On Tsundoku, contentment and reading

[arapahoepark]

Wasn't sure where to put this but, it's surely about books though it's more than that.
This past week, not sure why exactly, I had a hankering for some kindle book deals (below $3) and needless to say I splurged a bit... I suppose I had a growing discontent with my historical knowledge and my kindle library, despite the many books I haven't read or merely perused. I love the idea of a kindle library, especially on my Scribe and love to watch it grow. I definitely have Tsundoku. That said I think this hunger for books can overthrow contentment and veer into perhaps idolatry of never having a enough. I'd like to think that this is the one time going to the local used book store and grabbing up what I can find.
I am wondering if many on this board have similar issues and how you stay away from the tempting algorithms (on deals specifically). What reading habits do you have and what do you decide might be useful for your library (admittedly sounds like a dumb question from me)? What do you pursue?

 

[davejonescue]

Going to the used book store would be the same as going online. It is the root of the need to have more that is the issue. I struggled with this when I was buying physical books, as I quickly filled up my 2 or 3 books shelves, and eventually ended up with 20-30 boxes of books piled in the corner. But my problem wasn't so much bibliophilia, it was thinking that somehow having the "right" books boosted me to a certain level, which was all in my head. An unread book is nothing but a literal paper-weight; it makes you no more knowledgeable about God than a rock. I have no room to talk, because I didn't stop until I had spent around $8,000 in Logos. At the age of 42, I have more theological material than I can ever read, more commentaries than I can ever use, more lexicons than I need; and this is not counting all the books I can download from EEBO, or ECCO with an annual membership; not to mention Archive, Monergism, & Google.

But those of us who have been in the church for sometime are kind of molded to be bibliophiles. Most of the time our favorite pastors, teachers, and speakers online have sprawling bookshelves behind them. It is not infrequent that even in sermons our pastors quote various works. And something about our faith beckons us to "not forget the scrolls." I really think there is a problematic side to it in the church though, but it is not spoken of in the church as poor stewardship, just like fat bodies are not called out for gluttony. It has become accepted, and in many instances praised, preyed on, or joked about.

Like I have mentioned before, I wish I were smart enough to write a book on the dangers of bibliophilia in the church, as I would title it "Quail As Well." Because in most instances that is what we are doing. We are ignoring the manna God has given us, to nurture us, and feed us; and we want "more, more, more." Most people who suffer from this, as I do, their appetites are never satiated, even if they can no longer move around that much from all the books in their living space. Again, I cant talk. I have 1,000's of books and hardly read anything besides the Bible. I tell myself "one day." But inwardly, I still look to see what "I don't have yet." Such a sad state I am in.

To deal with the question of what to do, my answer is rather simple. Draw a line in the sand and say "no more until I have read these." For me, my point in that is going to be, L.W. one more purchase of the Works of Augustine. Then that's it. Everything else will either need to be free, or specifically pertinent to a given situation I am in. Yet the answer and the acting on it are two different things; as often the best solutions are the most simple, but somehow even the most simplest things can be the hardest to follow.

 

[VictorBravo]

My approach is sort of simplistic: If I buy a book, I read it. Then I decide whether it belongs on my shelf or in the “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" pile. Same with ebooks. I am not really tempted by “specials.” But I admit jumping on a Muller set used at a good price. Yup, I’ve read 2/3 of that so far.

I doubt I’ve spent over $1500 on books in my lifetime, but I have plenty should God grant me another 40 years.

Edit to add: that $1500 figure does not include sponsoring new editions. I’ve done a fair amount of that. It also does not include textbooks I had to buy for my many years of academic work.

 

[Knight]

I did most of my spending in my 20s. That corresponds to having had less responsibilities. I had more free time to read and little else I cared to do. I might be wrong, but reading also seemed easier when I was younger - I didn't require as much intentionality or concentration.

Now, I spend no more than and probably less than $100 per year on books. I could spend more if I wanted. But it's not having a wife and child that holds me back, I just found something that I want to do with the material I already have. That has curbed my desire to book-buy-binge.

Is there anything you want to do with having more historical knowledge? Teach kids/adults? Write? Debate? Pass down something - a journal, theology notes - to your family and kids? When you make something a project, it can slow you down and force you to internalize what you're reading for the sake of the project. At least, that's the case for me.

A project also prevents discouragement: a product of your own that you can return to helps you remember the material itself. Otherwise, it's easy to forget what you read. I've read many books that I would have to reread to tell you the point. That can lead to discouragement and the book-buy-binge phase again.

 

[Pomopu]

What changed my life was something a guy said
1) You control your books (that is, read as much or as little, as fast or slow, as you want. Don't have to finish them)

And then also what I've come to see is true: 2) I know exactly what God wants me to know at any given moment of my history on earth, and will know exactly what I need to know for every future interaction, be it as a pastor, student, father, husband, son, apologist, whatever hat I will wear.

So 2) is incredibly liberating, so long as it isn't an excuse for laziness. Like, 2) is INCREDIBLY liberating. I love thinking of 2).

 

[No Other Name]

And then also what I've come to see is true: 2) I know exactly what God wants me to know at any given moment of my history on earth, and will know exactly what I need to know for every future interaction, be it as a pastor, student, father, husband, son, apologist, whatever hat I will wear.

So 2) is incredibly liberating, so long as it isn't an excuse for laziness. Like, 2) is INCREDIBLY liberating. I love thinking of 2).

You do seem happy, but I am afraid I am not following 2. I am genuinely confused. What do you mean when you say you know exactly what God wants you to know at any given moment of your history on Earth?

 

[Pomopu]

You do seem happy, but I am afraid I am not following 2. I am genuinely confused. What do you mean when you say you know exactly what God wants you to know at any given moment of your history on Earth?

Just this: In my flesh, I feel this anxiety and fear: how do I know I know enough? But 2) lets me rest content. There is no possible way for me to know more than God has allotted for me to know at any point (like, analogously, I can't be taller than God permitted, I can't change my chromosomes). Basically, I"m just affirming providence, and saying: given God's providence even over what I know, the need/anxiety to read all books becomes less pressing.

And also the assurance: when I am an ordained pastor (d.v), in those situations of sermonic presentation or counseling, I can trust God will work with my finite capacities.

 

[Faithhopelove24]

I can relate to your struggle! For me, I am concerned with finding the very best books. I’m pursuing the books that I can read over and over and always benefit from.

I get frustrated with publishers, and well-known pastors/theologians who endorse books with messages like “every Christian must read this book” “every pastor must have this on their shelf” etc. I think that is rarely true and puts unnecessary pressure on men who are trying to do their best with reading and having the right tools.

I might come back and write more later, but I look forward to some helpful advice being dropped in this thread!