The Importance of Reading

A question that is often heard when people of mutual interests meet is, “Have you read . . .?”, and the reference would be to some item that attracted particular attention in either a book, newspaper or periodical.

Most people, especially those engaged in particular studies, appreciate the benefits that follow this interchange of thought. That, of course, is what a book or magazine article is intended to do: for it is a medium by which thoughts are transmitted from one to the other, and promotes encouragement and the incitement that adds strength to resolutions and direction to desired action.

There is no other sphere where this interchange of thought is so valuable and beneficial as within the circle of Fellowship in Christ. In this brotherhood the aims and objectives are of the highest order and pro­duce the finest and most lasting results.

Hence the prominence given in this magazine to the book reviews and list of publications.

But only to hear or read about a recommended book or article is of little real value unless it is itself read, with interest and understanding. The unopened book and the unread magazine article keep their treasures locked away: unless we make those treasures our own by the simple exercise of reading—thoughtful and interested reading —with the definite objective of selecting the writer’s ideas for our own store-house of knowledge.

This is a matter that was brought sharply to our notice by the report from a recent conference in England.’ When a test was made there to ascertain if the articles in the earlier pages of “The Christadelphian” magazine were read, as distinct from the ecclesial news, a surprising proportion admitted that they did not read them”

It is difficult to understand why, and the disclosure brought some serious and thoughtful comments from the Editor” “Those articles”, he said, “are selected which we feel will most likely promote the object of publication, which is to help in the preparing of a people for the Lord.”

The circumstances might well lead us also to echo the same thought and to ask just how much of our own magazine is actually read. And, although we may be inclined to take it for granted that each recipient does read his copy of The Australian Christadelphian Shield from cover to cover, we should recognise that it is hardly likely to be so.

We could, however, if we may, enquire if the statement of policy, always on the front page, is included in your reading? It consists of six simple statements setting out what this magazine is designed to do. If they have your full agreement, then it should cause the pages to be opened and read with zest and interest. But, if not fully acceptable, it is a case for prompt comment to our Editor.

Our reflections on “Reading” could profitably induce a review of our own reading habits. It is certainly important enough to be given our serious attention. For what we select for our reading will largely determine what we learn: and listening to other people, combined with reading what they write, will always be the main factors in the shaping of our thoughts.

In these days of prolific book production there is the greater need for careful discrimination in the choice of our reading matter. For the person whose first aim and desire is centered on the Kingdom of God his choice will be influenced by that spiritual outlook. There would be no desire, nor time, for merely self-indulgence, which dulls the spiritual power of perception.

Reading, as we all no doubt realize, means much more than the visual perception of the written words. Those are means used to express thoughts, and our mental impressions of the ideas could be—unfortunately for many of us—very fleeting.

Remembering is the essential need in both our reading or listening. Some with retentive minds find this no difficulty, but there are many of us who deplore their inability to remember for long. It is a condition that can be helped by simple means if we apply our minds to it. Some practical suggestions can be gained from those who give thought and study to the problems of “Reading and Remembering”.2 It is said, “There is not in the mind something which can be called ‘the memory’ and improved by a regular course of exercises. . . ” In general, we remember best what interests us most.”

Therefore, as so much depends upon “how much”, “how well” and “how long” we remember, it would be sound wisdom to review the value of the things in which we show the greatest interest. And, when that is compared with the many precepts and examples in the Scriptures which em­phasize the value and need of “remembering”, we lift our question, “Did you read . . .?” to the highest level of spiritual importance, of which there could be no more impressive and powerful instance than the Apostle Paul’s words, “I preached to you the gospel . . . by which you are saved, if you hold it fast” (keep in memory—A”V”).