Reading is a discipline that allows us to explore new frontiers and supercharge our intimacy with God. It is one of God's appointed means of helping us grow in our knowledge of Christ and love for him. Yet many Christians are reluctant to read and as a result, are spiritually malnourished.
A Christian Reading Manifesto is a brief rationale and apologetic for Christ-followers. It is both a challenge and an invitation to enter the world of reading to help accelerate sanctification and Christian growth.
"Dr. David Steele is a reader! I don’t know another person as deeply committed to a daily, disciplined pattern of reading and learning as this seasoned pastor and author. His new book, A Christian Reading A New Resurgence of Learning, is designed to help other Christians embark on a literary journey. Steele begins by pointing out how reading fuels our minds for productive thinking and ignites our hearts with a greater love for God. Recognizing the obstacles which hamper serious reading, the author offers helpful insights on how to avoid the lure of digital media and mind-numbing images. I was personally motivated by his encouragement to read 'with the aim of becoming a lifelong learner.' The 'added value' of Steele’s book is a list, categorized topically, of books he has read and recommends. This bibliography is a treasure that is worth the price of the book! I enthusiastically endorse and recommend David Steele’s, A Christian Reading Manifesto."
— DR. J. CARL LANEY, Professor Emeritus, Western Seminary, Portland, OR; author of The Divorce Myth.
"Dr. Steele provides a fresh look at an age-old that believers should know what they believe and prioritize their lives accordingly. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a must-read for any believer making an effort to reorient their lives toward that which to return to the purer and baser points of spirituality, to take their souls seriously, to remind themselves that there are resources that have been and are being neglected, and to love God with all of their minds. I highly recommend Dr. Steele’s work and will be recommending it to my congregation."
— DR. DANNY GARDNER, Senior Pastor, Highland Baptist Church, Westminster, CO
"As a Christian Educator, I am grateful for Dr. Steele’s faithfulness to doctrinal truth, the written Word and the great books of the faith. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a timely and compelling call to action that inspires the next generation of Christians to sharp eyes, soft hearts and sanctified minds.
I had the blessing and honor of studying school leadership under David Steele’s father. David continues his father’s legacy of clear, faithful teaching that balances faith, excellence and scholarship. This book is a clear reflection of those values. I want to encourage you to prayerfully join Dr. Steele in his celebration and call to become a Christian reader!"
— BOB RUHLMAN, Superintendent of Schools, Christian Unified Schools, El Cajon, CA
"Whether you are new to the Christian faith or a seasoned saint, I encourage you to read A Christian Reading Manifesto. Your mind will be enriched, your heart will be encouraged, and your feet will be set to action as you are exhorted to put into practice what you’ve read, while continuing in your journey of studying sound Christian literature.
David Steele gave a copy to each of us Ecola Bible College students at the end of his week of teaching. I was never much of a reader, and never really thought I could be. I had my classic excuses: lack of time, not being able to pay attention, whatever, whatever, whatever. This summer before attending Ecola I deleted all of my social media accounts and decided to fill that space with books. I started with something that I was already interested in and was knowledgeable about: The history of Christian music. After reading a couple books on the subject I was lost on what to read next. How would I know which books are worth my time? What will I be able to understand and follow through to the end? When David told us about his excitement for learning I asked him for suggestions, and he told us he would gift us this book! I was thrilled. It truly did what it was supposed to.
As we consider spiritual health and maturity, the place of reading tends to be underestimated. David Steele presents the big picture realities of why reading is important as well as the down to earth practicalities for reading. His book is artfully written, but not heavy. Those who need to grow as readers will find it approachable and profitable.
A full-throated defense of and call for all of us to read well and widely. The booklist in the back is worth the entire book but the booklist is fantastic on its own!! Tolle lege!
This book has been very encouraging to read! Dr. David Steele does an excellent job on explaining why as Christians we need to be reading on a daily basis and encourages us to be life long learners. I encourage every Christian to read this book and commit themselves to life long learning!
David Steele outlines several reasons to read, and its importance. He says again and again that reason is a discipline. He writes that screens have hijacked our attention span. While I know not everyone will agree with me, I don't think everyone needs to set a reading, which Dr. Steele endorses. At the end of the book he a long list of books to read. It was an extensive list. I have some of his book recommendations. Reading should be fun. Yes, discipline can be involved, but habits need to be built on enjoyment as much as discipline
David is an excellent author and does a fantastic job with this high value and easy read book. Reading good Christian literature shouldn't be so difficult and he makes it easy and practical. David's three part approach in this book to call Christians to turn away from numbing our brains with technology and nonsense and to cultivate the evangelical mind through reading is simple and practical. This book inspired me to set annual reading goals filled with sound biblical material.
A very helpful and practical book on developing a book-reading discipline. I very much liked and agree with Mr. Steele's Appendix 1 where he gives his criteria for the ingredients of a great Christian book.
A detailed and convicting book about reading books! David Steele’s classes and teaching in this inspired me to pursue book reading and this has greatly impacted my Christian walk. So excited to read more, would recommend! Thanks for dedicating this one to Ecola!