then continue each week until it was finished..Then go to another book. We did have alot of discussion time each week and it amazed me of the dfferent views.

  2. sjrpebbles says:
    February 10, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Eleven years ago I started a reading group along with several members of the congregation I pastor. We read one book per month, and meet the last Friday of each month to discuss it. We have read both fiction and non-fiction, Christian and non-Christian works. Categories read include Greek classics, philosophy, mysteries, biographies, history, theology, 19th century works, plays, etc. A sampling of authors read include Dickens, Austen, Huxley, Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, Wilde, Dante, T. S. Eliot, Camus, Tolkein, Orwell, Seneca, Greene, St. Augustine. Our reading consistently opens up discussion about worldviews and how Christianity in general or Scripture in particular addresses particular issues raised in the reading.

  3. plumbape says:
    February 10, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    I would never join a club that would have some one like me for a member….

    just kidding ;^)

  4. ELP says:
    February 10, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I love being a part of a book club. Several reasons – I am introduced to books I might never have known about; I am offered the opportunity to discuss and see through others eyes the same information I have just delved into. We have read a combination of fiction, fantasy,and non-fiction. I have learned so much and found it so exciting to see things through other’s eyes.

    Personally, I like to read it all by myself, form my own opinions of it and then join the group to compare notes. I have on more than one occasion re-read the entire book after these conversations – looking at it from a different viewpoint.

    Also – these books have not been primarily “Christian” in nature – but it is always amazing to see how sensitive and creative people manage to explore the truths set forth in God’s Word. God speaks in many many ways.

  5. gdtractor says:
    February 10, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    This may not be exactly what you are looking for – but I recall reading this entry by John Wesley in his journal (May 24, 1738) – relative to “reading clubs [society]”. I think it is interesting how listening to “just readings” were respected and effective in “that day” :

    “In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

  6. saled says:
    February 11, 2011 at 3:07 am

    At the school where I work, the students take part in Literature Circle every Friday. They are small groups of four or five students. They read the book a few chapters each week and discuss on Fridays, and plan a group presentation to the rest of the students when the book is finished.

    When we first started having Literature Circles, we assigned ‘jobs’ to each reader to teach them comprehension strategies. Some of the job titles were Illustrator, Connector, Predictor, and Questioner. Some students use these strategies intuitively without being taught, but many others benefit from the job descriptions that teach them how to read for meaning.

    Watching these groups reminds me that many of us read on different levels. Some read the Bible through entirely as a true story book, and maybe that is the way it should be read. And we ask questions and make connections to our own lives that help us remember and understand. As a child, I spent plenty of time reading the words with no understanding, and I work with students today who think that reading means looking at words sequentially in a book, with no concept that the words have meaning.

    I love the Bible, but sometimes it overwhelms me. I love the fact, as others have said here in the last few posts, that Jesus is the Word incarnate, and so much more easily understood. Like the end-of-book presentations that the students do, He gives us the whole picture in an easily understandable manner.

  7. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    February 11, 2011 at 3:10 am

    Can’t comment on this one as I have never been to a book society or club.
    I very rarely read non fiction as I am a factual type of person although, when recommended, I have read fiction and always get something from it.
    A friend of mine says fiction broadens the mind, but I think, if left unchecked by the truth of scripture, can lead to wrong thinking and actions.
    Anyway, as far as I am cocerned, this is my book club!

    Bob

  8. foreverblessed says:
    February 11, 2011 at 5:09 am

    Bob and Plumbape, your comments gave me a good laugh this morning.
    Maybe part of an art club also counts? We go together to musea and it always strikes me the different paintings that are attractive to different people. Myself am so fond of Rembrand’s painting: the Jewish wedding couple. Others just walk past it, not even noticing it. BUt when I take family members to see it, and esplain about the painting, and about the colors used, especially all the different red paint used for the dress, it is beautifull.
    I did not like modern art, until I went to art school and got history in art classes. Explanation helps, also the less beautifull paintings, in my eyes, have a meaning, and sometimes are necessary.
    Like the cubism period (with Picasso), I do not like it, but it was necessary in the development of art, that painters can go abstract, get loose from the 3 dimensions.

    So that is the same with the bible, there are many parts I do not like, in the prophets the prophecies of downfall of nations, in the book of Kings ans Chronicles, how wrong the people went. I still have to get to appreciate them. I always need the New Testament and the promises of Jesus to counteract them. Luther was a teacher who taught me that, the essence of the Old Testament. Till then I saw it as a handbook for men to live by, now I see it as a road to Christ.
    So, I like teachers who explain things.

  9. faithkemei says:
    February 11, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Being on this blog usually confuses me since when according to the blog its 5.09am its actually 3.18 pm in East Africa anyway that’s outside the topic.
    I’ve never been to any reading club or society apart from the Bible but i do have some experience from high school where in literature we would have setbooks that we would discuss and were examinable.
    We would read the books individually then later in class we would discusss every chapter in depth including the different characters and their character traits and even though they were mostly fiction we would get to discuss how it reflected the current society.
    Even after reading individually, listening to peoples views later in class gave me a totally different dimension of the subject.
    Getting the story line wasn’t difficult since the discussion was very indepth and even if someone picked a phrase from the middle of the book randomnly you would still know where it was and what situation it referred to without referring to the book.

    And bringing the same to todays topic, if the Bible was to be studied that way in depth then i think i would have understood the Bible and the Author’s intent totally.
    Comparing how we dealt on the fiction and non fiction, there was probabaly a bit of difference because the non fiction was something you related to in real life and it didnt allow overboard explanations since you knew how the story goes and there wouldnt be much critical thinking and disagreement on the diferent issue brought up.The fiction ones allowed a broad spectrum of viewing things. We would discuss the different themes such as politics, religion, role of women, traditionalism, science, romance, money, economics, disasters and anything else that we saw as a relevant theme.
    On whether it taught me something on reading and talking about the Bible, yes it did.
    Infact the different setbooks became part of our day to day speech and if the Bible were to be discussed that way everywhere and taught in our churches like that then very many people would have a vivid understanding and picture of who God is and his son Jesus christ and how he wants us to live.
    In fact the Bible being God’s word would be part of our day to day living, speech and our everthing. We would be so absorbed by His word and everyone would always strive to live according to His word.
    Reading the Bible each time and realy getting the understanding feels like being quenched with cold water or rain in the desert, very satisfying indeed.

  10. pegramsdell says:
    February 11, 2011 at 9:16 am

    too funny plumbape.

  11. Regina says:
    February 11, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Good Morning All, :-)

    Hope all is well with you this morning and that you’ll have a wonderful day. Getting ready to go to work in a couple of hours (going in a little later today), and I wanted to drop by to say that I’m enjoying reading the comments from the previous blog topic, and looking forward to “Book (Reading) Club Experience?”

    Well, all the snow and ice is gone, and we Texans are enjoying a beautiful, sunny day (27F low/50F high).

  12. joemk says:
    February 11, 2011 at 10:45 am

    This is a wonderful follow-up from the last posting Mart about whose reality we take/perceive as we read the Bible. I have never joined a book club but I am amazed at the different interpretations different preachers would give to the same biblical verse. some inspire me others I don’t necessarily agree with. and the different interpretations I personally attribute to different bible verses. so a book club on the different “books” of the Bible would be highly illuminating in terms of checking whose reality we attach as we read God’s word.

    I enjoy your posts – this is my first time to post a comment!

  13. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    February 11, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Just seen live on TV,
    President Mubarak has gone.
    6pm local

    Never thought something like that could make me cry.
    The Berlin wall coming down made me cry.
    Perhaps this is just as big if not bigger in God’s eyes.

    Bob

  14. Mart De Haan says:
    February 11, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Bob, I’ve been watching as well. Wanted to post on it. But who knows what will happen next? The implications are huge for the people of Egypt, the region, Israel, and probably the world.

    Best case would be for us to reflect on these developments against the great drama of the Bible (that we have been talking about), without assuming that we know what is going to happen next, or where we are on God’s calendar.

    Certainly we know that the God of Scripture hates cruelty, oppression, lawlessness, and abuse of power. We also know that any attempt to right such wrongs is important and worthy as long as we acknowledge that all human attempts to solve issues of the heart are incomplete and temporary.

    Hopes placed in human answers need to be kept in perspective of the fact that God has often brought good out of tragedy, and despair out of misplaced confidence.

  15. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    February 11, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    I don’t know where we are on God’s Calendar or what is going to happen next.
    All I know is that at 3pmGMT(Universal Time as it is now known) the world moved one step closer to the great day of our Lords return to Jerusalem.

    Bob

  16. bubbles says:
    February 11, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    :( I have typed a lengthy post twice, and cannot get it to submit. . .was it not acceptable?

  17. Mart De Haan says:
    February 11, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Bubbles, I just checked and didn’t find your post hung up for any “admin” reason. As a rule the only problem in clearing a post is if you had put a web link in it.

    Am so sorry you are having trouble. We’ve been having occasional server capacity issues that our team has been working hard to solve.

    I know it’s so frustrating to type a lengthy post and then lose it. I was hoping to find it for you hung up at our end, but couldn’t find it.

  18. pegramsdell says:
    February 11, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    well I got my place. thank You Jesus! it is better than the others and cost more. :( but, I asked The Lord to let me know when the right apt would come along and I felt like this was it. it smelled good and was clean and upstairs with a balcony. and there is the pool……hmm oh yeah. me and alida are going to look at it tomorrow and we’re taking lc with us to see if she approves. lol.

  19. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    February 11, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    That’s good news Peg.

  20. BruceC says:
    February 11, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    Bubbles,

    Try using MS Word; and copy and paste. That’s what I did with this post.

    Mart,

    Never belonged to a “book club” so I don’t have much input about this topic.

    Bob,

    I am holding back any elation over Egypt as it could very well go the same way Iran did. There are just too many players involved in this scenario.
    I also look at this and say that maybe Bible prophecy is going on before our eyes in regards to Ez. 38 & 39; in that the foundation “may” be being laid for it. However on the other hand we could also see a period of real freedom in the mid-East for a while too. I don’t like to try to make news fit Bible prophecy; rather when Bible prophecy does get fulfilled the news shall fit it rather than the other way around. I’m in a look/see mind set with Egypt.

    Off topic,

    Good news concerning my wife. They did a cat scan(under the direction of a different MD) and it showed nothing. She only has a small fatty tumor floating around and the real problem could be muscular/skeletal. I asked why the ultrasound showed a large lump and the doctor said that that was the wrongof test type for this . A catscan is the right one. Wish the other two MD’s had this done before. It would have been all over with in late fall. Humans are prone to error though. May God be praised for His answer to many prayers; and thank you all, brothers and sisters for the prayers you sent to His throne!

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  21. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    February 11, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    Now that is awesome news Bruce.

    Praise the Lord and Hallelujah!

    Bob

  22. Regina says:
    February 12, 2011 at 1:32 am

    Good (Early) Morning All

    I would LOVE to comment on this blog topic, but I can’t because (sadly) I’ve never been a member of a Book Club. I’ve always wanted to be a member of a Book Club, and was invited awhile back to participate in one via US mail. Just never had the time to do so ( Have a little more time now than I did in the past though).

  23. aboverubies says:
    February 12, 2011 at 2:37 am

    even though i have not belonged to an actual book club, i have attended a few when a few of my friends invited me. Book clubs usually have you read a few chapters and then when you get together each takes turns sharing their thoughts and insights. all comments are welcome and considered and you can agree to disagree, not hard feelings. At our womens bible studies, it is much the same, we read a few chapters, take notes then get together and share thoughts BUT on some issues the truth must be interpreted properly in light of all scripture and weigh our thoughts carefully to be sure its godly. i mean no one wants to misquote God! teehee. on essentials we can not disagree as Christ followers but on non-essentials that’s okay. on books written by humans and not inspired by God, we can enjoy and share how our world views differ with those around us and its respected (for the most part), but handling the Word of truth incorrectly like in many cults can not be tolerated BUT we can in grace and love tell others what God’s Word really states. Love what you wrote earlier Bob anD Mart about not being able to see where God has us in the big picture but its in His capable and just hands. whenever something scary happens in the world news i just welcome it cause its closer to when i get to see Jesus!!

  24. bec4jc says:
    February 12, 2011 at 3:28 am

    Hello all- Mart, the closest I’ve gotten to a book club was back in community college there was a course I took that did just as a book club. We were assigned to read three or four books(can’t remember all but two)one at a time and we had a discussion every so many chapters(think we cut the book in fourths or something like that). It was a course that was a choice of two or three choices and was manditory. I enjoyed it very much and learned how to vocalize my thoughts. That is what the course was for, learning to vocalize our thoughts as we were not students of confident comprehension and we hesitated to speak our thoughts of what we read. For some,shy,for some paranoid of being critiqued. That was before these blogs and member boards existed.

    I’d like to say thank you Jesus, for Peg & Bruce!

  25. pegramsdell says:
    February 12, 2011 at 5:51 am

    Praise God Bruce, good news indeed!

  26. Mart De Haan says:
    February 12, 2011 at 6:46 am

    Bruce, am so glad to hear the good results.

    On this subject I hope you all have taken a moment to read what our friend faithkemei from East Africa has said above.

    Reflecting on how an author uses details of setting, mood, characters, subplots to develop a plot and storyline puts the emphasis on the author’s intent, goal, and big idea.

    On the other hand, when the opposite happens… with the Bible– when the Bible’s words, phrases, laws, principles, predictions, etc are considered apart from the way our God is using them to tell his story, they become subject to manipulation, misuse, false-hope, and division.

    I think this may be why Paul warns about “arguing about words” (in a way that lifts them from the story that gives them their inspired meaning).

    Biblica, the Bible Society I referred to in an earlier post, is working with international churches to challenge groups of people to develop a “reading club” experience with the Bible. In an effort to help people break the habit of reading the Bible in fragments, without context, and only “privately” (i.e. with the danger of only personal interpretation) they are challenging groups to immerse themselves together in reading the Scripture in context, and then getting together to talk about the implications they are seeing.

    As I understand it, they are doing this because they have found that while the Bible is now more accessible than ever before to so many people groups, in many cases people are less engaged with, and immersed in, what the Bible actually means.

  27. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Have not attempted to add anything to this topic as I have never been in any book club..

    Also, wanted to add that to relate any book to the Bible is like comparing apples and oranges.

    I suppose some book reviews critique the book, its presentation, context, and impact on the reader and perhaps on society.

    The concept that a group of people set and dissect a couple chapters of a book each week seems a little like high school and having to give a book report.

    I am all in favor of group Bible study. Maybe Mart you would like to do that as a blog…

    Even though the Bible is 66 books penned by 44 men over thousands of years, its author is God.

    So the collection of books that make up our Bible is a very special…Book.

    Because people are at extreme different places in spiritual growth, scripture is seen and accepted at different levels of understanding….All of which does not always mean what one persons gets from a verse of scripture is wrong or misinterpreted. It may simply mean that one person has not developed in one area as has another.

    Or perhaps what one person needs to receive from a verse of scripture is different than what another may need. Only the Holy Spirit knows this and is able to open the heart and mind of the reader on an individual level.

    Steve

  28. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Bruce, I am so happy for your good news. Also want you to know, I just used the Microsoft Word copy and paste procedure to put this blog comment on.

    It worked very easily, thank you.

    Peg, I am also glad you have good news whereas your new digs are concerned.

    Snow this morning….20 degrees.

    Steve

  29. Mart De Haan says:
    February 12, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Steve,

    My point is that we give the Author of the Bible at least as much honor as we do other authors (and far more) but not less…

    I agree with so much of what you are saying, but don’t want to minimize that how we listen to and quote someone (including and especially God) says so much about how we are respecting and honoring them/Him.

    Since the first meaning of “to obey” is “to listen” the way we listen to the intent of the Bible’s, as written, is so important.

  30. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Mart, In the real world, there are a lot of people who love to read. In my own world it seems to be women who tend to spend more time reading novels of fiction more than men. Mostly romance novels.

    People who are politicaly active or motivated, read non fiction books about political views, past and present.

    Some like to read about history and how it has shaped today.

    Most people who read non fiction opinions of state or subject, find a host of people who are going to either agree with them, be swayed by them or come into total opposition to them.

    Have you ever purchased a book because the critic’s have given rave revues, only to find yourself disgusted by the book, it’s author, and the subject matter?

    The Gideon society has been successful in placing a Bible in every motel room accross the country…Because this one Book, we call the Bible is the only book that can save a life, save a soul, heal a broken heart, give hope to the hopeless…by introducing them to the *Author* of life. The *Creator* of the universe, the Great I AM…Jesus of Nazareth the Christ.

    Personaly, after being introduced to Christ in that special rebirth of spirit, I have had no interest in reading any other books. I always feel if I have time to read, I should have my face in my Bible and be fed from the Word of God, not from the opinions of men.

    I do give honor, to God. In all things great and small.

    I wonder if when we seek out other books to read, if we are simply looking for other people who agree with what we already believe and are seeking conformation of that?

    Steve

  31. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Mart, Did you edit your last comment and add to it? or am I loosing my mind?

    Steve

  32. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Want also to say, Mart, I do agree with you that people do aften quote God incorrectly in an attempt to validate their view of whatever.

    I have had a clash more than once from thoes who quote the first verse of 1 Cor 13, as applying to people speaking in tongues is simply making noise.

    Never understanding the full context that 1Cor 13 is presenting…only quoting what some other person had stated to them from a pulpit of nay-saying.

    Their concept of that one verse, being distorted, and misrepresented.

    Steve

  33. SFDBWV says:
    February 12, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Bubbles, As I wrote this mornings posts, I used both Bruce’s method of using Microsoft Word, and copy and paste the comment onto the Blog site.

    As well as poohs’s of copying the comment out of the Blog site and pasting it over to Microsoft Word.

    I found that by using Bruce’s method gives me spell check. Whereas pooh’s method doesn’t..

    However, both gave me a way of saving my comment.

    Steve

  34. poohpity says:
    February 12, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I have a bible from 1893 and it teaches the readers how to read and study the scriptures. It gives direction to find out who the author is, when and where it was written, to whom it was written, who were the main people involved and what are the major themes of the book. A lot of modern bibles have that already done along with time lines to help join it all together into one whole story about God. When these questions get answers it makes the scriptures come alive and have much more meaning that people from so many different backgrounds say the same things about God even when they are miles and years apart.

    I really do not believe that many of the people sitting in church if they go have really ever read it all the way through anyway, much less study it.

  35. poohpity says:
    February 12, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I have Mozilla as a browser so it already has spell check. I did not think I said copy and paste to Word just copy and if it does not submit it is still saved to post back on the blog. I do not use Word for posts. Different strokes for different folks. Viva la difference!!

  36. poohpity says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:04 am

    As a woman I never read romance novels. I read A.W. Tozer, Philip Yancy, Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, Neil Anderson, C.S. Lewis, Rick Warren just to name a few. Those are my romance novels. It would seem people who read romance novels are bored with their lives looking for some thing to stimulate and excite them with a little fantasy. Not that that is bad just different. Hey maybe I will start reading them, lol!!

  37. saled says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:23 am

    Of making many books there is no end. My house is filled with books. If I had to choose just one, it would be the Bible my husband gave me about 30 years ago. If you are looking for truth and meaning to life, go to the Bible. But next to the Bible, my favorite genre is juvenile historical fiction. Someone has said that fiction makes immigrants of us all. If you want to create empathy in a child, give him stories with characters that he will empathize with. World events often affect students only intellectually; give them a work of historical fiction about World War II and they will ‘get it’. A quote from Tolstoy: “The highest goal of art is to make man WANT to be good.” I think God has used many authors to make me want to be good.

  38. aboverubies says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Dear steve,

    i am a lady and a Christ follower, i have read one romance novel (although i never finished it). i advise against christian ladies reading romance novels especially if they are married.

    i think christians should read lots of books. we need to learn. like whether we should eat meat offered to idols or not, each christian must assess whether they can handle certain books. i choose at this point to read only christian books (besides the Bible) like Case for Christ cause i have little time to read, with 5 kids and ministry. whether its history or fantasy i do not want my kids to be ignorant. i want them to discuss various topics like aliens or ethics with me so we can see what God has to say about it. God’s Word is definitely enough to sustain us in all we need but if God wants you to be understanding even in the world ways so you can more effectively witness to others than He will give you discernment when you seek Him daily.

    Freedom in Christ.

  39. aboverubies says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:47 am

    poohpity, love modzilla!!! just switched.

  40. BruceC says:
    February 12, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    I have not read many books since High School and since have read mostly the Bible. Don’t know why I just do not read many other books. I have read James Fenimore Cooper and have a book containing five of his novels. Maybe I read him because he lived only ten miles from my home and because of my interest in that period of history from the start of the French and Indian War up through the Revolution. I find the people of the time very interesting and the overall culture more appealing than today’s. Even though they were sinners just as we are; I think that society in some ways was more honorable and morally upright; and that many were more influenced by the teachings of the Bible than folks today. I also think about their toughness when it gets 20 below zero as it did Friday morning here. They worked very hard with simple tools and had a lot less in life than we. Reading other books would also give me less time to spend on my art work also.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  41. gdtractor says:
    February 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    The book club at our library read mostly fiction, sometimes non-fiction. In our case we tried to have the whole book read and would come together to discuss thoughts. It helps to get things going by having a few discussion questions prepared, but it doesn’t take long for the discussion to take on a life of it’s own. It is also helpful to share a little bit of background information on the author (if you can find some) when you start.

  42. bubbles says:
    February 12, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    The post submitted twice did not contain any weblinks.
    But, the comment made about not being able to post worked. I do not know what happened.

  43. Mart De Haan says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Steve, yes I did edit and add to my comment above. Thought I got away with it :-) since no one had responded to it.

  44. sobieg says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    Gary says,
    February 12,2011 at 10:00pm

    I have been thinking lately about some of my friends & others; that I know and have heard about. Who might need someone to run errands & such for them. Or maybe might need to go to the hospital. These people need to have someone who does care. And I have definitely been thinking of all our soldiers who are serving overseas. And anyone else who reads this comment. Please pray for our troops along with me.

  45. aboverubies says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    to Mart, i think the book club approach to the bible is great if you choose a book, have others read it, give their opinions and discoveries, and then have some in “charge” to moderate. some times we humans can read more into the text then needed or misinterpet. all comments can be welcomed and the moderator has to be someone full of grace and able to communicate in a way that does not make any one feel stupid. it can be done and we do that on a smaller scale at our women’s studies. good topic for discussion, Mart, book clubs.

  46. aboverubies says:
    February 12, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    Gary, as always we pray for those who sacrifice for us to have freedom. i give vets hugs whenever i see them and say “thank you” you would be amazed at how many are so happy when i say those words.
    blessings, aboverubies

  47. SFDBWV says:
    February 13, 2011 at 6:50 am

    Mart, Thank you…I had read your comment but after posting seen that it had changed…or so I thought.

    Thank you for answering me..

    Just want to add to my thoughts, that I have nothing against reading other books, than the Bible.

    I know my thoughts are sounding that way, but that isn’t true.

    I have a huge library of books. All of which I have read. Many are the classics and many are information books. I have the full set of the “Foxfire” books as well as bird books, plant books. Construction books and technical books.

    I also have many many history books, and some political books as well. Of course I have several books of poetry, one even that my great grandmother had given my grandfather as a birthday gift.

    My largest volumes of books though are Christian writings, from many different authors.

    I also have the many magazine and pamphlets that come from the various Christian organizations I am affiliated with.

    My problem now is that in taking care of my son, realy gives me almost no time for reading. If I set down to do any reading Matt will interupt me every couple minutes. As he does when I am writings these comments.

    I can overcome the fractured train of thought here, but to set and get into a book…no. I do well getting the news read and time with the Bible.

    I am not in any way complaining about this situation…just explaining it a little.

    Bruce I too have the Leather Stocking series.

    Steve

  48. SFDBWV says:
    February 13, 2011 at 7:24 am

    aboverubies, I need to clarify my statement some, when I mentioned romance novels, I should have been a little more clear and said, little short books about life, where the good guy wins and the bad guy loses and the hero and heroine live happy ever after….Many of which have a Christian theme.

    Like the movies you see on Halmark network…

    I apologize to any of you ladies out here who like to read such books. I in no way meant to give any negative impression.

    Please read on, be happy and feel good…

    Steve

  49. dja says:
    February 13, 2011 at 7:50 am

    I had to cut and paste the above post. The boxes above were actually smiley faces in word but came out as boxes when I pasted;-)

  50. dja says:
    February 13, 2011 at 7:55 am

    Forgive me for all the posts. I have had a very hard time this morning getting what I wrote on-hence the double post. I cut and pasted after it wasn’t shown. Perhaps, I should have waited. sorry to take up so much blog space:-) Need to get ready for church now. Have a wonderful day!

  51. poohpity says:
    February 13, 2011 at 10:53 am

    I was involved in a bible study called “Bible Study Fellowship” it was at that time a five year study now it has gone to an 8 year study. The rules during the discussions were very helpful with maintaining the integrity of just studying the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. Some of the rules were; no commentaries, if you did not read you could not share, no one person domineering the discussion, only talk about what was read, no correcting another and no fellowship during the discussion. We had fellowship at different time after the studies. It kept us on topic and in the Word only and what the scripture said to us. We had guideline questions to cover and we pretty much stayed on task.

    That was my intro to bible studies I was in it starting in 1990 and went through 1996. I took about 30-45 minutes a day 6 days a week. They have those studies all over the world studying the same lessons the same week together talk about wonderful.

  52. Rajnesh says:
    February 13, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    No such experiences although I’ve quite often thought about joining book clubs and use it as a forced means to read more.

    Off topic: Hey Rocky, I only recently upgraded from Cl B to A and in a very short time seen so much of America already. Mart, saw the Grand Rapids turn off ( 13 or 131, not sure 3’s and 1’s comes to mind.) Drove through Virginia and W. Virginia Steve. New Mexico as well. Charlotte, NC and the town of Monroe reminded me most of home. Past New York, New Jersey ( drivers say the worst traffic is to be found here. We missed it cuz it was late.) all the wayto Boston.

  53. dja says:
    February 13, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Mart,
    I’m so sorry-I thought I remembered the guidelines, but in my exhuberance to share the live web cam of the eagles at the botanical Gardens, I forgot that we are not allowed to post a website. Please forgive me. If you think that this site would be something all would enjoy (from the Book of Creation), please share it as you have with other pictures.
    Again, I’m so sorry that I forgot that guideline.
    ~Della

  54. Phyllis says:
    February 13, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    A quote from Tolstoy: “The highest goal of art is to make man WANT to be good.” I think God has used many authors to make me want to be good. Posted by saled. Thank you. Reading all these posts I realize even in a book club with discussion and different views, people will tend to gather together who think alike. I read the Bible and of course, it is definitive. I also read fiction, non-fiction, Christian romance (there is a big difference), etc. All these genres have to be filtered through the definitive work of the Bible and its message. From all of them I can learn – if I want to. Current secular fiction is not something I read too often as I haven’t been able to find a message that can be redeemed or that I can even relate to Biblical principles except, where it falls very short. Anyway, I would be interested in an online book club. Mr. De Haan?

  55. foreverblessed says:
    February 13, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    THe idea of going through the bible as a book club sounds very good to me. I want to ask our church house group what they think about it.

    (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Loved reading it.)

  56. bubbles says:
    February 14, 2011 at 6:54 am

    A point of frustration: Many times people will ‘say’ they will do whatever–like a book group or anything.
    But then when the day rolls around, do they show up? NO. There is an excuse.
    It is like no one follows through with anything any longer.

  57. SFDBWV says:
    February 14, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Bubbles, There is a line drawn in the sand of life. We are all given an oportunity to either cross that line or stay where we are…

    Only we, each one of us is able to make the choice. We may be heartbroken or anxious for another, but we are only able to be responsible for what we do.

    Jesus tells us that we will be accountable to God for sin unless we cross that line and unite with Christ.

    However once we do cross that line, we are also accountable to Christ then, as to how we lived for Him.

    Stand fast with your faith and keep your eyes upon the Lord…there is and will always be people who let you and Him down…Do not dwell on them but rather, dwell upon the Christ.

    You are prayed for and loved here in my home.

    Steve

  58. InHisHands says:
    February 14, 2011 at 10:02 am

    HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY all;

    May the love of God shine from each of us today – and everyday! “they (the world) will know we are Christians, by our love.”

    I have not been part of a book club, but have been to Bible Studies that were run similarly to a club. I truly love studying God’s Word that way, a Book at a time.

    Blessings to you all – you are all in my prayers. Thank you for the update Bruce. Love to hear how the Lord has answered prayers.

  59. pegramsdell says:
    February 14, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    me too foreverblessed. jane austin too.

  60. gdtractor says:
    February 14, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mart: Monday February 14th !

  61. phpatato says:
    February 14, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    I may sound uneducated, horrible, unChristian and there may be some that will gasp (and I apologize in advance) but…..

    I don’t read books. Period. Not that I haven’t tried, I just can’t. As soon as I start reading a book, it seems that I haven’t got past the first chapter before I find myself very sleepy. I fight myself to stay awake and to comprehend. I end up having to reread each sentence two or three times to understand what is being said. It’s not long before I close the book for the day. The next day, I have to reread at least the last couple of paragraphs from the day before, before I begin anew. It takes a very long time for me to read a book and I end up frustrated and not finishing it.

    I have tried following the approach of reading the Bible in a year as set out in Our Daily Bread, but that too has ended in failure. Since the first of this year, I have decided that I will read only one chapter at a time, beginning with Matthew…small bites and not so overwhelming. IT’S WORKING!

    I don’t know if I have eye problems (I am thinking though at 57, I am now a candidate for reading glasses), if I suffer with a learning disability or both or something! But books to me are foreign. I’d sooner do something with my hands like crochet or take something apart to clean the inner workings, when I find myself with nothing to do. That being said, I am faithful to spend time alone with my Lord, in His word and in prayer.

    Am I crazy??? lol And that’s ok too if I am! lol

    Pat

  62. phpatato says:
    February 14, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Happy Birthday Mart!!! You definitely are a Sweetheart! ;-)

  63. BruceC says:
    February 14, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Happy birthday Mart! I hit 60 on the 18th!

    phpotato,

    You may have a type of learning disability. My wife has and she has the same problem with reading as you do. She gets so drowsy that she can barely keep her eyes open. And she says she has no difficulty is seeing close up.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  64. bec4jc says:
    February 14, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    So, it’s your birthday today, Mart? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a blessed day & year.

    phyllis said: “I read the Bible and of course, it is definitive. I also read fiction, non-fiction, Christian romance (there is a big difference), etc. All these genres have to be filtered through the definitive work of the Bible and its message. From all of them I can learn – if I want to. Current secular fiction is not something I read too often as I haven’t been able to find a message that can be redeemed or that I can even relate to Biblical principles except, where it falls very short”.
    You said that very well and represents me,too. The only thing is the reading of the Bible in a year,I’ve done that for about five years now up until last year and this year. I have a lot of devotionals that I fill my Bible reading time with. The thing is that now I know where in the Bible the devo’s are relating the commentaries from as before I read the Bible through I hadn’t a clue.

  65. pegramsdell says:
    February 14, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    Happy Valentine’s Day! and Happy Birthday Mart! I didn’t know that today was your birthday. That’s so cool. Hope you had a wonderful birthday.

  66. poohpity says:
    February 14, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    Did not know it was your birthday either Mart unless over the years I have forgotten which is very possible. :-) Happy Birthday and I praise God for blessing us with you and being open to God’s leading for His ministry.

    Pat,
    You do not have to read the bible for yourself or any books now they have others read them to you if you desire. Bible gateway has the option of having it read to you. Good listening!!

  67. poohpity says:
    February 14, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    Where there is the will, there is a way. :-)

  68. bubbles says:
    February 14, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    Pat,
    It is okay to not “like” reading.
    Perhaps your learning style is more auditory than visual. Do you prefer hearing information than reading it?
    It could be just the way you were created. Some prefer visually learning, others need to “do” (kinesthetic) something while they learn or “do something” to learn, and others prefer hearing their material.

    You are not different. It is okay. =) Everyone has likes and dislikes. We are all wired differently.

  69. dja says:
    February 14, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Pat, Bubbles is so right! We all learn differently, and we are all fearfully and wonderfully made! I wish all teachers would come to that understanding. Sometimes when I was teaching, I would have to go in different directions to help certain students “get it”. But that’s what teaching is all about. Pooh’s suggestion is a good one, and there are also books on tape available. Like Pooh said, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”

    Happy birthday, Mart. Thank you for this wonderful blog:-)
    ~Della

  70. Regina says:
    February 14, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    Good Evening All

    HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!! :-) And we should all feel VERY loved and VERY special today because Jesus Christ is our LORD and Savior!

    Off topic here…
    Thanks, Mart, for allowing this blog topic to remain current for 4 days now.

    I thank God with you, Peg, for your new apartment! Hope you enjoy living there.

    You’re welcome, BruceC! So glad your wife can now rest in the health that our LORD Jesus so lovingly provided for her!

    In regards to a backdoor to save posts, I also use poohpity’s method!

    Sobieg, I agree with you that we need to (always) remember our US servicemen in prayer.

    Beautiful, sunny weather in Texas today (70’s). Thought I had read all of the comments on this blog topic (I saw 44+ comments…left the page open overnight), but when I refreshed the page, I noticed that there were 69 comments, so getting ready to read some more!

  71. Mart De Haan says:
    February 15, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Hey, thanks for the birthday wishes yesterday. :-)… Am working on another follow-up post for today…

  72. pegramsdell says:
    February 15, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    thank you steve. very nice.

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